Tinnitus Treatment & Relief Options in Statesville, NC
Tinnitus is when you hear sounds like ringing, buzzing, or hissing without an external source. These phantom noises can vary in pitch and may affect one or both ears. While often harmless, a sudden ringing in your ears can signal certain health issues like a change in blood pressure. Tinnitus normally fades within hours, but persistent tinnitus can interfere with daily activities, sleep, and overall health and wellbeing.
The good news: tinnitus is treatable, and modern audiology offers several evidence-based strategies to reduce its impact.
At Piedmont Hearing & Balance Center, Dr. Richardson and team specialize in tinnitus evaluation and management, using a combination of hearing science, counseling, and advanced sound therapies tailored to each patient. Contact us for an appointment and learn more about your Relief options below.
What Are The Common Causes of Tinnitus
Several factors can lead to tinnitus, including:
- Hearing Loss: Age-related or noise-induced hearing loss is a frequent cause.
- Ear Infections or Blockages: Earwax buildup or infections can trigger tinnitus.
- Exposure to Loud Noises: Concerts, machinery, or loud music can damage inner ear cells.
- Circulatory Changes: In rare cases, vascular issues create pulsatile tinnitus
- Medications: Some drugs list tinnitus as a side effect.
- Health Issues: Conditions like Ménière's disease, thyroid disease or changes in blood pressure can sometimes lead to tinnitus.
- Head or Neck Injuries: May affect auditory processing pathways
Research supported by the American Tinnitus Association consistently shows that most tinnitus cases are associated with some degree of hearing loss.
That’s why a comprehensive hearing evaluation is typically the first step in treatment.
How Audiologists Treat Tinnitus
There is no universal cure for tinnitus, but many therapies can significantly reduce its severity and emotional impact.
Treatment usually focuses on three goals:
- Reducing the brain’s focus on tinnitus
- Restoring auditory input (when hearing loss exists)
- Lowering stress and nervous system reactivity
What Treatments Options are Available for Tinnitus
Hearing Aids
Amplifying external sounds with a hearing aid can make tinnitus less noticeable.
Sound Masking Devices
These produce background noise to mask tinnitus sounds.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
Tinnitus Retraining Therapy (TRT)
Combines sound therapy with counseling to habituate the tinnitus sound.
Relaxation Techniques
Who Is a Good Candidate for Tinnitus Treatment?
Not every case of tinnitus requires the same approach.
You may benefit from treatment if:
- Your tinnitus interferes with sleep
- It causes stress or anxiety
- You also have hearing loss
- The sound is persistent or worsening
- You struggle to concentrate because of it
During a tinnitus evaluation, Dr. Richardson assesses:
- Hearing ability
- Tinnitus pitch and loudness
- Lifestyle factors
- Emotional impact
- Sleep and stress patterns
This allows us to design a personalized management plan, rather than a one-size-fits-all solution.
What Patients Say
Can tinnitus be cured?
Currently, there is no universal cure for tinnitus. However, many treatments can significantly reduce its severity. Hearing aids, sound therapy, counseling, and emerging neuromodulation technologies help the brain learn to ignore tinnitus signals.
What is the best treatment for tinnitus?
The best treatment depends on the underlying cause. For many patients, hearing aids with sound therapy provide the most relief. Others benefit from tinnitus retraining therapy or specialized neuromodulation approaches.
How do audiologists treat tinnitus?
Audiologists evaluate hearing, identify contributing factors, and create customized management plans. Treatment may include:
- Hearing aids
- Sound therapy
- Counseling
- Tinnitus retraining therapy
- Lifestyle guidance for sleep and stress
Is tinnitus related to hearing loss?
Yes. Research shows that most tinnitus cases are associated with some degree of hearing loss, even if the hearing loss is mild or not yet noticeable.
Seeking Professional Help
If tinnitus persists or worsens, consult an Audiologist at Piedmont Hearing & Balance Center in Statesville. Our team offers comprehensive evaluations and personalized plans to help you find relief. Call 704-754-4264 or contact us online today.
Reviewed by the audiologist at Piedmont Hearing & Balance Center
Still have questions? Ask our audiologist!