Tinnitus Assessment & Tinnitus Management Therapy | Sonant Hearing Clinic, Kent

Clients have often reported being told that there is nothing that can be done for tinnitus. They are told they should learn to live with it. This is not always the case. While there isn't one absolute cure for tinnitus, there are many methods of relieving the presentation of tinnitus. 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 first reliable step towards of managing your tinnitus. The audiologist if trained in tinnitus treatment or management can help you find a method of relieving the burden of the tinnitus. 

WHAT TO EXPECT AT YOUR TINNITUS ASSESSMENT APPOINTMENT 

Duration: 120mins

Step 1

Case History, Questionnaires and Medical history collection 

We may send you some questionnaires to complete in advance of your appointment. If they are not completed in advance of the appointment, then your appointment time may be extended as we complete this in the clinic. We would take this time to learn more about you, your medical history, what your perception of tinnitus is and its impact on your lifestyle. You typically have free rein at this time to free your mind of all the thoughts concerning you about your tinnitus up to this point. Some patients find the off-loading almost cathartic. Usually, because they have never felt truly heard in relation to their tinnitus. We also use this time to understand your expectations and set realistic, achievable goals. What interventions have you tried? What has worked, what hasn't worked. 

Step 2

Audiological Tinnitus Assessment

Following on from your history and shared information. We examine your ears. Then perform comprehensive hearing tests involving the entire ear, the middle ear and the inner ear. Research indicates that a large group of people with tinnitus also have hypersensitivity to noise. Next, we may check the levels of sound you consider too loud or uncomfortable to see if you are very sensitive to loud sounds when compared to others. 

Next we shall assess to obtain a representation of your tinnitus.  This would be by presenting sounds to you and asking you to guide us to the sound level and pitch most similar to your tinnitus.  (Don't worry if it's tricky, some people present with multiple presentations of tinnitus so we know that some people may struggle with this one.) We may present various sounds at differing pitches and levels to help you identify the best type to help with your tinnitus (if applicable).

Step 3

Discussion of Audiology Assessment Results

We shall explain the results of the audiology tests we have done on the day. If there is an outcome that indicates urgent medical referral, we shall be advising you of this by the end of the appointment. Completed questionnaires may need some further analysis, so results for this will be explained as basis for your therapy plan at the next appointment. We will also lay out the plan for the next therapy appointment, so you will know what to expect. Results and reports will all be sent to your GP, yourself or referring health professional with your consent.