Tinnitus is the term for hearing noises that are not caused by anything outside the ear. While this is the sign of a serious condition, it can still be very concerning for anyone who is starting to lose their hearing in any way. An audiologist can help to minimize the symptoms and are working hard at discovering appropriate treatments. Here are three common therapies.

Hearing aids

Often prescribed by audiologists for patients who have hearing loss associated with tinnitus as the purpose of fitting hearing aids is to minimize hearing loss to reduce the tinnitus, it is recommended that hearing aids be worn throughout the entire day so the person can gain maximum benefit. Using hearing aids have highlighted how those who a uffer from tinnitus can benefit from an improved quality of life. As there are people who feel self-conscious about wearing hearing aids, there are more than the traditional “ear-mold” hearing aids. Open fit hearing aids, for example, are devices where the speaker is placed in the ear canal, which allows amplification.

Sound machines

This is a very broad term that can be used in numerous ways. Generally speaking, sound therapy refers to using external noise to alter someone's reaction to the symptoms of tinnitus. Sound therapy focuses on four individual approaches. Masking involves exposing the sufferer to an external noise at a loud volume so that it masks the sound of the tinnitus. The habituation method helps the person to reclassify tinnitus as a sound that's not as important, which means that it can be ignored to greater effect. Distraction focuses on using an external sound to refocus the sufferer’s attention from the tinnitus. Finally, neuromodulation is the use of a specific and specialized sound to minimize the underlying cause of tinnitus, known as the neural hyperactivity.

Tinnitus retraining therapy

Sound therapy can be used as a part of tinnitus retraining therapy (TRT), but tinnitus can be addressed in an emotional way as well. Because tinnitus can trigger reactions like depression and anxiety, the part of TRT aimed at tackling the emotional component is cognitive behavioral therapy. What has been used to retrain sufferers of anxiety and depression to have a more positive mindset, cognitive behavioral therapy help sufferers to address what is, arguably, the more critical aspect of suffering from this. It can be done in groups, and part of cognitive behavioral therapy aims to educate the sufferer, as well as pinpoint the individual triggers in that person as well as implementing better lifestyle choices to reduce the symptoms, and employ a more mindful approach to managing stress.

Suffering from the various noises in your ears can be unbearable. And while so many people don't consider tinnitus to be a cause for concern, especially if the sufferer is of a young age, approaching an audiologist to help you hear with more clarity. They should be the first port of call if you believe yourself to be suffering from tinnitus. It shouldn't be a problem that you have to put up with.