What is Tinnitus/Hyperacusis?
Tinnitus is extremely common so it is important to remember that you are not alone and there are many techniques available to help with the management of tinnitus, here at Chester Hearing and Balance we are here to advise on the most appropriate strategies based on your needs.
Tinnitus is the name used to describe any noises heard in the ear(s) or in the head that are not heard by others.
Hyperacusis is oversensitivity to certain sounds in the environment.
Tinnitus can take the form of many noises including ringing, buzzing, whistling, hissing or even musical sounds and tunes. It can vary in loudness and be either intermittent or constant.
Hyperacusis is oversensitivity to certain sounds in the environment.
Tinnitus can take the form of many noises including ringing, buzzing, whistling, hissing or even musical sounds and tunes. It can vary in loudness and be either intermittent or constant.
Tinnitus is not an illness or disease, it is a symptom generated somewhere in the person’s hearing (auditory) pathway.
Typical causes of tinnitus include: noise exposure, ear diseases (i.e. Meniere’s disease), certain medications, hearing loss, unknown causes.
Typical causes of tinnitus include: noise exposure, ear diseases (i.e. Meniere’s disease), certain medications, hearing loss, unknown causes.
Who does it affect?
Most people experience some occasional tinnitus. About 10% of people experience frequent tinnitus and up to 5% of adults in the UK experience constant or bothersome tinnitus.Chronic tinnitus can impact on all areas of life including:
- affecting sleep
- affecting concentration
- affecting ability to understand speech and communicate effectively
- affecting roles and responsibilities both at home and in the workplace
- affecting ability to relax and enjoyment
- affecting mood and emotional wellbeing (i.e. becoming stressed, depressed or frustrated)
Tinnitus management at Chester Hearing and Balance Services
The impact of tinnitus is very individual and that is why our tinnitus assessment is tailored exactly around your needs.Tinnitus management will often combine counselling (for information and/or to help the individual accept and handle their tinnitus) with some sound stimulation (to provide times when the tinnitus is less obvious or bothersome).
Relaxation is also recommended as tinnitus is often more noticeable when an individual is tired or stressed. Promoting good sleep also forms part of tinnitus management.
For individuals with a hearing loss, a hearing aid may be beneficial as being able to hear more everyday sounds gives the brain more to focus on than just the tinnitus.
At your initial assessment we will review your relevant medical history and discuss in detail your tinnitus and impact it is having on your life. As part of this assessment we will conduct a number of diagnostic tests tailored to your needs to allow us to collate all the information and create an individualised management plan.
During this appointment we will discuss this plan with you and go through any questions that you may have as well as discussing a range of self help techniques for you to utilise straightway.
At your initial assessment we will review your relevant medical history and discuss in detail your tinnitus and impact it is having on your life. As part of this assessment we will conduct a number of diagnostic tests tailored to your needs to allow us to collate all the information and create an individualised management plan.
During this appointment we will discuss this plan with you and go through any questions that you may have as well as discussing a range of self help techniques for you to utilise straightway.
Tinnitus packages available
Tinnitus/Hyperacusis Assessment Package
At your initial assessment we will review your relevant medical history and discuss in detail your tinnitus and impact it is having on your life. As part of this assessment we will conduct relevant diagnostic tests tailored to your needs to allow us to collate all the information and create an individualised management plan.
During this appointment we will discuss this plan with you and go through any questions that you may have as well as discussing a range of self help techniques for you to utilise straightway.
During this appointment we will discuss this plan with you and go through any questions that you may have as well as discussing a range of self help techniques for you to utilise straightway.
Sound Enrichment Package
Sound enrichment is a very useful way to help alleviate the symptoms of tinnitus by reducing the contrast between the silence and tinnitus.
This can take a variety of forms including wearable noise generators or desktop sound generators.
This can take a variety of forms including wearable noise generators or desktop sound generators.
Tinnitus Management Package
This is a more structured approach to tinnitus management based on your needs and can include 3-6 sessions depending on your needs.
Hearing Aids
If you have a hearing loss there are a number of devices which can include tinnitus therapy features.
As a fully independent practice we have access to the full range of technologies from all the leading manufacturers so we can ensure we tailor the devices to your personalised needs.
As a fully independent practice we have access to the full range of technologies from all the leading manufacturers so we can ensure we tailor the devices to your personalised needs.
Hearing Protection
Many DJs and musicians are fully aware of the risks to their hearing and of developing tinnitus following loud noise exposure so ensure that they protect their ears using state of the art hearing protection.
This can take the shape of custom made filtered ear plugs to custom made in ear monitors.
This can take the shape of custom made filtered ear plugs to custom made in ear monitors.