Tinnitus Treatment in Oroville, Chico, Redding, and Red Bluff, CA
What Causes the Ringing Sound in My Ears?
If you experience ringing, buzzing, hissing or clicking sounds in your ears that last five minutes or longer, you are probably suffering from tinnitus. These sounds are typically caused by damage to the cochlea or inner ear. If you are suffering from tinnitus, you are not alone. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that 15 percent of Americans, or more than 50 million people, experience tinnitus.
Tinnitus can be caused by exposure to loud noises, head or neck injuries, aging, wax build-up or specific medications. Tinnitus can also be a symptom of a more serious disease, so it’s important to see your doctor if you have that concern.
Signs You May Have Tinnitus
Tinnitus can sound different from person to person. Common descriptions include:
- Ringing, buzzing, or hissing in one or both ears
- Clicking, pulsing, or whooshing sounds
- A persistent high-pitched tone
- A low rumbling or humming sensation
- Sound that varies in pitch or intensity throughout the day
- Sounds that worsen in quiet environments or at night
If any of these sounds last five minutes or longer and recur regularly, you may be experiencing tinnitus. If you suddenly notice ringing or buzzing in one ear accompanied by hearing loss and/or dizziness, seek medical attention promptly this may indicate a condition requiring immediate care.
How Is Tinnitus Evaluated?
Getting an accurate picture of your tinnitus is the first step toward managing it effectively. At Bartlett’s, your evaluation will typically include:
Hearing Assessment
ince nearly 90% of people with tinnitus also have some degree of hearing loss, a comprehensive hearing test is always the starting point. This helps identify any treatable hearing loss that may be contributing to your tinnitus.
Tinnitus Characterization
We’ll ask you to describe the sound its pitch, volume, whether it’s in one or both ears, when it’s worst, and how much it affects your daily life. Standardized questionnaires may be used to measure impact and track changes over time.
Medical and Lifestyle History
We review your noise exposure history, medications, medical conditions, sleep patterns, and stress levels all of which can influence tinnitus.
Referral When Needed
If we identify signs that your tinnitus may have an underlying medical cause such as pulsatile tinnitus (tinnitus that pulses in sync with your heartbeat) we will refer you to the appropriate specialist for further evaluation.
Is Sudden Ringing in the Ears a Serious Condition?
If you suddenly experience ringing or buzzing in one ear, along with hearing loss and/or dizziness, you should be seen immediately, as it may be a sign of something serious. For most people, however, tinnitus symptoms are minor and easily managed. After a few minutes or hours, tinnitus usually clears up without the need for medical treatment. Chronic tinnitus occurs frequently and lasts longer with each episode. The presence of tinnitus typically indicates you also have hearing loss.
How Can I Stop the Ringing Sound in My Ears?
A hearing aid will allow you to better focus on the speech or music you want to hear and help diminish the ringing or buzzing caused by tinnitus. Many hearing aids feature tinnitus-masking features which provide quiet sounds that help drown out the tinnitus. Call or text Bartlett’s Hearing Aid Center in Oroville, Chico, Redding, and Red Bluff at 530-461-5183 to make an appointment with one of our hearing aid specialists today.
Tinnitus Counseling
There are numerous ways to manage tinnitus.
Neuromonics Device
A neuromonics device provides relaxing music and pleasing sounds at low volume to reduce tinnitus and relax the listener. You can purchase a downloadable neuromonics device that will work with your smartphone or tablet and transmit to your hearing aid.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
Cognitive behavioral therapy can help you manage the anxiety that often comes with experiencing tinnitus.
Tinnitus Retraining Counseling
Tinnitus retraining counseling helps clients cope with their tinnitus through the use of hearing aids combined with psychological therapy.
Tinnitus Activities Counseling
Tinnitus activities counseling utilizes meditation, yoga and mindfulness activities to alleviate the stress that tinnitus sufferers experience.
Lastly, licensed chiropractors and physical therapists can also help alleviate tension in the neck and jaw areas that can lead to and aggravate tinnitus.