Tinnitus Management & Vertigo

We will provide support and information to help you live better with these conditions.

What is Tinnitus?

Tinnitus refers to the perception of sound in one or both ears or in the head without any external source. It can be described as a ringing, buzzing, or hissing sounds in the ears without external noise and affecting millions of people. The severity varies, with some experiencing mild annoyance and others facing significant disruption, impacting concentration, sleep, and quality of life. While there is no cure for tinnitus, it can be managed through treatments and strategies aimed at reducing its effects and addressing underlying conditions.

man wearing hearing aids leaning against verandar
osef Rauschecker of Georgetown University Medical Center and Markus Ploner

Is Tinnitus Related to Hearing Loss?

Tinnitus can be associated with hearing loss, although the two are not always directly linked. In many cases, tinnitus arises as a result of damage to the auditory system, including the inner ear. This damage can be caused by various factors such as exposure to loud noise, age-related hearing loss, extreme stress or trauma, ear infections, or certain medications. Tinnitus can also occur without any evidence of hearing loss.

How we help you manage Tinnitus?

At Alpha Hearing we provide expert support on the treatment, and management of tinnitus. The approaches our audiologists may employ may include the following but our experts will approach your situation uniquely to review and provide  

Tinnitus Assessment

A detailed and thorough review of your medical history, physical examination, and hearing tests, to identify the underlying causes and evaluate the impact of tinnitus on an individual’s hearing and overall well-being.

Counseling and Education

Our audiologists provide counseling and education to help patients understand tinnitus better. Explaining the possible causes, mechanisms, and potential treatment options. Counseling also focuses on managing emotional distress and developing coping strategies.

Sound Therapy

Sound therapy aims to reduce the contrast between tinnitus and ambient sounds, making your tinnitus less noticeable and bothersome. Sound-based therapies alleviate the perception of tinnitus, these can include devices such as over-the-counter (OTC) wearable sound generators or hearing aids with built-in sound therapy features or wireless access to them through mobile phone-based apps.

Supportive Services

We can provide additional support services such as relaxation techniques, stress management strategies, and referral to other healthcare professionals if necessary.

Management Plan

If you are experiencing tinnitus, we recommend seeking professional help. Our audiologist can tailor a management plan to address your specific needs and provide professional support to help you understand tinnitus.

It is important to note that there is no universal cure for tinnitus. We will work with you to develop and support effective ways to manage and minimize the impact of tinnitus on your daily life.

man enjoying quiet repose photo credit aaron-andrew-ang-jXMGrVYHpK0-unsplash

Vertigo and Balance: The Importance of Stability

 

Balance is essential for our ability to move freely and maintain stability without falling. This crucial function relies on the brain receiving accurate input from our vestibular system, a complex network of organs including the utricle, saccule, and three semi-circular canals, all connected to the inner ear (cochlea). When any of these vestibular organs are impaired, the brain receives incorrect information, leading to a disorienting sensation of dizziness.

Vertigo, a type of dizziness caused by vestibular system disorders, can profoundly impact your quality of life, often leading to significant disability. The unsettling feeling of the world spinning can make even simple activities feel daunting and can severely limit your independence.

While vertigo and related symptoms can affect people of all ages, they are especially prevalent among older individuals. In fact, dizziness is the number one complaint among those over the age of 70, underscoring the critical importance of maintaining vestibular health as we age.

Recognizing and addressing these issues is vital to preserving your mobility, confidence, and overall well-being.