Comprehensive Tinnitus Assessments & Management
Tinnitus Evaluation
Persistent ringing or buzzing in the ears? Our expert tinnitus evaluations help identify causes and offer personalized solutions to manage symptoms effectively. Use the below link to see all services or make an appointment now.
Tinnitus Evaluation & Management: Find Relief from the Ringing!
Tinnitus, the perception of a ringing, buzzing, hissing, or other sound in your ears or head, can be a frustrating and disruptive experience. At Novasound Center, we understand the impact tinnitus can have on your daily life, and we’re here to help you find relief.
What Does Tinnitus Sound Like?
Tinnitus, often described as a “ringing in the ears,” is a common condition that affects millions of people. However, the experience of tinnitus can vary greatly from person to person. Many individuals struggle to describe the specific sound they hear, which can be frustrating when seeking help and support.
Tinnitus Sounds: A Diverse Range
While ringing is a common descriptor, tinnitus can manifest as a wide variety of sounds, including:
- High-pitched ringing or whistling
- Hissing, whooshing, or roaring
- Buzzing, humming, or clicking
- Pulsing or rhythmic sounds
- Low-pitched roaring or rumbling
- Sounds like crickets, sirens, or even music
Our specialists will guide you through every step of the tinnitus evaluation, ensuring accurate and reliable results. We take the time to explain your results in detail and answer any questions you may have.
Tinnitus is a common problem
An estimated 10-15% of adults experience tinnitus, with approximately 2 million Canadians experiencing it to a bothersome degree.
Source: Statistics Canada, Health Reports, 2019
Explore Tinnitus Sound Samples
To help you better understand the diverse nature of tinnitus, we’ve compiled a collection of sound samples representing some of the common sounds people with tinnitus experience:
A Cautionary Note:
Please be aware that listening to these tinnitus sound samples may be unpleasant or triggering for some individuals. The sounds are intended for informational purposes only. If you are experiencing tinnitus, it's important to seek professional guidance from an audiologist.
Don’t wait to take control of your hearing health.
Tinnitus Evaluation Considerations
Important Considerations:
- Individual Variation: These sound samples are just a few examples, and your tinnitus may sound different.
- Volume Control: Please adjust the volume carefully before playing the sound samples, as some may be loud or irritating.
- Not a Diagnostic Tool: These sounds are for informational purposes only and should not be used for self-diagnosis.
If you’re concerned about tinnitus, we encourage you to schedule a consultation with one of our audiologists. We can provide a comprehensive hearing evaluation and personalized advice to help you manage your tinnitus.
Hearing loss is often associated with tinnitus
About 90% of people with tinnitus also have some degree of hearing loss.
Source: American Tinnitus Association
Our Approach to Tinnitus Care
We begin with a comprehensive tinnitus evaluation to understand the nature of your tinnitus, its potential causes, and its impact on your well-being. This evaluation may include:
- Detailed medical history review: We'll discuss your tinnitus experience, including when it started, the sounds you hear, and any related symptoms.
- Hearing evaluation: A thorough hearing test helps identify any underlying hearing loss that may be contributing to your tinnitus.
- Tinnitus-specific questionnaires: These questionnaires help us assess the severity of your tinnitus and its impact on your quality of life.
Tinnitus can significantly impact quality of life
Tinnitus can lead to sleep disturbances, difficulty concentrating, anxiety, and depression. (Source: World Health Organization)
Personalized Tinnitus Management
Based on your individual needs, we’ll develop a personalized tinnitus management plan to help you reduce the perceived intensity of your tinnitus and improve your overall quality of life. This may include:
- Sound Therapy: Using various sounds, such as white noise, nature sounds, or customized music, can help mask the tinnitus and make it less noticeable.
- Counseling and Education: We provide guidance and support to help you understand tinnitus, manage stress, and develop coping strategies.
- Hearing Aids with Tinnitus Masking Features: If you have hearing loss, hearing aids with built-in tinnitus masking features can help amplify environmental sounds and reduce the perception of tinnitus.
- Tinnitus Retraining Therapy (TRT): This specialized therapy combines sound therapy and counseling to help your brain habituate to the tinnitus, making it less bothersome over time.
- Relaxation Techniques: Learning relaxation techniques, such as deep breathing exercises and mindfulness, can help reduce stress and anxiety, which can often worsen tinnitus.
Frequently Asked Questions About Tinnitus Evaluation
Curious about what to expect during a Tinnitus Evaluation? Our FAQ section answers common questions about the process, benefits, and next steps to help you better understand your hearing health.
What exactly is tinnitus? Is it a disease?
Tinnitus isn’t a disease itself, but a symptom. It’s the perception of a sound—like ringing, buzzing, hissing, or clicking—when there’s no external source. It can vary in intensity and how often it occurs.
Can tinnitus be a sign of something serious?
While tinnitus is often linked to hearing loss, it can sometimes be a symptom of other conditions. These include ear infections, head injuries, or even circulatory problems. Our evaluation helps determine if further medical investigation is needed.
If I have tinnitus, does that mean I need hearing aids?
Not always! While hearing aids can be very helpful for people with tinnitus and hearing loss, there are other management strategies too. These include sound therapy, relaxation techniques, and counseling to help you cope with the sounds.
How does sound therapy help with tinnitus?
Sound therapy uses external noises to help mask or reduce the perception of your tinnitus. This can be anything from white noise machines to nature sounds, or even specialized devices that create customized sound environments.
Is it possible to completely get rid of tinnitus?
For many people, tinnitus is a chronic condition. However, with the right management strategies, it’s possible to significantly reduce its impact on your life. Our goal is to help you manage your tinnitus so it becomes less noticeable and bothersome over time.