Ringing in your ears is an annoyance at best. When it continues as a chronic problem, it can also disrupt your life in more ways than one. Whether you suffer from unwanted sound in your ears on rare occasion or as part of an ongoing battle, our St. George, UT, audiologist is here to discuss some ways to keep the ringing at bay.
Our St. George, UT, Audiologist Explains Tinnitus, Its Causes, and Its Treatment
What Is Tinnitus?
Tinnitus is the name for unwanted sound in your ears. This sound can be present in a variety of forms. Some people hear ringing; others hear a rushing sound; yet others experience a buzzing in their ears or in their head.
Tinnitus (pronounced tin-NY-tus) is a surprisingly common condition in people who suffer from hearing loss. In fact, as many as 75% of hearing loss patients report tinnitus as a side effect. If you suffer from chronic tinnitus, our St. George audiologist recommends that you have your hearing tested, since that unwanted sound could be a sign that your hearing has diminished.
What Causes Tinnitus?
There is still some discussion in the medical community about what causes tinnitus, but the prevailing theory suggests that tinnitus is your brain's way of compensating for your hearing loss. When you cannot hear well, your brain loses the stimulation that sound normally provides. To make up for this missing stimulation, your brain creates phantom sound in your ears.
How Can You Treat Tinnitus?
Our St. George, UT, audiologist has a warning: Be wary of places that promise cures for tinnitus with pills or surgery. These types of "miracle cures" simply do not work, and in some cases they can even endanger your health.
There is hope, however! The FDA (Food & Drug Administration) has approved one method of treating tinnitus, and while this method may not be an overnight cure, it is safe, non-invasive, and scientifically shown to help decrease or even eliminate ringing in the ears. This FDA-approved treatment is called tinnitus therapy, and it involves ongoing, doctor- or specialist-supervised activities to help stimulate your brain.
Learn More About Tinnitus Treatment with Our St. George, UT, Audiologist
At Intermountain Audiology, we strive to stay at the forefront of safe, advanced treatment options for tinnitus. If you suffer from ringing or other unwanted sound in your ears, schedule a completely free, no-obligation hearing assessment with our St. George audiologist. We will be happy to explain more about tinnitus, its causes, and its treatment. Call 435.688.2456 or click here to request your free appointment today!