Can a therapist treat my tinnitus? People with tinnitus often hear hissing, buzzing, clicking, or ringing sounds in their ears. Contrary to popular belief, however, tinnitus is not a disease itself. Instead, it is a symptom associated with a psychological condition or ear nerve problems. Ten percent of the United States population suffers from tinnitus every year. Sometimes, the issue only lasts for a few minutes. The ringing or buzzing sounds often appear in both or one ear, either soft or excessively loud.
Severe tinnitus can be quite a nuisance for people as it can cause problems working, sleeping, or hearing. Surprisingly, tinnitus can be caused by a blockage in the ears and may not last more than ten to twelve seconds. However, it can also arise from serious conditions, which may include:
- Thyroid disease
- Meniere’s disease
- Hormonal changes
- Brain tumors
- Circulatory system diseases
- Heart problems
- Sinus infections
- Ear infections
- Hearing loss resulting from loud noises
Can a Therapist or Doctor Treat Tinnitus?
Determining the issue that caused tinnitus to develop in the first place is vital for treating it properly. A qualified doctor can determine the underlying cause by addressing the problem through surgery or medications.
Believe it or not, many individuals do not have any identifiable cause for their condition, which experts usually call idiopathic tinnitus. So far, idiopathic tinnitus doesn’t have a cure, but there are certain remedies to lower its severity.
Is it Possible to Manage Tinnitus by Yourself?
While it is always advisable to consult with an expert, there are certain things you can do to keep the ringing sounds at bay by yourself. Here are some of the most common ones:
Tinnitus Sound Therapy
Treating the underlying cause behind tinnitus is the most effective way to tackle the condition. Certain sound therapies may help distract you from tinnitus symptoms like buzzing or ringing sounds if you do not suffer from hearing loss.
Hearing Aids May Help
In most cases, tinnitus develops due to hearing loss. When an individual loses their ability to hear, their brain goes through various changes in how it perceives and processes different sounds. In cases like these, using a hearing aid could come in handy.
For those wondering, hearing aids are small devices that use an amplifier, speaker, and microphone to increase the volume of outside noises. The gadget can help your brain understand new and effective ways of processing sounds.
It can be especially helpful for people with tinnitus as improvement in their hearing could reduce the ringing sounds caused by the condition. A reputable survey noted that around sixty percent of individuals suffering from tinnitus noticed varying levels of improvement with the help of hearing aids.
Tinnitus Patients May Benefit from Sound Masking Gadgets
Sound masking devices can create pleasant noises to keep the unpleasant tinnitus sounds at bay. Numerous gadgets like tabletop sound machines and small gadgets can help tinnitus patients with their condition. Sound masking gadgets can play:
- Music
- Nature noises
- Pink noise
- White noise
Can a Therapist Treat my Tinnitus? It’s Best to Consult a Pro
While the tips mentioned above can be quite effective, it is still best to consult a professional to choose the right action. That’s where Stephen Katz and the Tinnitus Cognitive Center™ can help you. Get in touch with us to book an appointment, and our team of experts will evaluate your condition and suggest the right treatment options, ensuring you can go about your days without any stress.
Tinnitus Cognitive Center™
Stephen Geller Katz, LCSW-R
646-213-2321