Living with tinnitus can be a challenging experience, as the persistent ringing or buzzing sound in the ears can significantly impact one's quality of life. If you are seeking a solution to alleviate tinnitus and regain control over your auditory senses, Cork Audiological Services is here to help. With our expertise in audiology and cutting-edge treatments, we offer effective tinnitus treatment options tailored to individual needs.
Let’s learn a bit more about tinnitus, and how Cork Audiological Services can provide the support and solutions you need to treat it.
Understanding Tinnitus
Tinnitus is the perception of sound without any external source. It can manifest as ringing, buzzing, hissing, or other phantom noises in the ears. While it is not a condition itself, tinnitus often indicates an underlying problem. Common causes include exposure to loud noises, ear infections, age-related hearing loss, earwax build-up, and certain medical conditions.
The Impact of Tinnitus on Daily Life
Living with tinnitus can be distressing, affecting various aspects of daily life. The constant presence of the annoying sound can lead to sleep disturbances, concentration difficulties, irritability, and even emotional distress such as anxiety and depression. Tinnitus can make it challenging to enjoy activities, focus on work, or engage in social interactions. That's why seeking our professional help is crucial to effectively manage and treat this condition.
Comprehensive Assessment and Diagnosis
We will comprehensively assess your ears to determine the cause and severity of your tinnitus. Our experienced audiologists will conduct a thorough evaluation, including a detailed medical history review, a physical examination of the ears, and specialised tests such as audiometry and tinnitus matching. This detailed diagnostic process helps create a personalised treatment plan tailored to your specific needs.
Tinnitus Treatment Options
Sound Therapy: We use sound therapy to help manage tinnitus. This approach involves introducing external sounds, such as white noise or nature sounds, to distract and reduce the perception of tinnitus. These soothing sounds can be delivered through devices like hearing aids, sound machines, or smartphone apps, providing relief and improving overall well-being.
Counselling and Education: Understanding tinnitus and learning coping strategies can significantly reduce its impact on daily life. We offer counselling sessions where patients can discuss their concerns, receive emotional support, and gain valuable knowledge about tinnitus management techniques. With the right guidance, patients can regain control and lead fulfilling lives despite the presence of tinnitus.
Tinnitus Retraining Therapy (TRT): TRT combines sound therapy with counselling techniques to desensitise patients to the perception of tinnitus. This approach helps retrain the brain to perceive tinnitus as a neutral sound, minimising its impact on daily life. We provide our patients with personalised TRT programs that address the unique needs of each patient, enhancing their ability to habituate to the agitating sound.
Hearing Aids: If hearing loss is associated with tinnitus, wearing hearing aids can provide dual benefits. Not only do hearing aids improve auditory function, but they can also act as sound generators, therefore masking the tinnitus noise. We have a wide range of advanced hearing aids tailored to individual preferences, ensuring optimal comfort and improved hearing experiences.
Tinnitus doesn’t have the be the end of the world, and you can take your power back by scheduling an appointment with us today to see how we can help you.
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