Tinnitus is a perception of sound in the ears or head when no external sound source is present. It may be described as ringing, buzzing, roaring, cricket sound, or other combinations of sounds. Many individuals who suffer from tinnitus also suffer from hyperacusis, or an abnormal sensitivity to sound.
It is common for most people have temporary ringing in their ears that is not problematic. However, when the sound is persistent it is important to see an Audiologist experienced in the clinical diagnosis and treatment of this disorder.
Tinnitus Treatment Options
Everyone experiences tinnitus differently. Therefore, we offer various treatment options to our patients to deal with the physiological phenomenon of tinnitus and/or hyperacusis.
Retraining Your Brain with AGX technology
We are the ONLY clinic in York Region that has access to AGX tinnitus technology to treat tinnitus and hyperacusis. This technology is available in hearing devices and is used to retrain the brain over time using evidence-based treatment protocols.
The AGX tinnitus device may be right for you if:
- You have a hearing loss and experience tinnitus
- You have older hearing aids that do not have tinnitus technology
- You have hearing aids that were not programmed by a licensed Audiologist
- You have a history of loud noise exposure in the workplace that caused your hearing loss and/or tinnitus
Sabrina DeToma is a licensed Audiologist with a clinical doctorate degree in the field of Audiology. She has extensive experience in treating tinnitus including training on Tinnitus Retraining Therapy with Jastreboff and a post graduate certificate in Tinnitus and Hyperacusis management. This means you can trust that you are receiving the latest proven treatment and technology to manage your tinnitus.
Call us today to book a tinnitus consultation and determine if you are a candidate for this technology 289-963-1512.
Otoharmonics Levo Tinnitus Treatment
This system is no longer available in Canada.
The system includes an Apple iPod touch paired with earbuds that runs an app that generates sounds for the patient to listen to while sleeping. Usage statistics and progress of treatment can be easily shared from the patient’s iPod touch to the clinician’s Levo Manager app for regular review. The earbuds were designed to be comfortable to wear while sleeping. The technology that generates these tones was originally developed at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center and is now available in the Levo system.
Levo Tinnitus System in the news: New device offers solution for ringing in the ears
The Levo system may be right for you if:
- You work in a loud environment during the day requiring the use of hearing protection
- You find relief at bedtime by listening to a sound similar to your tinnitus
- You have normal hearing sensitivity
- You have a hearing loss and cannot use hearing aids
- You are over 18 years of age
Call us today to book a tinnitus consultation and determine if you are a candidate for this technology 289-963-1512.
Cognitive Behaviour Therapy
Whatever treatment option you use the most effective treatment is attained when an individual with tinnitus is treated by an interdisciplinary team, including an Audiologist and a Psychologist.
The most common psychological conditions that co-occur with tinnitus include depression and anxiety. In many cases anxiety and depression predate the tinnitus however psychological symptoms can also result from this condition.
Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT) has been shown to be effective in treating both the symptoms of tinnitus and associated psychological symptoms. This is achieved through strategies that help reduce negative thinking about the symptoms and curb the tendency to be hyper-focused on the tinnitus sounds. Other strategies commonly employed include goal setting, problem-solving, stimulus control, and relaxation training. Often a combination of medical and psychological treatments can be most effective in reducing the impact of tinnitus on an individual’s life.
At Salus Hearing Centre we have Audiologists and Psychologists that work together to identify the cause of your tinnitus and ensure that you are coping well with your tinnitus.