Learn more about what an audiologist can do for tinnitus.
Often described as a ringing, roaring, buzzing, or hissing sound, tinnitus is the perception of sound in the ears or head when there is no external sound present. While it’s not a disease, tinnitus may indicate a secondary change in the auditory system. For most people, this phantom noise can substantially disrupt sleep, concentration, and emotional well-being, demanding immediate professional attention. This is where an audiologist comes in. He or she is the primary non-health professional responsible for comprehensively examining the condition and forming a personalized management strategy. Continue reading to learn more about what an audiologist can do for tinnitus.
Thorough Assessment and Diagnosis
First, an audiologist will complete a thorough evaluation to comprehend the sound and its influence on the patient’s life. This process includes:
An In-Depth Case History
It involves details about the problem, duration, and certain characteristics of tinnitus using standardized intake questionnaires, such as the Tinnitus Handicap Inventory (THI) or the Tinnitus Functional Index (TFI). These questionnaires quantify the severity of the annoyance, sleep disturbance, and emotional distress caused by the sound.
Comprehensive Audiological Evaluation
Since tinnitus is often associated with hearing loss, pure-tone audiometry helps determine whether amplification is an appropriate intervention. Following this test is specialized tinnitus testing (pitch and loudness matching) to allow the audiologist to estimate the patient’s internal sound frequency and intensity. The audiologist also measures the patient’s minimum masking level to determine the lowest intensity of external noise required to mask the tinnitus, which provides a baseline for sound therapy device programming.
The Implementation of Sound-Based Therapies
Another method for an audiologist to treat tinnitus is to use sound-based therapies, introducing external sounds to reduce the perception of internal noise. Hearing aids are usually the initial step, especially when a patient has measurable hearing loss, because they often mask or distract the patient’s brain from the tinnitus.
For patients with normal hearing or those needing more intervention, the audiologist might recommend sound generators or tinnitus maskers. These are small, ear-level devices that produce a continuous, low-level sound to help the brain filter out the combined signal.
Psychoeducation and Counseling
The audiologist may also educate a patient with tinnitus about the neurophysiological model of the condition, explaining that the sound indicates a neutral signal that the brain is mistakenly prioritizing. The goal of this counseling is habituation, in which the brain learns to categorize tinnitus as not significant, as it does with prevalent background noise.
Overall, by helping the patient understand the mechanism and manage their emotional reaction, the audiologist helps the individual live comfortably with the sound, even if it’s not physically removed.
Trust the Experts at Clarity Audiology & Hearing Solutions
Need help with your hearing? Clarity Hearing can help. Clarity Audiology & Hearing Solutions is an independently owned and operated clinic that focuses on quality of care and personalized, friendly service to the surrounding areas of Ellicott City, Catonsville, and Columbia. Our Doctors of Audiology are highly trained with advanced degrees and take the time to provide the personalized care and attention that you need and deserve. We provide advanced hearing aid options that are personally calibrated with cutting-edge digital technology to fit your hearing loss, your unique ear anatomy, and your individual listening needs.