Tinnitus
Tinnitus, often described as ringing, buzzing, or whistling in the ears, can be a frustrating and sometimes debilitating condition. At Boerne Hearing & Tinnitus, we understand the significant impact tinnitus can have on your quality of life, and we're committed to providing comprehensive tinnitus management services to help you find relief.
Our approach to tinnitus management is multifaceted, recognizing that each person's experience with tinnitus is unique. We offer a range of evidence-based treatments and management strategies, including:
- Tinnitus Retraining Therapy (TRT): TRT is a structured program designed to help your brain habituate to tinnitus sounds, reducing their perceived intensity and impact on your life. This therapy is based on the neurophysiological model of tinnitus, which suggests that while we can't eliminate the tinnitus signal, we can train the brain to reclassify it as unimportant background noise.
- Lenire: We're proud to offer Lenire, an FDA-approved tinnitus treatment device for at-home use. This innovative technology combines sound therapy with mild electrical stimulation of the tongue to help alleviate tinnitus symptoms. Lenire works on the principle of bimodal neuromodulation, stimulating the auditory and somatosensory systems simultaneously to promote positive changes in brain activity associated with tinnitus.
- Sound Therapy: We offer various sound therapy options, which can be an effective way to manage tinnitus. These may include:
- Specialized tinnitus maskers that produce pleasant background noise to distract from tinnitus sounds.
- Hearing aids with built-in tinnitus-masking features, which can be particularly beneficial for those with both hearing loss and tinnitus.
- Smartphone apps that provide a variety of soothing sounds to help manage tinnitus.
- Counseling and Education: Understanding tinnitus is a crucial part of managing it. We provide in-depth counseling to help you understand your condition, its causes, and how various factors can influence its perception. This knowledge can significantly reduce anxiety related to tinnitus and empower you to take control of your condition.
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): While we don't provide CBT directly, we often recommend it as part of a comprehensive tinnitus management plan. CBT can help you develop coping strategies and change negative thought patterns associated with tinnitus. We can provide referrals to qualified mental health professionals experienced in tinnitus-focused CBT.
- Lifestyle Modifications: Sometimes, simple changes in lifestyle can have a significant impact on tinnitus perception. We'll work with you to identify potential triggers and suggest modifications that might help, such as stress reduction techniques, dietary changes, or adjustments to sleep habits.
Our tinnitus management process begins with a comprehensive evaluation. During your initial consultation, we'll conduct a thorough assessment of your tinnitus, including its pitch, loudness, and impact on your daily life. We'll also perform a complete hearing evaluation, as tinnitus is often associated with hearing loss.
Based on this assessment, we'll work with you to create a personalized management plan. This plan may incorporate one or more of the treatment options mentioned above, tailored to your specific needs and preferences.
It's important to understand that while there's currently no cure for tinnitus, effective management can significantly reduce its impact on your life. Our goal is to help you reach a point where tinnitus no longer significantly affects your daily activities, sleep, or overall well-being.
Throughout your tinnitus management journey, we'll provide ongoing support and follow-up care. We'll regularly assess your progress and make adjustments to your management plan as needed.
Don't let tinnitus control your life. With the right management approach, it's possible to find relief and improve your quality of life. Schedule an appointment with Boerne Hearing & Tinnitus today to discuss your tinnitus management options and take the first step towards finding peace and quiet.
