Tinnitus

Noises in the Ear Without Any External Sources

The name given to the perception of noises in the ear when no external signal is present is "tinnitus." Nearly everyone has experienced noises appearing from seemingly nowhere, which just as suddenly stop. However, if tinnitus doesn't go away, it can be a significant problem for those affected that can adversely affect their quality of life.

Unfortunately there is no "cure" for chronic tinnitus that addresses the cause. There is no medication for the treatment of tinnitus and no other easy method of solving the tinnitus problem. Any commercial promises of this nature should be disregarded.

Tinnitus therapy using instruments

The method preferred by medical practitioners is "tinnitus retraining therapy", or TRT for short. The aim of TRT is to distract patients from it in their daily activities, so that instead of seeming to be a loud noise, it becomes an insignificant sound among a host of others. TRT involves a team of experts from various different fields. In addition to doctors and psychologists, the audiologist has an important part to play in TRT. "Tinnitus control instruments" (TCI) is the name given to the small instruments which are similar to hearing aids and are worn inconspicuously behind the ear or in the ear. They generate a quiet, therapeutic sound which the patients find pleasing. It helps them avoid periods of silence and direct their attention towards external sounds again.

Combined instruments

Approximately 50 percent of all those affected by tinnitus also suffer from hearing loss and/or hyperacusis (oversensitivity to noise). While these are not the cause of tinnitus, tinnitus often improves when the hearing impairment is treated. These excellent instruments combine the functions of a TCI and a modern, digital hearing aid. In the case of hyperacusis it is important to provide an effective means of limiting the volume.

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