701-857–5000
Tinnitus, the perception of the sound without the presence of a surrounding stimulus, disrupts the daily lives of 40-50 million U.S. adults. The underlying cause remains largely a mystery, but tinnitus is commonly associated with hearing loss, especially due to noise exposure. For those who experience tinnitus, it is recommended they undergo a comprehensive hearing evaluation and ear, nose, and throat examination.
A hearing evaluation will include various hearing tests, including tympanometry to assess the outer ear or middle ear and otoacoustic emission screening to measure outer hair cell activity. Options for intervention vary depending on how each patient experiences tinnitus, as well as accompanying symptoms, such as hearing loss. Intervention can range from playing soft music in quiet environments, to use of hearing aids with tinnitus maskers, to retraining or cognitive therapy. A full case history and diagnostic evaluation is necessary in order to find the best option for potential relief.
