Tinnitus Management
Understanding Tinnitus
Tinnitus is the perception of sound when no external sound is present. It's often described as a ringing, buzzing, hissing, or humming in the ears. It can also come across as pulsating or musical hallucinations. This condition can be both frustrating and debilitating, affecting one's quality of life.
Our Approach to Tinnitus Management
At our clinic, we offer a comprehensive approach to managing and treating tinnitus. Our goal is to provide personalised care tailored to each patient's unique needs.
Initial Assessment
Every patient's journey begins with a thorough assessment. During this evaluation, we will:
- Conduct a detailed medical history review
- Perform audiometric tests to assess hearing levels
- Discuss the nature and impact of your tinnitus
Based on the initial assessment outcome, along with discussing when tinnitus is most impactful, the following treatment strategies would be carried out:
Tinnitus Retraining Therapy (TRT)
TRT combines sound therapy with counselling to help retrain the brain to ignore the tinnitus sounds. This method aims to reduce the perception of tinnitus over time and improve quality of life.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
CBT is a form of psychological therapy that helps patients manage the emotional and psychological impact of tinnitus. By addressing negative thoughts and behaviours, CBT can reduce stress and anxiety associated with tinnitus.
Hearing Aids
For those with hearing loss, hearing aids can be an effective solution. Modern hearing aids not only amplify external sounds but also offer tinnitus masking features that can provide significant relief.
Sound Therapy
Sound therapy involves using external noise to alter the perception of tinnitus. This can include white noise machines, hearing aids, or specialised sound generators.
Ongoing Support
Managing tinnitus is an ongoing process. We provide continuous support and follow-up appointments to monitor progress and make necessary adjustments to the treatment plan.
For additional information and details of support groups, please visit the British Tinnitus Association (BTA) website. The nearest group is currently at Kingston Hospital (Kingston Hospital Tinnitus Support Group), which runs once a month.
Schedule Your Appointment
Take the first step towards managing your tinnitus by scheduling an appointment with us. Our clinic is dedicated to providing compassionate and effective care to help you regain control over your life.