Tinnitus - Ringing in the Ears

The highly trained audiologists at Wilmington Hearing Specialists commonly care for patients with tinnitus, which is associated with many forms of hearing loss. Tinnitus, which can be caused by hearing loss, long-term exposure to loud noise, medicine, and certain health problems, can cause sounds in the ear such as ringing, clicking, or hissing.

Though it can be less worrisome, some people with severe cases of tinnitus may find it difficult to hear, work, or even sleep. Even if your tinnitus is mild, it’s important to visit one of our audiologists for an evaluation so we can determine what is causing it. We can perform a hearing screening or other tests to see if your tinnitus is related to blood pressure, kidney function, diet, allergies, or something else.

Treating and Managing Tinnitus

Although there is no cure for tinnitus, we offer treatments that can help give you some relief, including hearing aids. Many people with tinnitus also have a hearing loss. Wearing a hearing aid makes it easier for some people to hear the sounds they need to hear through amplification.

Dr. Maddock has also been trained in the Neuromonics Tinnitus Management System, which includes customized devices designed for long-term, significant relief of tinnitus.

At Wilmington Hearing Specialists, Dr. Maddock and Dr. Mock will help you learn how to better manage your tinnitus. There are many things you can do to help alleviate the symptoms:

• Avoid anything that can make your tinnitus worse, including smoking, drinking alcohol, and exposure to loud noise.
• If you are unable to control your exposure, you should wear ear plugs or special earmuffs to protect your hearing and keep your tinnitus from getting worse.
• Relaxation is helpful for those with stress-induced tinnitus.
• Counseling may also be beneficial, especially if you have found yourself experiencing depression or other emotional situations as a result of your condition.

If it is hard for you to hear over your tinnitus, ask your friends and family to face you when they talk so you can see their faces, because seeing their expressions may help you understand them better. You can also ask them to speak more clearly, enunciating words to help you.

If you experience any of the symptoms of tinnitus, please request an appointment online or call (910) 791-4755 for an appointment with an audiologist in Wilmington or Southport, NC. Wilmington Hearing Specialists looks forward to helping you stop the ringing in your ears.