Tinnitus can be very disruptive to the lives of people living with it. It is characterized by a ringing or buzzing sound in the ears, which vary in intensity and frequency. Tinnitus is not life-threatening. However, it can be annoying and uncomfortable. It is also not a disease but rather a symptom of an underlying condition.
Let’s take a look at the latest treatments for tinnitus.
Tinnitus Treatments
Since tinnitus is not a standalone condition, it cannot be treated directly. Instead, treatment focuses on identifying and addressing the underlying cause of the tinnitus.
Learning About Your Tinnitus
Before treatment can begin, tinnitus must be diagnosed. A diagnosis of tinnitus involves:
1. A Physical Examination
During a physical exam, your doctor will check for any signs of underlying conditions such as hearing loss or infection.
2. A Medical History Review
Your doctor will ask you about your symptoms to learn more about your tinnitus. They will also review your medical history and current medications.
3. Hearing Tests
A series of tests are used to assess your hearing abilities and identify any underlying conditions.
4. Imaging Tests
Your doctor may recommend imaging scans like:
- Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
- Computed tomography (CT)
These scans can help identify any structural abnormalities in the inner ear or brain that may be causing tinnitus.
Diagnosing the Underlying Cause
The next step is to identify the underlying cause of your tinnitus. Common causes include:
Hearing Loss
Hearing loss can be caused by age-related hearing damage, exposure to loud noises, or an underlying medical condition.
Infections and Other Medical Conditions
Certain infections, medications, or other medical conditions can cause tinnitus. Once the underlying cause has been identified, your doctor will recommend a treatment plan for you.
Treating Tinnitus
Treatment for tinnitus is tailored to the underlying cause and may include:
- Hearing aids – to help improve hearing and reduce the severity of tinnitus
- Stress management – to help alleviate some of the symptoms of tinnitus
- Counseling – to help you manage the emotional impact of tinnitus
- Medication – to help reduce the severity of tinnitus
- Tinnitus Retraining Therapy (TRT) – a specialized form of sound therapy that can help retrain the brain to cope with tinnitus-related sounds
Your treatment plan will depend on the underlying cause of your tinnitus, as well as your overall health and lifestyle.
When to Visit an ENT Doctor for Tinnitus Treatment
It is important to visit your ENT doctor for an evaluation if you are experiencing symptoms of tinnitus. Your doctor will diagnose the underlying cause and recommend an appropriate treatment plan.
Consider visiting them if:
- You have been experiencing symptoms of tinnitus for more than a few days
- The intensity or frequency of your tinnitus is increasing
- You have any other symptoms, such as dizziness or hearing loss
Exploring the latest treatments for tinnitus can help you manage your condition and get back to living your life.
Tinnitus Treatment Near You in Georgetown, TX
Tinnitus is a common condition that can be disruptive and uncomfortable. It is typically caused by an underlying medical condition or hearing loss, and treatment focuses on addressing the cause. Common treatments include hearing aids, stress management, counseling, medication, and TRT.
Looking for effective tinnitus treatment near you in Texas? Georgetown ENT can help you get the comprehensive care you deserve. Call our friendly staff today at (512) 869-0604, so we can assist you. You can also book a visit with the best ENT doctor in Georgetown using our online appointment request form.
We look forward to helping you achieve relief from tinnitus!
