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Constant ringing in the ears or buzzing, clicking, and hissing sounds are all symptoms of tinnitus. Although this is not considered a disease in itself, it is a condition that can significantly impact how you live your life. Currently, there is no cure for tinnitus, and receiving tinnitus treatment in the UK can be extremely challenging via tinnitus NHS specialist audiologists.
But this does not mean you have to suffer from this condition. Research and innovative tinnitus treatment in the UK are available. In this post, we will outline the tinnitus NHS treatment options and private tinnitus treatment offered by specialist audiologists.
Tinnitus Causes
The exact causes of tinnitus are not usually known. However, it is frequently associated with:
- Noise-induced hearing loss
- Hearing impairment
- Earwax buildup
- Anxiety and stress
- Depression
- Damage to the nerves in the ear
- Chemotherapy treatment
- Some medications such as aspirin, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), some, and certain types of antibiotics.
Tinnitus NHS Treatment
You can benefit from tinnitus treatment if you have had a sudden onset of tinnitus symptoms or have been enduring them for a while. Your GP will examine your ears to determine whether an ear condition they can treat, such as an ear infection or earwax buildup, may be the source of your tinnitus.
Your GP will need to refer you to a specialist hearing clinic to receive an NHS tinnitus diagnosis and treatment. If you think you have hearing loss, you can ask to be referred to an audiologist for a hearing test.
Tinnitus treatments are usually only available if you have chronic tinnitus, defined as ongoing for six months or more, or severe tinnitus symptoms.
NHS tinnitus treatment in the UK may involve one or a combination of the following:
- Tinnitus counselling, which assists in helping you to develop coping mechanisms for the symptoms
- Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), which helps you to feel calmer and modify the way you think about your tinnitus
- Tinnitus retraining therapy teaches the mind to become less aware of the tinnitus sounds through sound therapy
- Hearing aids if you have hearing loss.
Private Tinnitus Treatment in the UK
There is no recognised cure for persistent tinnitus. But over time, it tends to get more manageable and less difficult to deal with. Though tinnitus symptoms can be frustrating, it doesn’t have to control your daily activities. Regardless of its existence, strategies exist to manage tinnitus symptoms and live an active life.
Private tinnitus treatments can help whether you have lived with tinnitus for a long time or recently noticed the symptoms. Audiologists concentrating on treating tinnitus offer the most innovative and effective solutions. Audiologists can also advise on the benefits of using a hearing aid for tinnitus.
Call our team of audiologists now at 0800 028 6763 to book your tinnitus consultation and get the help you need and the tinnitus relief you deserve today.
How is Tinnitus Diagnosed?
A tinnitus diagnosis conducted by a specialist private hearing clinic will involve various tests, which may include:
- Tinnitus Handicap Inventory (THI) — This well-accepted grading system enables assessment of tinnitus symptoms with accuracy.
- Pure Tone Audiometry -— Determining the precise sound frequencies you hear.
- Speech Discrimination — Establishing which particular sounds you recognise.
- Tinnitus Matching — Finding the exact pitch and frequency of the tinnitus sounds you are currently experiencing.
Specialist Tinnitus Treatment
Private hearing clinics and audiologists are now using various techniques to help reduce tinnitus symptoms. Additionally, they have access to the latest technology. Lee Fletcher (RHAD) (BSHAA), Principal Audiologist and Director of Regain Hearing Clinics in London and Kent, has been at the forefront of groundbreaking techniques for tinnitus treatment for over 13 years.
Every tinnitus treatment programme at Regain Hearing is a bespoke, adaptable treatment strategy. Our tinnitus treatment incorporates several strategies, including sound therapy and cutting-edge apps. We may also recommend a hearing aid for tinnitus that can mask the sound with white noise. Each element focuses on particular tinnitus symptoms and is individualised to the patient’s specific requirements.
Help for Tinnitus
Take On Tinnitus — Self-help interactive website.
British Tinnitus Association (BTA) The BTA offers help and assistance if you live with tinnitus — Helpline 0800 018 0527 (10 am to 4 pm Monday to Friday) Web chat.
If you’re experiencing tinnitus symptoms or have any concerns about your hearing health, contact us to arrange a hearing assessment at one of our clinics or at home with the specialists at Regain Hearing.