Advances in Technology for Tinnitus Treatment

Did you know approximately one in 10 adults in the US have tinnitus. While this may seem alarming, the prevalence of this symptom of an underlying condition means a lot of time and is being invested into technology to tinnitus, which allow for more effective treatment plan from an audiologist.

What are the Different Treatments for Tinnitus?

While some people who experience tinnitus will notice that it gets better over time, for many, it can be chronic. However, there are many different treatment methods available that can be used to lessen the impact it has on your life as a whole. Once you have received a formal diagnosis from an audiologist, you can explore the following treatment options:

• Tinnitus retraining therapy (TRT)
• Lifestyle changes
• Earwax removal
• Medication changes
• Quitting smoking
• Reducing alcohol intake

However, the most effective treatment methods tend to be those crafted through advances in technology for tinnitus treatment, like hearing aids and sound machines.

What technology is Used to Treat Tinnitus?

Right now, there is no definitive cure for tinnitus. However, advancements in technology mean that there are various types of treatments that can be used to manage and reduce the symptoms of tinnitus. This includes hearing aids and noise machines.

Hearing Aids

The first hearing was developed in 1898 by Miller Reese Hutchison, whose device relied on using electrical currents to amplify sounds. In the years that have followed, the technology used in these devices has improved quite considerably, which means they now contain many additional features.

For example, you can now purchase hearing aids with masking features. The tinnitus masking feature is a valuable addition in certain hearing aids, specially designed to provide relief for individuals affected by tinnitus – a persistent ringing or buzzing in the ears. This feature operates by generating background sounds, such as white noise or soothing nature sounds, which effectively conceal or diminish the prominence of the tinnitus noise. By incorporating this technology within hearing aids, wearers can experience a reduction in the nature of their tinnitus.

Noise Machines

Noise machines are another form of technology that can be utilized in the treatment of tinnitus. While they were originally devised to help with conditions such as insomnia, many studies have found that they can also help with tinnitus. This is because the noise generated through white noise machines or similar devices can effectively block out internal sounds, pulling focus away from them. As such, they can serve as a distraction, making them an effective tool that is often relied upon in sound therapy or tinnitus retraining therapy.

Further research into tinnitus, its triggers and symptoms empower innovation – and so does technology advancement. Together, this means the technology and tools used to treat tinnitus and related conditions will only continue to improve. Contact your audiologist if you want to learn more about treatments for your tinnitus.

However, the tools and technology we currently have at our disposal, such as advanced hearing aids, are already incredibly effective when it comes to masking some of the symptoms associated with tinnitus while also reducing the impact it has on your life. If you’d like to find out more, please do not hesitate to contact an audiologist.