Tinnitus Treatment

Ear, Nose and Throat Associates of Southeast Connecticut have been treating tinnitus symptoms for over a decade and are dedicated to finding tinnitus relief for every patient. Tinnitus is a symptom of a condition in which patients perceive sound in their ears when no actual sound is present. The word tinnitus is Latin for “ringing”, although varying sounds may be heard. Almost everyone who experiences this condition has some degree of hearing loss. It is a common affliction, affecting 1 in 5 adults. People who suffer from tinnitus may hear sounds in one or both ears, and it can be continuous or intermittent. Some patients experience tinnitus in waves or when their body is in specific positions. The intensity may vary depending on specific body movements (jaw, should, head or tongue). Many people that suffer from tinnitus experience psychological strain or fatigue, and in some cases even depression. Treating tinnitus can be complicated, but common treatments include hearing aids, cochlear implants, and cognitive behavioral and/or drug therapy.

It is important to understand that tinnitus isn’t a condition itself, but a symptom of underlying conditions like hearing loss, injury the ear or a circulatory system disorder. Symptoms of tinnitus include ringing, buzzing, hissing, roaring or clicking of any degree of volume. There are two kinds of tinnitus: subjective and objective. The most common, subjective tinnitus, is when a patient experiences a sound only they can hear. This can be caused by auditory nerves or a neurological condition in which the brain is interpreting nerve signals incorrectly. Objective tinnitus, can be heard by others or a doctor during an examination. While rare, this type can be caused by a blood vessel problem, muscle contractions, or inner ear bone conditions. Tinnitus can occur as a result of age related hearing loss, prolonged exposure to loud noise, ear bone changes, and earwax blockage. Some diseases like Meniere’s, TMJ, and acoustic neuroma can cause tinnitus, as well as other conditions like head and neck tumors, atherosclerosis, and circulation disorders. Some medication can also cause tinnitus, including cancer treatments, diuretics, antidepressants, and aspirin if taken in extremely high doses.

ENT of SECT diagnoses and treats tinnitus according to each patient’s symptoms. Our doctors thoroughly test each case and try to identify any underlying conditions that may be contributing to the symptoms. If tinnitus is related to earwax buildup, blood vessel conditions, or medication– it may be easily treated or improved. Some doctors suggest suppressing the noise by using white noise machines during sleeping hours, and hearing aids have been proven to help for tinnitus associated with hearing loss. Similar to hearing aids, hearing masking devices provide a low level white noise sound inside the hear to suppress tinnitus symptoms. Although medication cannot yet cure tinnitus, in many cases they can assist in reducing the severity.

If you suffer from tinnitus, ENT of SECT is well equipped and prepared to handle your case! Call today to get on your way to tinnitus relief. Call (860) 442-0407 to schedule an appointment today!