Victorian Hearing pride ourselves on being an independent Audiology clinic of experienced Audiologists, always offering quality service and innovative products. Look out for our new website soon; like us on Facebook or give us a Google Review!
As always, we hope this newsletter is of interest to you and we would welcome your input into future editions, or requests for particular topics of interest. Just email us on info@victorianhearing.com.au.
Communication Tip
Room acoustics can make a huge difference to sound. Sound waves will bounce off all hard surfaces, like floorboards, tiles and glass windows, making it more difficult to understand conversation. Put a rug on the floor, hang curtains, or put a tablecloth on the dinner table, to help absorb the sound and create a better listening environment.
Focus on… Tinnitus
What is Tinnitus Tinnitus is the medical term for the sensation of hearing sound in your ears when no external sound is present. In most cases, tinnitus is a subjective noise, meaning only the sufferer can hear it. Typically, tinnitus is described as ‘ringing in the ears’, though others describe it as a hissing, buzzing, whistling, roaring and even like the sea.
Facts about Tinnitus
- Tinnitus can occur at any age, and may begin suddenly or progress slowly.
- Tinnitus can be constant or intermittent. It can occur in one or both ears. Its volume can vary or be static.
- Tinnitus is not a disease. It is a symptom of a malfunction in the auditory system that affects approximately 20% of the population.
- The most common causes of tinnitus are noise exposure, aging, head injury, side effect of medications.
The effects of Tinnitus are real
Because Tinnitus is subjective, it affects people in different ways. For some, it’s a minor annoyance, one they can deal with easily. For others, it can result in more serious issues such as:
- Long term sleep disruption
- Changes in cognitive ability
- An inability to concentrate (eg. Completing tasks or reading)
- Stress in relationships
- Anxiety and depression
- Employment challenges
Sadly, there is no known cure
Currently there is no known cure for tinnitus. No surgery or pill has been shown to get rid of tinnitus in any clinically accepted study.
But there is relief
According to the Australian Tinnitus Association, there are ways to get tinnitus relief, including counselling and sound therapy. It is recommended that anyone with tinnitus should consult an audiologist or ear,nose and throat specialist experienced in tinnitus treatment.
Sound Therapy
Sound Therapy can be effective in treating tinnitus because it may make the tinnitus less noticeable or mask the tinnitus. Hearing aids may be included as a critical component of a sound therapy program. Although most hearing aids can alleviate tinnitus, certain hearing aids have built-in technology specifically for tinnitus relief.
Tinnitus Management Program
At Victorian Hearing we offer Tinnitus Management Programs with our experienced Audiologists. The 2 hour consultation involves:
- A full case history including specific tinnitus related questions
- A full diagnostic hearing test, including speech discrimination and middle ear function test
- Tinnitus matching (pitch and loudness)
- Discussion of
- your results and treatment options
- tinnitus, hearing loss and hearing aids
- tinnitus do’s and don’ts
- medication and dietary considerations
- suggestions for managing your sleep better
- overcoming your fears of tinnitus
- managing your perceptions of tinnitus.
Further Tinnitus information
1. The Tinnitus Association of Victoria www.tinnitus.org.au
2. Australian Tinnitus Association www.tinnitus.asn.au
3. Audiology Australia www.audiology.asn.au