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TINNITUS RELIEF : Does it Exist ?
INDUSTRY INSIGHT
YOUR HEARING
Tinnitus ( pronounced TIN-ah-tuss or tah-NIGHT-us ) is one of the most common issues associated with hearing loss . Tinnitus is often referred to as “ ringing in the ears .” The sound that is heard actually varies from person to person . According to the American Tinnitus Association ( ATA ), an estimated 50 million Americans experience tinnitus to some degree . The tinnitus may interfere with an individual ’ s work performance and his / her personal relationships with family members , friends and neighbors . This can ultimately reduce quality of life significantly .
Although there is no exact known cause for tinnitus , researchers have found numerous possible sources . Tinnitus has been found to be strongly associated with hearing loss . Another possible cause for tinnitus is exposure to loud noises on a regular and ongoing basis . Many of us have experienced this ringing temporarily after a concert or loud event , but after a short period of time our ears are able to heal on their own and return to normal . With prolonged exposure to loud noise over time , however , the ear does not have the opportunity to heal itself and the problem becomes permanent , and may also cause hearing loss to occur .
Diseases and health conditions such as cardiovascular problems , autoimmune diseases , ear and sinus infections , and head or neck trauma or jaw misalignments have all been tied to possible causes of tinnitus . A simple buildup of wax in the canal may also cause temporary tinnitus and when removed safely by a physician , the tinnitus diminishes . Lastly , medications such as chemotherapy drugs , high-dose antibiotics and even aspirin can cause tinnitus symptoms .
BIG NEWS IN HEARING DEVICE TECHNOLOGY
Regardless of the high prevalence of tinnitus , only a modest number of people contact their physician or audiologist for help . Perhaps this is because there is a widespread belief that tinnitus is incurable and therefore untreatable . Inadvertently those patients associated to the belief that tinnitus cannot be helped have also chosen not to pursue help for their hearing loss affiliated with the tinnitus . The negative effect of untreated hearing loss has been documented quite clearly in the literature . Studies have shown untreated hearing loss to be linked to such qualities as irritability , anger , fatigue , tension , stress , depression , withdrawal , loneliness , impaired memory , an inability to learn new tasks , and diminished psychological and overall health . Furthermore , it would only stand to reason that individuals suffering from untreated hearing loss and tinnitus would be at an even greater risk for these types of problems .
For individuals with both hearing loss and tinnitus , wearing hearing aids has been shown to be effective in reducing the awareness of the tinnitus . The tinnitus does not go away , but instead , by introducing amplification , the patient is more aware of the sounds of the environment and no longer focused on the tinnitus . Improved communication through amplification reduces stress , also making it easier to cope with tinnitus . Although hearing aids cannot cure it , they can provide some relief in most cases .
At Eartique we provide hearing instruments that are equipped with unique sound therapy tools to help with tinnitus management . These hearing aids include a ZEN Program ( relaxing music programming ), which is designed to help patients cope with their tinnitus rather than mask it .
The audiologists at Eartique are trained to assess your hearing , and provide you with a comprehensive solution to your hearing loss . If testing determines there is a hearing impairment , our staff will work with you and family members to devise an individualized treatment plan . We will discuss the various amplification options available to you , such as daily wear or extended wear hearing devices , to determine optimal benefit and comfort of fit . Lastly , we will provide you with the follow-up care necessary to keep you hearing your best . Come in today and let us help you improve your quality of life .
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Debra L . Greenberger is the owner of Eartique . She received her master ’ s degree in audiology ( hearing science ) from Washington University in St . Louis , Missouri , and she is certified by the American Speech and Hearing Association . Debra has been diagnosing hearing loss and fitting hearing aids for over 25 years .
Allison L . Chase , Au . D ., CCC-A , earned her Master of Arts degree in audiology from Miami University in Oxford , Ohio , in 2004 . She completed her clinical doctorate in audiology from Salus University in 2008 . Allison is certified by the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association and has been practicing in the field for seven years .
This Industry Insight was written by Leslie A . Dunst , MS / CCC-A , Clinical Audiologist . Leslie has enjoyed providing diagnostic testing and rehabilitative services for over 25 years . She earned her Bachelor of Science degree in speech pathology and audiology , and her Master of Science degree in audiology from West Virginia University . Leslie is also certified by the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association . Her diverse background spans three states ( Ohio , West Virginia and Pennsylvania ) and includes private practice , ENT offices , and clinical and hospital settings . Leslie is dedicated to providing quality service to her patients and committed to help improve their quality of life by helping them to hear their best . She resides in Peters Township with her husband and 14-year-old son .
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