If you believe that you have tinnitus, then you may be tempted to find out what treatment options are available. Although the exact cause of tinnitus is yet to be understood, it has been linked to several different things. Noise exposure is a big one. Many people experience tinnitus because they have been exposed to very loud noises either in a workplace setting or at sporting events.

Hearing loss due to aging is also commonly linked to tinnitus. Medications can also cause tinnitus, along with earwax, ear infections or head injuries. If you want to find out all the different ways you can treat your tinnitus, then talk with an audiologist. What are the three most common treatments for tinnitus?

Sound Therapy

Sound therapy is built on the idea that tinnitus is linked to neural circuits in the brain. Research suggests that exposure to specific sounds can promote neural adjustments that may help reduce the perception of tinnitus. This therapy works by masking the ringing or buzzing sounds, and over time, helping you to become more accustomed to them. Devices used in sound therapy include tabletop sound generators, which can be placed near your bed to play soothing sounds like ocean waves, rainfall or waterfalls, creating a calming environment that helps ease the discomfort of tinnitus.

Behavioral Therapy

Counseling can improve your well-being by helping you manage the effects of tinnitus. Learning more about tinnitus can ease anxiety and give you a clearer understanding of how it impacts your life. Through counseling, you can also develop coping strategies to prevent your symptoms from worsening. For example, you may learn to avoid loud noises or recognize thoughts that trigger stress. Addressing these factors can make a significant difference in how you experience tinnitus. Overall, counseling offers tools to reduce the daily burden of tinnitus and improve your quality of life.

Hearing Aid with a Tinnitus Masking Feature

Hearing aids with a tinnitus masking feature are a popular option for people dealing with both hearing loss and tinnitus. These devices not only enhance hearing by amplifying sounds but also produce calming background noise to help cover the ringing or buzzing caused by tinnitus. The soothing sounds, like white noise or soft nature sounds, help shift attention away from the tinnitus. This can make daily life more comfortable by lessening the constant noise. Many hearing aids allow users to adjust the masking sounds to fit their needs. In this way, they offer a combined solution for managing both hearing loss and tinnitus. Talk with your audiologist about wearing hearing aids with a masking feature, to see if this treatment would be most suitable for you.

If you believe you are experiencing tinnitus, schedule an appointment with an audiologist. Your audiologist will be able to test your hearing to see why you are experiencing tinnitus, to help provide the right treatments for you. If you want to learn more about common treatments for tinnitus, schedule an appointment with an audiologist.