Link Audiology provides tinnitus evaluations and treatment in Washington. We have clinics in Silverdale, WA, Vashon, WA, and University Place, WA.

Tinnitus is a sound you hear that no one else can hear. It’s a common problem for many people and the most common complaint from veterans. The sound can be different for each person – some hear ringing, others hear buzzing, wind noise, or static.

Most of the time (97% or more), tinnitus is subjective. This means it can’t be measured with a microphone in your ear.

Tinnitus Evaluations – What To Expect

A tinnitus exam is like a regular hearing test. Besides the usual hearing tests, you will fill out a survey about your tinnitus and listen to sounds to match the pitch and loudness of your tinnitus. 

We won’t use loud sounds during this test because they can worsen tinnitus. 

The goal of a tinnitus exam is to figure out what your tinnitus sounds like, how it affects you, and the best way to treat it.

Tinnitus Management and Treatment Options

There are several ways to manage and treat tinnitus. Link Audiology offers the following tinnitus management and treatment options:

Sound Replacement Therapy

Sound replacement therapy helps make tinnitus (ringing in your ears) less noticeable by making the sounds you can’t hear louder. This is usually done using hearing aids and talking with a counselor.

Sound replacement therapy works best for people with hearing loss who notice their tinnitus but aren’t very bothered by it.

Tinnitus Masking

Tinnitus masking helps make your tinnitus less noticeable by playing soothing background noises. You might already notice that your tinnitus is harder to hear when there are other sounds around you. Tinnitus masking uses this idea to help you feel better when you need it.

Because tinnitus often comes with hearing loss, we have hearing aids that include built-in tinnitus maskers.

Hearing Aids For Tinnitus

Hearing aids can help manage and treat tinnitus. Here’s how they work:

  • Amplifying Sounds: Hearing aids make outside sounds louder. This can help mask the ringing or buzzing, making it less noticeable.
  • Improving Hearing: If you have hearing loss and tinnitus, hearing aids can improve your overall hearing. This makes it easier to hear important sounds and ignore the tinnitus.
  • Sound Therapy: Some hearing aids have special features that play soothing sounds. These sounds can help distract the brain from the tinnitus.
  • Personalized Settings: Hearing aids can be adjusted to fit your specific hearing needs, making managing tinnitus more effective.

Many people find that their tinnitus becomes less bothersome after using hearing aids, allowing them to focus better on everyday activities.

Built-in Programs or Apps For Tinnitus

Hearing aids with built-in programs for tinnitus can help people manage or treat tinnitus. These special hearing aids have features designed to mask or reduce the tinnitus sounds, making them less noticeable.

For example, some hearing aids play soothing sounds, like ocean waves or soft music, to distract you from the tinnitus. Others can create a gentle white noise that blends with the tinnitus, making it easier to ignore.

Using these apps or built-in programs, people with tinnitus can find relief and improve their ability to focus on other sounds, like conversations or music. These hearing aids can make daily life more comfortable and less stressful for those with tinnitus.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does a tinnitus evaluation take?

Since a tinnitus evaluation involves more tests and counseling than a regular hearing test, it would be best to set aside 2 hours or more. 

Can tinnitus be cured?

Tinnitus cannot be completely cured. However, there are ways to manage it and make it less bothersome. Some treatments can help reduce the noise, such as using hearing aids with special programs, sound therapy, and relaxation techniques. While these methods can’t make tinnitus go away entirely, they can help you live more comfortably with it.

What is the root cause of tinnitus?

The root cause of tinnitus is not always the same for everyone, but it often comes from damage to the tiny hair cells in the inner ear. These hair cells help us hear by sending sound signals to our brain. 

When the hair cells get damaged, they can send random signals to the brain, which we hear as ringing or buzzing sounds. Other causes include ear infections, earwax buildup, exposure to loud noises, certain medications, or health conditions like high blood pressure.

Tinnitus Evaluations in Washington

If you are experiencing tinnitus, it is important to seek professional help. 

Expert audiologists at Link Audiology are here to provide you with a thorough tinnitus evaluation and effective management solutions. 

Proper evaluation and diagnosis are crucial in understanding your condition and finding the best way to manage it. 

Don’t let tinnitus disrupt your life any longer. 

Contact us today to schedule your comprehensive tinnitus evaluation and take the first step towards relief and better hearing health.

We have clinics in Silverdale, WA, Vashon, WA, and University Place, WA.