Tinnitus Evaluation & Management

What Is Tinnitus?

Tinnitus is commonly described as a ringing in the ears, but it also can sound like a roaring, clicking, hissing, or buzzing sound. These sounds are perceived by the patient, but are not related to any external source. They can be heard in either one or both ears, and can be constant or intermittent. Experts estimate that over 20 million Americans experience tinnitus at any given time, and unfortunately, many of these sufferers are not aware that relief is possible.

Tinnitus is a symptom signaling that something is wrong within the ear, the auditory nerve that connects the inner ear to the brain, and/or the parts of the brain that process sound. Even a piece of earwax blocking the ear canal can cause tinnitus. It can also be the result of a number of health conditions, such as certain types of hearing loss, ear and sinus infections, diseases of the heart or blood vessels, Meniere’s disease, brain tumors, hormonal changes in women, or thyroid abnormalities.

While the cause of tinnitus remains elusive, many innovative approaches to managing it have been developed in recent years. Some patients find the use of hearing aids to be extremely beneficial while others look toward other options like meditation. Many sufferers report having trouble sleeping and focusing, while others report heightened levels of stress as a result of their condition. Researchers are continuing to make strides in tinnitus treatment, much to the delight of those who struggle with it.

Tinnitus Evaluations

If you suspect you may have tinnitus, visit Kitsap Audiology for a comprehensive tinnitus evaluation. This appointment will help us determine the nature and severity of your symptoms and can help us to create a tinnitus management option that is best for you and your lifestyle.

During your tinnitus evaluation, you can expect to:

Understand the fundamental science behind your tinnitus
Learn how your brain can retrain itself to help lessen the attention it gives to your symptoms
Duplicate your tinnitus sound for loved ones to hear
Learn about our tinnitus management options and which is best for you

In some cases, tinnitus is caused by a medical condition, so our team will utilize a range of diagnostic audiological testing and a medical evaluation to evaluate your symptoms. Along with an in-depth interview, these tests will allow us to create a specialized treatment plan that meets your needs.

Ultimately, our goal is to develop a management program that lowers your perception and disturbance of tinnitus and allows you to enjoy your day to day life with ease. Most patients find that utilizing sound therapy can help immensely, and at Kitsap Audiology, we are certified providers of the Levo System by Otoharmonics.

The Levo system has been proven to aid patients in reducing their tinnitus symptoms while they enjoy a comfortable night of sleep. Now you can enjoy user-friendly, patented Levo software on a provided Apple iPod Touch that will allow you to listen to your personalized sound match at home. Custom-fit earbuds, designed to ensure comfort during sleep, allow for optimal positioning and controlled delivery of sound therapy. When used nightly, you will be able to share your individualized progress which will allow our team to determine any needed improvements over time.

At Kitsap Audiology, we understand how hard living with tinnitus can be. We take the time to thoroughly assess the degree and nature of your unique experience of tinnitus, and then review your options for finding the relief you’ve been waiting for. Our goal is to help you return to a normal way of living, one where your tinnitus symptoms do not overpower your day to day life.