A Hearing Evaluation to Diagnose Tinnitus
Posted on: 2 May 2022
Are you always restless from losing sleep because your ears have a ringing sound that does not go away? A condition that is commonly associated with ringing in the ears is called tinnitus, which unfortunately cannot be cured. However, it is possible to make the ringing less noticeable with the right kind of treatment by a hearing specialist. If you want to find out if you have tinnitus or another condition that is causing the ringing in your ears, you will need to undergo a hearing evaluation to pinpoint the root of the problem. Depending on the results, you might need to wear a hearing aid to obtain relief from the sound of ringing.
Why Might Someone Develop Tinnitus?
If you have experienced an injury to your head or neck, it can cause tinnitus to develop. For example, some people who get head and neck injuries in collisions develop ringing in at least one ear. There are medications that can cause tinnitus, such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs that are used to treat pain, as well as diuretics and other drugs. A common cause of tinnitus is hearing loss, which is the result of the hair cells in the inner ear getting damaged. Hearing loss is common with old age, but it can also develop in a younger person, such as from prolonged exposure to loud noise.
What Happens During a Hearing Evaluation?
A hearing evaluation is an exam that involves wearing earphones so an audiologist can assess your ability to hear. For example, while wearing the earphones, the audiologist will send sounds into each of your ears. Depending on your ability to hear the sounds, the test will determine if your ability to hear is at a normal level or not. A hearing evaluation is ideal for diagnosing and ruling out tinnitus as the cause of the ringing in your ears. If the audiologist is concerned about your results, you may have to undergo additional testing before a diagnosis is made, including imaging and lab tests.
Which Hearing Aids Are Ideal for Tinnitus?
If a hearing evaluation results in an audiologist diagnosing you with tinnitus, a hearing aid might be recommended. There are hearing aids that are designed to help with tinnitus, such as by providing relief via notch therapy. A hearing aid can be customized to work with the specific level of tinnitus you are experiencing. Make a hearing evaluation appointment to find out if you have tinnitus and need to wear a hearing aid.
For more information, contact a business such as Audiology Services.
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