By Chuck Smith
Guest Columnist

Editor’s Note: Chuck Smith is a licensed hearing care practitioner and owner of Affordable Hearing, with offices in Rochester and Logansport. He specializes in testing and fitting hearing aids, tinnitus therapy, hearing conservation and cerumen management (earwax removal). This is the second of a two-part series on tinnitus.

Chuck Smith

ROCHESTER — The good news for people with tinnitus and hearing loss is that treatment options are available. If a person’s tinnitus is caused by hearing loss, treating the hearing loss can lead to a reduction in tinnitus symptoms. This can be done through the use of hearing aids, which amplify sound and make it easier for the ear to hear. In some cases, a cochlear implant may be recommended, which is a small electronic device that is surgically implanted into the ear to help improve hearing.

Another approach is tinnitus masking therapy, which can help people with tinnitus learn to manage their symptoms. Tinnitus masking therapy is a treatment that involves the use of external sounds to mask or cover up the phantom noises associated with tinnitus. The goal of tinnitus masking therapy is to reduce the perceived loudness of tinnitus and make it less noticeable. This can be done through the use of various sound therapy devices, such as white noise machines, tinnitus maskers and hearing aids with tinnitus masking features.

White noise machines produce a constant, neutral sound, such as the sound of a fan or a waterfall, which can be used to mask tinnitus. Tinnitus maskers are similar to white noise machines, but they are specifically designed for tinnitus and can be worn in the ear like a hearing aid. They produce a sound that is specifically tailored to the individual’s tinnitus and can be adjusted to match the pitch and loudness of the tinnitus.

Hearing aids with tinnitus masking features can also be used to reduce the effects of tinnitus. These hearing aids are designed to amplify external sounds, making them easier to hear, while also producing a masking sound to cover up tinnitus. The masking sound is typically a low-level noise that is specifically tailored to the individual’s tinnitus.

Tinnitus masking therapy can be effective in reducing the perceived loudness of tinnitus and making it less noticeable. This can help improve the quality of life for people with tinnitus by reducing the impact of the condition on their daily lives. However, it’s important to note that tinnitus masking therapy is not a cure for tinnitus; it can help to alleviate the symptoms. It’s important to consult with an audiologist or a hearing professional to evaluate the best treatment options for you.

As a trained tinnitus therapy professional, I have helped hundreds of people address their needs through the use of hearing aids and tinnitus masking devices. Hopefully we are going to be able to help even more people once our Logansport office is up and running.

In conclusion, undiagnosed hearing loss could be a significant contributing factor to tinnitus. If you are experiencing tinnitus, it is important to have your hearing evaluated by a licensed hearing health care provider. If hearing loss is identified, treatment options such as hearing aids or cochlear implants can be considered to help reduce tinnitus symptoms and improve your quality of life. Additionally, cognitive-behavioral therapy can also be helpful in managing tinnitus symptoms. By addressing hearing loss, we can improve the lives of millions of people who are struggling with the debilitating effects of tinnitus.