Tinnitus (most commonly pronounced "TIN-uh-tis") is the perception of sound when no actual sound is externally present. Most individuals describe the sound as ringing, buzzing, chirping, humming, or static in their ear(s) or head. For some individuals, tinnitus can be ignored, whereas for others, tinnitus can be debilitating and extremely bothersome.

 

Although researchers are working on finding a cure, there is presently not a cure that will completely rid the tinnitus. At Hear and There, we assist with finding ways to manage how bothered you are by your tinnitus. ​

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tinnitus evaluation

We start your journey of managing your tinnitus by evaluating your tinnitus. In addition to a hearing evaluation, we also perform a tinnitus evaluation, which consists of:

• In-depth interview and questionnaire about the characteristics of your tinnitus

• Matching the pitch of your tinnitus​

• Matching the loudness or volume of your tinnitus

• Seeing how your tinnitus changes with certain sounds

This information assists in personalizing treatment options and recommendations.

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hearing aids

Tinnitus and hearing loss go hand in hand, as tinnitus can be a symptom of hearing loss. Many times, when the hearing loss is treated effectively, the tinnitus can also be treated. Technology features in the hearing aids can also be enabled to help provide other interesting sounds for your brain to focus on when the tinnitus is more bothersome. This will be discussed in depth by your audiologist after reviewing your hearing levels.

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tinnitus retraining therapy (TRT)

TRT is a program to help retrain your brain to "habituate" to the awareness of tinnitus. By combining sound therapy through hearing devices and counseling, the goal is to reorient your thoughts around the presence and awareness of your tinnitus so that the tinnitus is no longer debilitating or severely bothersome. The benefits of TRT can be enhanced through cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) provided by skilled professionals in the mental health profession. 

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local and other resources

If your tinnitus can be better treated by other professionals or treatment options that are unavailable at Hear and There, your audiologist will provide information on how to become connected to local or other resources. Some of these resources include CBT therapists, TRT-centric audiologists, or ear, nose, and throat (ENT) physicians, dentists, psychiatrists, or support groups.