15 May Help for Tinnitus
The quote, “Silence is more musical than any song.” by Christina Rossetti is very true for those of us who experience Tinnitus, which is the perception of sound within the ear(s) or head in the absence of corresponding external sound. Many people describe tinnitus as a buzzing, ringing, or hissing sound that is constant or happens in short spurts. It is a symptom that can result from a wide range of underlying causes, but most often hearing loss.
The outcome of experiencing tinnitus and/or hearing loss is often associated with feelings of embarrassment, irritability, stress, depression, low self-esteem, frustration, impaired memory and isolation, just to name a few. Tinnitus can also affect a person’s concentration and sleep patterns negatively affecting one’s physical and psychological wellbeing.
There are those of us who experience tinnitus and those of us who suffer from tinnitus. This distinction is of great importance and should be diagnosed by a certified Audiologist. An audiologist will also be able to provide tinnitus counselling and management strategies. If hearing loss is present and hearing aids are used as a sound therapy method, an Audiologist or Hearing Instrument Specialist can contribute by fitting the hearing aid, managing maintenance and repair and make appropriate programming changes based on the individual’s needs.
Hearing Loss and Tinnitus can be devastating to one’s overall wellbeing and if suspected should not be ignored. There is help available.
