Services
What is Tinnitus?
Tinnitus is the term given for noises that individuals hear in their ears or their head when there are no other sound sources. It is not life threatening condition but it is a symptom, similar to an ache or blurred vision. Approximately 10% of adults report tinnitus and each person’s experience is unique.
Two of our staff members, ready to assist at our recent tinnitus open day event
Our friendly staff are on hand to offer advice to all
What does it sound like
It is frequently described as whistling, humming or buzzing and can sometimes be associated with hearing loss, exposure to loud noises, ear or head injuries, ear conditions or emotional stress or a combination of things. There is not always a clear explanation of how tinnitus is produced but current research would suggest it involves several of the bodies systems and not just the hearing pathway.
The Auditory System
The auditory system is complex and sound travels from the outer ear – the part we can see, through the middle ear, inner ear and up the auditory nerve and interpreted by the auditory cortex. The hearing system has many filters allowing us to tune in to certain sounds and filter out other sounds. The brain has systems that respond to the meaning of sounds and therefore affecting our reactions to sounds.
Many individuals feel they are unable to escape from their tinnitus and find it very beneficial to seek advice.
Tinnitus Management Centre
Hearing Aid Solutions have the only independent tinnitus management service in Wales. We have different strategies that can be put into place to help each individual on their journey to ensure tinnitus is not taking over their lives.
What we do
A full audiological assessment is performed to help us decide on the right form of treatment. Audiogram examens hearing ability and sound tolerance, tympanometry to measure compliance of the middle ear and relevant questionnaires are also completed in the assessment. There in no magic cure for tinnitus but many people are helped by having a consultation with our Audiologist. This appointment forms the basis for tinnitus retraining therapy shaped to meet the needs of each patient.
There is also an opportunity to purchase different aids that are extremely beneficial for tinnitus sufferers such as sleep pillows and sound balls. On occasions it is appropriate to consider the use of amplication using hearing aids. Advice is also given regarding sound generators. Tinnitus Phase-Out™ which is a newer form of treatment is also available. This is not based on traditional approaches, but looks at a form of suppression to give periods of alleviation and is suitable to some individuals.
For more information or to book an appointment please contact us on 01267 221977.
Tinnitus Open Day at Hearing Aid Solutions
To celebrate National Tinnitus Week (11th - 15th February), and in support of the British Tinnitus Association, an open day was held at Hearing Aid Solutions. The event was supported by Puretone/Audimed, manufacturer of Tinnitus relief equipment.
The day was a complete success with visitors learning more about tinnitus coming from as far away as Cardiff and Newport. Each person received an information pack and had the opportunity to seek advice from our onsite Audiologist, Sarah Foster who has over 15 years clinical experience and was able to advise on how tinnitus can be managed effectively. Puretone also supplied information, demonstrated their tinnitus support products and gave helpful advice.
“It is estimated that 8 - 10% of the UK population experiences tinnitus, 7% of these have visited their GPs for guidance and help. 1% of adults who suffer with tinnitus report that it has had a severe effect on their quality of life” RNID
Anyone with tinnitus will know what it is like to live with the condition. Each person has a unique experience with varied levels of severity and intensity. The aim of the day was to raise awareness and offer reassurance that there is help available which can make a very positive difference. Following the huge support and success of this open day, another Tinnitus information day will be held later in the year.
If you have tinnitus and would like further information then please contact us.
