Tinnitus Management Maidstone, Tunbridge Wells and Kent
If you have a buzzing, ringing or hissing in your ears that is not caused by an external sound and that no one else can hear, you probably have tinnitus. It’s a common condition, with 1 in 8 adults in the UK suffering persistent tinnitus, and it can affect anyone at any stage of life, including children, but is particularly common in older adults.
Causes of tinnitus include hearing loss, exposure to loud noises, listening to loud music for extended periods of time, a build-up of earwax, head injury, stress, and the side effects of certain medication. Tinnitus may also be caused by or linked to other medical conditions, for example, Meniere’s Disease, Eustachian Tube Dysfunction, ear infections or blood vessel disorders. Symptoms vary dramatically from person to person, with some experiencing symptoms of their tinnitus all the time, and others having only sporadic or occasional symptoms.
At Kent Hearing, Dr Carling will discuss the symptoms of your tinnitus with you in detail, before undertaking all the appropriate tests to determine the extent and impact of your tinnitus. She will then recommend a personalised treatment plan to ensure that your tinnitus is managed as effectively as possible, accordingly to your individual condition and lifestyle.
If appropriate we may refer you to other health professionals, organisations or groups to best address your condition.
To book your appointment please call us on 01732 525912
What are the different symptoms and types of Tinnitus?
Tinnitus symptoms vary dramatically from person to person. Some people experience a ringing, buzzing, clicking or humming noise. Others describe their tinnitus as a roaring, rushing or whooshing sound. In more severe cases tinnitus can cause dizziness, block out external sounds, disrupt sleep, affect concentration and lead to fatigue, anxiety and even depression. In others, the tinnitus may be so soft that it is barely noticeable.
People with pulsatile tinnitus experience a sound that is linked to their heartbeat. This is usually caused by blood flowing at speed through the veins and arteries in the neck. Very rarely, tinnitus may be a sign of a more serious condition, for example a neurological condition or a tumour of the middle ear. Recent studies have also identified possible links between tinnitus and the menopause, most likely due to hormonal changes affecting the auditory system.
Treatments for Tinnitus at Kent Hearing
While there is no definitive cure for tinnitus, it is often caused by an underlying condition e.g. age-related hearing loss, which once correctly identified can be treated to ease or relieve the tinnitus. Where tinnitus is hearing-loss related, hearing aids can often have a positive impact on reducing tinnitus symptoms.
Where there is no underlying condition, Dr Carling will recommend ways for your tinnitus to be managed as effectively as possible. Sound therapy, talking therapy, relaxation techniques including meditation and yoga can all help reduce or ease tinnitus symptoms. Where tinnitus may be stress or anxiety related, counselling may be also be recommended.
Some lifestyle changes can also reduce tinnitus and, where relevant, will be discussed with you at your appointment. These might include limiting exposure to loud noises, reducing the volume at which you listen to loud music, wearing hearing protection and limiting your intake of alcohol and caffeine.
About your Tinnitus appointment at Kent Hearing
On the day of your appointment, Dr Carling will review your past medical and hearing history and undertake a clinical examination of your ears. Based on the results of this, she will select a range of tests to determine the extent and severity of your condition.
Once these tests have taken place, she will then discuss the results and the most relevant treatment options with you, so that you can make an informed choice on how to proceed.
Because very patient’s tinnitus has different symptoms, every patient’s treatment plan will be personalised specifically them and their individual condition.
Your appointment will take approximately 60 minutes and you are welcome to bring your partner with you should you wish to do so.
Frequently asked questions
Can all tinnitus be cured?
How do hearing aids help reduce tinnitus?
Can children have tinnitus?
Yes. Tinnitus can affect anyone at any age, even very young children. It can be in one ear, both ears, or in the centre of your head. If you or your family are experiencing tinnitus symptoms, please do get in touch with us by calling 01732 525912.
Did you know?
- Occasionally, some people with tinnitus can hear a familiar song or music playing. This is known as musical tinnitus.
- Several pop and rock stars have referred to either tinnitus or a ringing in their ears in their lyrics. Suzanne Vega, Peter Frampton and Bob Seger are just a few of these. This could be due to their ears frequently experiencing high levels of noise when playing concerts or gigs.
- Stress can impact greatly on the extent of the difficulties people may experience with tinnitus. The higher the level of stress experienced, the greater the chance of being troubled by tinnitus.
To talk to us about your tinnitus or to make an appointment, please call us on 01732 525912.
About Kent Hearing
Our aim at Kent Hearing is to provide the highest standards of personally tailored hearing care to for our patients, to help them enjoy the best possible hearing and quality of life. Dr Priya Carling AuD, RHAD and her team provide a range of hearing services that include hearing checks, hearing diagnostics and hearing testing, hearing aids, microsuction earwax removal , and tinnitus management. The practice also offers comprehensive paediatric (children’s) hearing services, for children of all ages, including hearing testing and earwax removal, as well as custom devices, for both adults and children.