Millions of people experience ear noises that only they can hear, otherwise known as tinnitus. My tinnitus sounds like someone sprinkling glitter. It’s soft and obvious only when it’s quiet and heard mostly when I’m not wearing my hearing aids. When I’m stressed, my tinnitus is much louder. On occasion, my ears will clog up for a few seconds, followed by a loud, high-pitched sound that lasts for seconds but seems longer. I sleep with a mouthguard, and when I forget to wear it, my tinnitus rages when I open my mouth wide. Hearing aids have been the best solution for me. Listening to other sounds always helps me forget about my tinnitus.
Tinnitus is personal and a unique experience for each person that we see. There are no magic pills or treatments that will make it disappear. There is the potential to take control of your tinnitus and reduce the impact that it has on your life. Audiologists who specialize in tinnitus may have their favorite approach, but one size does not fit most when it comes to helping reduce the impact of tinnitus.
Your tinnitus can be managed. The first step is understanding your struggles and figuring out the root of your tinnitus. It may take the combined effort of other professionals such as psychologists, physicians, audiologists, dentists, and physical therapists. Treatment can include a wide variety of tools and strategies.
I’m writing this to let you know that you are not alone. And if anyone tells you there is nothing that you can do to help your tinnitus, they are wrong. You just haven’t found the right person to help you.
We’d love to guide you. All you need to do is ask.