Tinnitus is an indication of problems in the sound-processing system and can be linked to a range of very different disease patterns. One of the most common causes of Tinnitus is hearing loss. A hearing test can reveal whether hearing impairment is also involved. The pitch and volume of the Tinnitus can also be established by special diagnostic tests carried out by an Audiologist.

Aside from damage to the auditory system, Tinnitus can also be caused by jaw joint dysfunction (e.g. teeth grinding) and chronic neck muscle strain.

Although stress is the single most commonly quoted cause of Tinnitus, there is no scientific basis for assuming a connection between stress and Tinnitus to date. But Tinnitus can cause stress. Noises are perceived more acutely when a person is tense.

Some medications can set off Tinnitus. Once medication is stopped, the noises usually disappear again, too. But certain medicines can cause irreparable damage, which can result in permanent Tinnitus.
Tinnitus Diagnosis

Tinnitus is very individually perceived by sufferers. So before proposing a certain therapy, an exact diagnosis is essential. This diagnosis can begin with an assessment by your Audiologist.

Sometimes medical Tinnitus treatment is possible. If this is the case it may be recommended you see an ear, nose and throat (ENT) specialist. In some cases dental, orthodontic and orthopaedic examinations are also necessary.

While research has yet to discover a cure, Tinnitus treatment is available. There are many ways for patients to cope with their condition.

Technical Solutions

Modern technology can help subdue Tinnitus. The main principle is acoustic stimulation. This means allowing your brain to hear and, therefore, focus on external sound rather than Tinnitus.

Hearing Instruments

In most cases, wearing hearing instruments both improves hearing and alleviates Tinnitus. The reason being that if you can hear better, you can also ignore Tinnitus better.

Hearing instruments pick up ambient sound over a microphone and amplify it before passing it onto the ear. This enables wearers to better focus on the noises, sounds and tones around them. The rustle of leaves in the forest, friendly conversation, or beautiful music restore the emphasis on pleasant hearing impressions and narrow the scope for Tinnitus.

In many cases, users scarcely or don’t hear the Tinnitus at all as soon as the hearing instrument is switched on.

Tinnitus Noiser

Some hearing instruments also feature a noiser function. What is the benefit of this combination? As hearing instruments can only amplify noises actually present around us, they are of little use as Tinnitus therapy tools in very quiet hearing environments. This is when the noiser function can be helpful.

In these situations, the noiser can generate a soft noise to distract the patient from the Tinnitus. In modern hearing instruments, like those from Siemens, various hearing programs can be selected at the touch of a button: purely hearing instrument function, purely noiser function, or a combination of the two. Noisers generally offer considerable relief from Tinnitus.

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy

Your personal mindset and feelings play a decisive role in this method. Training focuses on targeted information, an analysis of the person’s behaviour, practical exercises and positive experiences.

Effective cognitive behavioural therapy aims to change the way a person perceives Tinnitus by teaching ways to focus attention away from it, and achieving control over stress.