Sonant Hearing Clinic Tinnitus Assessments

Client's have often reported being told that there is nothing that can be done for tinnitus. That they should learn to live with it. This is not always the case. While there isn't one absolute cure for tinnitus, there are a number of methods of relieving it's presentation. It can be overwhelming whilst researching online for a method of managing tinnitus. This is why professional help is often recommended.

Seeing a tinnitus specialist i.e.  one who is often also an audiologist can be a means of managing your tinnitus. The audiologist if trained in tinnitus management can help you find a method of relieving  the burden of the tinnitus. This can be through a series of, in-depth discussion and assessments.  At Sonant Hearing Clinic, the audiologist will take the time to listen to all your concerns regarding your tinnitus, discuss the goals that are achievable, present a set of questionnaires and then complete a number of audiological assessments. The results from assessments, questionnaires and discussions would be used to craft a tinnitus relieving solution best suited for you. 

Whilst these examples are not exhaustive. Some may prove helpful for reducing the burden of tinntus

 1. Distraction with other sounds.

This can come from amplification with carefully selected and programmed hearing aids. As other sounds not previously heard acutely due to one's hearing loss now become distinct and easily heard. These newly audible sounds can draw focus away from the tinnitus and in turn relieve it's impact. When taking hearing aids off at night, it's usually advisable to have some level of noise in the background to get ones attention. Otherwise one can go seeking the tinnitus automatically after the aids are removed.

With no hearing loss requiring amplication (NICE guidelines currently recommend against amplification in the presence of normal hearing thresholds.) Other maskers can be used such as apps (some can be recommended by the audiologist), white noise maskers and low level music in the background. With maskers it's recommended not to try and turn the volume up so loud that the "tinnitus is not heard" as this worsens it's presence.

2. Speaking to someone and peer support

As inate social beings, some may find that talking to someone about tinnitus is often helpful at reducing concerns and in turn relieving tinnitus. One may no longer feel alone and may be exposed to other anecdotal means of managing tinnitus. It is advisable to choose reputable social groups, as not all practices shared online can be said to be safe.

3. Cognitive Behavioural Therapy.

This is currently the only evidence based and peer-reviewed means of managing tinnitus. It involves the use of in-depth discussions, relaxation techniques and methods of changing ones' automatic negative thoughts around their tinnitus. It's main goal is to change one's emotional thoughts and reactions to tinnitus. This in turn aids habituation where the tinnitus has a reduced impact on ones's thoughts over time. Click here for our blog post on Internet Based CBT iCBT

4. Relaxation.

This can help reduce the impact of tinnitus. Everyone has a different preference for relaxing. From taking a nice long soak in the bath, to listening to music, gentle exercise to meditation. Relaxation reduces stress and encourages a calmer self. Less stress often results in reduced impact of tinnitus. Meditation is a common method requiring no object or travel but for one  to sit still quietly in one space for about 10-15 minutes in a comfortable restful position whilst breathing in and out in a measured, focused way. One needs to remain present of themselves and their surroundings whilst doing this. There are apps that can help one pace their inhalations and exhalations as well as a simple timer on the clock/watch or phone.