Tinnitus is the perception of sound (e.g., ringing, rushing, roaring, hissing, etc.) in the head or ears in the absence of an external stimulus.
During an initial tinnitus consultation, a patient and audiologist:
- Assess and discuss the nature of the tinnitus.
- Review the history of the tinnitus, any hearing loss and any sensitivity to sounds.
- Discuss an individualized management plan.
Management of Tinnitus
While there is no "cure" to completely eliminate tinnitus, many patients are able to find significant relief.
Tinnitus management options include:
- Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)
- Tinnitus retraining therapy (TRT)
- Sound-based therapy
- Amplification (hearing aids) and cochlear implants, when appropriate
- Relaxation techniques
- Good sleep hygiene
Research continues to examine the effectiveness of a variety of potential tinnitus management options.