People often think that someone who is severely or profoundly deaf will not get tinnitus. This is not true.
Your local audiology department will be able to discuss the options available to help you manage tinnitus. These could include counselling, relaxation therapy, neurophysiologically based management and cognitive behavioural therapy. You should also make the most of any support available from friends, family or support groups.
Monday, April 30, 2007
Saturday, April 28, 2007
Would digital hearing aids help my tinnitus?
Hearing loss and tinnitus are commonly associated. However, many people who experience tinnitus have normal hearing. If you have a hearing loss, the lack of background sound can make tinnitus more noticeable.
If you wear a hearing aid it will help you to hear better and make tinnitus less noticeable. It will ease the strain of communication, which may make you feel more relaxed, and it will amplify background sounds.
You should always get advice from an audiologist or hearing aid dispenser if you are considering using hearing aids.
If you wear a hearing aid it will help you to hear better and make tinnitus less noticeable. It will ease the strain of communication, which may make you feel more relaxed, and it will amplify background sounds.
You should always get advice from an audiologist or hearing aid dispenser if you are considering using hearing aids.
Friday, April 27, 2007
How can I stop my tinnitus waking me up and stopping me from sleeping?
I know that all tinnitus sufferers want the answer to this question, so here it is:
It is probably not the tinnitus that is waking you up. Usually tinnitus is the first sound you hear when you wake up naturally during the night. As there is very little background sound, the tinnitus may appear louder because there is no other sound for the brain to listen to.
The RNID Shop sells bedside sound generators that can be used at night to provide background noise. There are other ways to introduce background sound, for example leaving a radio on which is tuned between stations or the noise of a fan.
It is probably not the tinnitus that is waking you up. Usually tinnitus is the first sound you hear when you wake up naturally during the night. As there is very little background sound, the tinnitus may appear louder because there is no other sound for the brain to listen to.
The RNID Shop sells bedside sound generators that can be used at night to provide background noise. There are other ways to introduce background sound, for example leaving a radio on which is tuned between stations or the noise of a fan.
Thursday, April 26, 2007
• How can I help myself while I wait to visit the tinnitus clinic?
You may find that understanding more about tinnitus can be beneficial. So, research as much as you can on this condition. I have a lot of useful information on this blog. You may also find it helpful to join a tinnitus support group, and share experiences and tips with other people who have tinnitus.
Wednesday, April 25, 2007
What help is available for my tinnitus?
Although there are no miracle cures for tinnitus, you can get
help to help you manage tinnitus.
Many hospitals in the UK now have tinnitus
clinics, which offer specialised help and advice. They often recommend a
combination of relaxation exercises, sound therapy and counselling.
There are
also tinnitus support groups around the UK, whose members meet to discuss
issues relating to tinnitus. Most of these groups are affiliated to the British Tinnitus
Association (external link, opens new browser window) (BTA). For details of these groups please contact RNID's Tinnitus helpline (external
link).
Monday, April 23, 2007
Are stress and Tinnitus linked?
Stress and tinnitus are strongly linked. In some cases, such as bereavement, stress can actually causes tinnitus. However, generally it may exacerbate it. Stress caused from worrying about tinnitus can increase muscle tension, anxiety and irritability, making your tinnitus worse and leading to an increase in stress, which becomes a vicious circle.
Research has shown that the more you can relax, the easier it is to manage tinnitus. And relaxing doesn't need to be difficult or costly. If you take a walk or have a warm bath it can help.
Research has shown that the more you can relax, the easier it is to manage tinnitus. And relaxing doesn't need to be difficult or costly. If you take a walk or have a warm bath it can help.
Thursday, April 19, 2007
Ever wondered this?
I've just come home from a gig and my ears are ringing. Have I suffered any permanent damage?
If your tinnitus has been caused by exposure to loud noise, for example from a rock concert or night club, then it is likely that the tinnitus will go within a day or so. However, although it is temporary, this should act as a warning that you have exposed you ears to a higher level of noise than they are comfortable with. If you let this happen frequently then it is possible that the tinnitus or any dullness of hearing, or both, may become permanent.
You should wear ear protection to protect your ears from damage when you are exposed to loud noise either at work or during leisure activities.
RNID's "Don't Lose the Music" campaign encourages people to take proper care of their hearing so that they can continue to enjoy music. Find out more about the campaign at the Don't Lose the Music website (external link, opens new browser window).
If your tinnitus has been caused by exposure to loud noise, for example from a rock concert or night club, then it is likely that the tinnitus will go within a day or so. However, although it is temporary, this should act as a warning that you have exposed you ears to a higher level of noise than they are comfortable with. If you let this happen frequently then it is possible that the tinnitus or any dullness of hearing, or both, may become permanent.
You should wear ear protection to protect your ears from damage when you are exposed to loud noise either at work or during leisure activities.
RNID's "Don't Lose the Music" campaign encourages people to take proper care of their hearing so that they can continue to enjoy music. Find out more about the campaign at the Don't Lose the Music website (external link, opens new browser window).
Wednesday, April 18, 2007
no 'miracle pill' but yes help
· Is there a cure for tinnitus?
There is no "miracle pill" that will stop tinnitus unless there is an underlying cause, for example an ear infection. A lot of research is being done to help develop a cure. RNID has awarded grants to research projects to help find out more about the condition and is also working with pharmaceutical companies to help develop treatments.
Although there is no cure, help is available. If your tinnitus is troubling you, you should seek medical advice and contact your GP.
There is no "miracle pill" that will stop tinnitus unless there is an underlying cause, for example an ear infection. A lot of research is being done to help develop a cure. RNID has awarded grants to research projects to help find out more about the condition and is also working with pharmaceutical companies to help develop treatments.
Although there is no cure, help is available. If your tinnitus is troubling you, you should seek medical advice and contact your GP.
