Understanding & Managing Tinnitus
Tinnitus, often described as a ringing, buzzing, or hissing sound in the ears, is more common than you might think. For many people, it comes and goes, but for others, it can be a constant distraction. While it can be frustrating to live with, there are ways to manage it, and you don’t have to go it alone.
At Blackberry Hearing, we speak to people every day who are experiencing tinnitus. The good news is that support and solutions are available. From identifying the cause to exploring treatment options, here’s what you need to know.
What causes tinnitus?
Tinnitus isn’t a condition in itself, but rather a symptom of something else. It’s often linked to hearing loss, but it can also be caused by:
- Exposure to loud noise
- Earwax build-up
- Certain medications
- Stress or anxiety
- Conditions like hyperacusis (heightened sensitivity to sound)
We’ve seen many cases where excessive earwax is the culprit, luckily, that’s an easy fix. If your tinnitus has come on suddenly or is affecting your day-to-day life, it’s worth getting your ears checked by an audiologist.
Treatment options
There’s no one size fits all treatment for tinnitus, but there are effective ways to reduce its impact:
- Hearing aids: For people with hearing loss, hearing aids often provide significant relief. They help by amplifying external sounds, making the internal ringing less noticeable.
- Sound therapy: Background sounds like soft music or white noise can help mask the tinnitus, especially in quiet environments.
- Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT): Managing the emotional response to tinnitus is key. CBT helps reduce anxiety and stress, which can make symptoms feel worse.
- Earwax removal: If wax build-up is causing your tinnitus, a quick removal might be all you need to get relief.
We also recommend addressing any underlying issues, like hyperacusis, which can often go hand in hand with tinnitus.
A helpful app from Widex
We often get asked if there’s anything people can try at home, and there is! Widex offers a free app called Widex Zen - Tinnitus Management, which uses soothing sounds and relaxation techniques to help manage tinnitus symptoms. You don’t need to wear hearing aids to use the app, making it a great option for anyone looking for some extra support.
You can find it here.
Talk to us
If you’re experiencing tinnitus and not sure where to start, we’re here to help. Our team of expert Audiologists can guide you through a personalised plan, whether that’s a hearing test, treatment options, or simply pointing you in the right direction.
You don’t have to live with tinnitus alone, there’s plenty you can do, and we’re always just a phone call or clinic visit away.
