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Tinnitus Assessment, Counselling and Treatment |
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Do you suffer from tinnitus or ringing in the ears? Thousands of Australians suffer from this condition, unaware that help is at hand. How big is the problem?
- 17–20% of general population experience some degree of tinnitus
- Increases to 30% for people over 55
Contributing factors
- Medical conditions
- Medications
Impact
Neurological
- Conditions a limbic system enhancement (effects can resemble a ‘fingernails on blackboard’ sensation)
- Neurological changes lead to alterations in processing patterns eg. gain changes
Audiological
- Trigger at peripheral system from pinna to inner ear
Psychological
- Loss of sleep and concentration
- Lack of control
- Fear and anxiety
- Stress increases ANS arousal
Lifestyle indicators
Consider a visit to Brindabella Hearing Centre if your tinnitus:
- Causes sleep disturbance
- Makes relaxing difficult
- Feels out of control
- Interferes with hearing
- Causes loud sound sensitivity
- Still disturbs after hearing aid fitting
Audiological management and treatment options
Audiologists trained in tinnitus treatment can provide professional assessment of the tinnitus and its impact using clinically proven protocols. Options and advice should enable the patient to make informed decisions. Recommendations may include:
- A counselling session with an audiologist trained in tinnitus management can provide relief for patients with low levels of tinnitus disturbance.
- Hearing aids can mask the tinnitus where hearing loss is also a problem.
- Neuromonics Tinnitus Treatment should be considered for mild hearing loss cases where hearing aids are not warranted, or where tinnitus disturbance continues after hearing aid fitting. Brindabella Hearing Centre is Canberra's only Neuromonics Accredited Provider.
- Referral to other specialists.
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