Tuesday, April 17, 2007
sensitivity to sound
Around 40% of people with tinnitus report general sensitivity to sounds.
There are two main forms of sensitivity to sound: hyperacusis and misophonia. If you have hyperacusis you may find everyday sounds uncomfortably or painfully loud, even when they do not bother other people. If you have misophonia, also known as noise annoyance, you may find specific sounds extremely irritating, although you may not be particularly sensitive to sounds in general. If your dislike is strong enough to be considered a phobia then the term phonophobia is used.
Hyperacusis and misophonia can be treated with habituation therapy and sound therapy, which can be provided in a tinnitus clinic. You can find out more about hyperacusis in our hyperacusis factsheet.
www.rnid.org.uk
There are two main forms of sensitivity to sound: hyperacusis and misophonia. If you have hyperacusis you may find everyday sounds uncomfortably or painfully loud, even when they do not bother other people. If you have misophonia, also known as noise annoyance, you may find specific sounds extremely irritating, although you may not be particularly sensitive to sounds in general. If your dislike is strong enough to be considered a phobia then the term phonophobia is used.
Hyperacusis and misophonia can be treated with habituation therapy and sound therapy, which can be provided in a tinnitus clinic. You can find out more about hyperacusis in our hyperacusis factsheet.
www.rnid.org.uk
Saturday, April 14, 2007
several drugs try to help tinnitus
Several New Treatments Tried To Stop Tinnitus
Tinnitus is a constant ringing in the ears that affects millions of people. Now, new treatments are getting closer to quieting the noise for good.
Every second of every day, Joyce Lajeunesse has ringing in her right ear.
"Just kind of a humming, like an electrical humming, and it's constant," said Laieunesse.
The ringing, called tinnitus, came on suddenly five years ago.
"I truly did expect it to go away," she said. "Just figured it was something connected with the ear plugging up or something."
But it stuck around and now follows her everywhere.
"I hear it right now while we are talking," she said.
Dr. Jay Piccirillo says at least 50 million Americans have tinnitus.
"There is no drug that we can give them," said Dr. Piccirillo of Washington University. "There is no surgery that we can do or device that we can put in the ear to cure the tinnitus."
But there is help for people with sleep problems as a result of their tinnitus. A new study shows melatonin lessens the ringing and significantly improves sleep.
"I would definitely think that patients with tinnitus who are having problems sleeping should consider melatonin," said Dr. Piccirillo.
Another small study shows injecting botox around the ear might also help. Dr. Piccirillo is also Studying a procedure called transcranial magnetic stimulation in which a magnetic device stimulates certain areas in the brain. Early studies are promising.
Joyce was in a study on melatonin to help the ringing and her sleep.
"I had more energy in the mornings," said Joyce. "I woke up more refreshed than I had been, and that was wonderful."
source- wftv.com
Dr. Piccirillo says other sufferers could easily get the same benefit because melatonin is available over the counter.
Though all three methods are showing success in helping lessen the ringing, Dr. Piccirillo says there is still no cure for the condition.
But, some patients have had success using anti-anxiety drugs.
Tinnitus is a constant ringing in the ears that affects millions of people. Now, new treatments are getting closer to quieting the noise for good.
Every second of every day, Joyce Lajeunesse has ringing in her right ear.
"Just kind of a humming, like an electrical humming, and it's constant," said Laieunesse.
The ringing, called tinnitus, came on suddenly five years ago.
"I truly did expect it to go away," she said. "Just figured it was something connected with the ear plugging up or something."
But it stuck around and now follows her everywhere.
"I hear it right now while we are talking," she said.
Dr. Jay Piccirillo says at least 50 million Americans have tinnitus.
"There is no drug that we can give them," said Dr. Piccirillo of Washington University. "There is no surgery that we can do or device that we can put in the ear to cure the tinnitus."
But there is help for people with sleep problems as a result of their tinnitus. A new study shows melatonin lessens the ringing and significantly improves sleep.
"I would definitely think that patients with tinnitus who are having problems sleeping should consider melatonin," said Dr. Piccirillo.
Another small study shows injecting botox around the ear might also help. Dr. Piccirillo is also Studying a procedure called transcranial magnetic stimulation in which a magnetic device stimulates certain areas in the brain. Early studies are promising.
Joyce was in a study on melatonin to help the ringing and her sleep.
"I had more energy in the mornings," said Joyce. "I woke up more refreshed than I had been, and that was wonderful."
source- wftv.com
Dr. Piccirillo says other sufferers could easily get the same benefit because melatonin is available over the counter.
Though all three methods are showing success in helping lessen the ringing, Dr. Piccirillo says there is still no cure for the condition.
But, some patients have had success using anti-anxiety drugs.
Wednesday, April 4, 2007
Check it out!
Everyone, check out this video on tinnitus. I love it, it's very moving! Here is the link:
http://vids.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=vids.individual&videoid=865486000&n=2
http://vids.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=vids.individual&videoid=865486000&n=2
Monday, April 2, 2007
ata.org
Great organization dedicated to helping tinnitus patients: American Tinnitus Association. Here is the wite: www.ata.org.
ATA offers financial assistance -- up to $1500 per person -- to people who cannot afford health care services for their tinnitus. The FDL Tinnitus Assistance Fund's generous anonymous donor recently donated an additional $25,000 to the fund.If you need financial assistance to help pay for your tinnitus care, click here. To add your donation to this worthy cause, click here.
ATA offers financial assistance -- up to $1500 per person -- to people who cannot afford health care services for their tinnitus. The FDL Tinnitus Assistance Fund's generous anonymous donor recently donated an additional $25,000 to the fund.If you need financial assistance to help pay for your tinnitus care, click here. To add your donation to this worthy cause, click here.
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