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<\/p>\nTinnitus is common in Charleston and across the country. Characterized by a phantom noise in the ears\u2014most often described as a ringing but also taking other forms including roaring, hissing, buzzing, whooshing or clicking\u2014tinnitus has no cure, but there are strategies for managing the condition and reducing its impact on your life.<\/p>\n
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An estimated 50 million Americans report at least occasional tinnitus<\/a>, making it one of the most common chronic health complaints in the United States. <\/p>\n About one in every five people in South Carolina suffers from tinnitus to some degree<\/strong>; for some it\u2019s an occasional nuisance, while others find it a full-fledged distraction that severely impacts their quality of life. <\/p>\n Tinnitus can lead to memory and concentration difficulties and affect sleep. Anxiety and depression are common, and individuals with the most severe symptoms have a higher suicide risk. <\/p>\n Unfortunately, because of the highly variable nature of tinnitus (it\u2019s a symptom rather than a disease, by the way, with causes ranging from disease<\/a> and trauma to ear obstructions and sinus pressure), a cure has so far proven elusive.<\/p>\n That doesn\u2019t mean people with tinnitus<\/a> in Charleston have no hope. One of the most successful approaches to managing symptoms involves tinnitus sound therapy.<\/p>\n The concept behind sound therapy<\/a> is simple: the brain is trained to ignore the ringing in your ears through a process called habituation, a psychological term meaning a decreased response to an external stimuli. <\/p>\n If you live on a busy street, at first the sound of traffic will bother you quite a bit. After you\u2019ve been there for a while, your brain becomes used to the sound, and you no longer notice it as much. This is how tinnitus sound therapy works.<\/p>\n Introducing background sounds will help divert your brain\u2019s attention from tinnitus, making it less bothersome. <\/p>\n A variety of methods and sounds are available, depending on the degree and severity of your symptoms. <\/p>\n White noise is popular and effective<\/strong>; it involves playing a neutral, relaxing sound, such as ocean waves, gently falling rain or soft music, to compensate for the ringing in your ears. You don\u2019t even need fancy equipment; simply turning on an air conditioner or running a fan will produce the same effect. This is particularly useful at night, when you\u2019re trying to sleep.<\/p>\n Christina Lobarinas, Au.D., tinnitus coordinator for the UT Southwestern Tinnitus and Hyperacusis Program, explains how this works. <\/p>\n \u201cAfter a time, the tinnitus becomes associated with this sound. The brain says, \u2018it\u2019s constant, it\u2019s meaningless, it\u2019s not something I need to pay attention to.\u2019 It\u2019s essentially a passive form of extinguishing a response to a stimulus by moving it from a conscious to a subconscious level.<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n Tinnitus sound therapy doesn\u2019t require a doctor\u2019s prescription or special device (though white noise machines are available). You can download a tinnitus app for your smartphone; plenty of great ones are available through the Apple Store and Google Play. There are a few tips for success:<\/p>\n If you\u2019re suffering from tinnitus and looking for a solution, schedule an appointment with a hearing specialist in Charleston<\/a> to learn more about sound therapy and other methods of managing your distraction.<\/p>\nHow common is tinnitus in SC?<\/h3>\n
Can it cause other health problems?<\/h4>\n
How is tinnitus treated?<\/h2>\n
Tinnitus treatment through desensitization<\/h3>\n
How does sound therapy work?<\/h2>\n
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\nYou can try sound therapy out at home<\/h2>\n
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What should you do if you have tinnitus?<\/h3>\n
\nLearn more about Tinnitus:<\/h3>\n
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Our NE South Carolina Area Audiologists Office Locations<\/h3>\n