FAQs
Your Questions, Answered
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
You'll find helpful insights here to understand this condition better or find information on managing your symptoms. If your question isn't covered, please don't hesitate to contact us directly through our contact form.
Tinnitus is the perception of sound—such as ringing, buzzing, or hissing—without an external source. It affects approximately 10-15% of the global population and can result from various factors, including prolonged exposure to loud noise, ear infections, hearing loss, and stress. While more common with age, tinnitus can affect individuals of any age, and it's a legitimate auditory condition involving changes in the auditory system.
Various factors, including exposure to loud noises, ear infections, hearing loss, earwax buildup, and certain medications can cause tinnitus. Underlying health conditions may also contribute. It is often a symptom of changes in the auditory system.
Yes, tinnitus is quite common. It affects millions of people worldwide, with varying degrees of severity. It can occur in anyone at any age, although it is more prevalent in older adults.
While there is no definitive cure for tinnitus, it's important to dispel the misconception that it will inevitably worsen with age. In fact, with the right strategies—such as Tinnitus Retraining Therapy (TRT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and lifestyle adjustments—many people see significant improvement in coping with the condition over time.
Numerous strategies exist, each offering hope for improved quality of life. These include avoiding loud environments, using background noise, practising relaxation techniques, and seeking professional help from audiologists and ENT specialists. Understanding and implementing these strategies can significantly improve your ability to cope with tinnitus.
Tinnitus is often associated with hearing loss, but not everyone with tinnitus experiences hearing loss. A comprehensive evaluation by a healthcare professional can help determine the underlying cause.
Some people find relief through home remedies like using white noise machines, reducing caffeine intake, managing stress, and maintaining a healthy lifestyle. However, it's essential to consult a healthcare professional for personalised advice.
Yes, stress and anxiety can exacerbate tinnitus symptoms. Managing stress through mindfulness, exercise, and therapy can help improve your overall experience with tinnitus.
If you experience sudden tinnitus, especially accompanied by other symptoms such as dizziness or hearing loss, or if it significantly impacts your daily life, it's essential to consult a healthcare professional.
Yes, various support groups and online communities exist for individuals with tinnitus. Connecting with others can provide emotional support and practical coping strategies.
TRT is an evidence-based treatment that combines sound therapy with specialised counselling. Sound therapy provides consistent, low-level background noise that helps your brain learn to filter out tinnitus over time. While TRT does not eliminate tinnitus, most individuals experience a reduction in how much it interferes with their daily lives. It's important to note that TRT requires patience, as it typically takes 12 to 18 months to see meaningful improvement.
CBT and TRT are highly complementary in treating tinnitus. While TRT focuses on retraining the brain to reduce awareness of the tinnitus sound, CBT addresses the emotional and psychological impact of the condition. CBT helps individuals modify negative thoughts and behaviours associated with tinnitus, reducing anxiety, stress, and emotional distress. By combining both approaches, patients often experience a more comprehensive improvement—TRT addresses the perception of tinnitus, while CBT helps manage the emotional response.