Tinnitus and Hyperacusis can improve over time

We can help you live a better life.

There can be many causes of Tinnitus, although it is most commonly caused by changes in the hearing pathways which alters neural activity in the auditory system in the brain. This activity can become exaggerated over time with attention and emotion. Tinnitus and Hyperacusis can improve over time with education, understanding, management and using devices, tools and resources - this is where I come in.

 

However, we need a team approach! Although there is usually no simple medical solution to Tinnitus or Hyperacusis, there is sometimes an underlying medical cause that should be checked and treated by your Doctor or Ear, Nose and Throat Specialist.

Medical attention

For the few people who have tinnitus or hyperacusis start suddenly, or if you are experiencing other symptoms which may include feeling unwell, a sudden change in hearing, dizziness, vertigo, or a feeling of fullness or pressure in the ears, it is essential that you see a Doctor urgently. There may be an underlying medical cause that needs treating.

If you are struggling to cope with tinnitus and it is having a significant impact on your mental health, please see your GP for referrals and support.

 

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)

If you are struggling to cope with tinnitus or hyperacusis, it is important to work with a Clinical Psychologist or Counsellor. Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) has been shown through research to be helpful by altering the associations and connections to tinnitus and hyperacusis in the brain linked to stress, attention, emotion and memory networks.

Specialist referral

An Ear, Nose and Throat Specialist (ENT) can assess your hearing system for medical causes, and arrange scans if necessary.

A referral to ENT can be made by your GP, or by me following an online session, if it is necessary.

 

Hearing test

Your local Audiologist can perform a full diagnostic hearing test. This is an important part of the picture that will help me to tailor a treatment plan specific to you. As sound therapy is a good treatment option for tinnitus and hyperacusis, I will be able to advise the type of device which would be most suitable given your hearing levels. You can then return to your audiologist to discuss the options available.

 

Your GP

Even if your tinnitus or hyperacusis is not linked to other symptoms and if it came on gradually over time, it is still important to discuss your tinnitus or hyperacusis with your GP when you see them, as part of your overall health care.

 

ACC Funding

If your tinnitus or hyperacusis started due to an accident or head injury, you may be eligible for ACC funding for your appointment. If ACC have accepted your injury claim please call your ACC Claim Manager and request a TRT01 appointment with me for tinnitus counselling. If you are working with a brain injury rehabilitation centre or an audiologist they can also request funding on your behalf. Once you have received approval from ACC please forward your ACC approval letter by email to admin@tinnitusrelief.co.nz.

So, where do I come into this picture?

  • Tinnitus and Hyperacusis can be worrying, stressful, annoying, and isolating. Talking to someone who understands and can offer practical research-led solutions, an in-depth understanding, and knows how to guide you through the process specific to your Tinnitus or Hyperacusis, is a vital step in moving forward.

  • My specialist knowledge and experience in Tinnitus and Hyperacusis allows me to expertly guide you through the process of improving these auditory symptoms over time.

  • Medical professionals and the hearing test results give valuable information to enable a comprehensive understanding of your Tinnitus or Hyperacusis, so that I can develop a tailored treatment plan specific to your needs and circumstances.

  • I will explain the possible or likely cause of your Tinnitus or Hyperacusis, the neuromechanisms involved and contributions from other centres in the brain, and how to get the brain to change over time, using a slideshow with visual representations.

  • We will discuss how to prevent your Tinnitus or Hyperacusis from becoming worse over time.

  • I can provide the resources, tools, and information needed to retrain your brain, and explain why these tools are needed, how they help, and when to use them.

  • We will decide together at the end of the initial session if follow up appointments will be helpful, and how often these would be suitable.

  • I will provide a written treatment plan and make additional referrals as necessary.

 

Collaborations with:

Tinnitus Tunes is a website that provides research and clinically proven tinnitus content and treatment options for people with tinnitus, physicians, clinicians and researchers. They have a wide range of easy-to-use resources, a wealth of research-led information and a variety of courses as well as a brain training programme: www.tinnitustunes.com

The University of Auckland has an excellent research centre with a special focus on tinnitus, led by Assoc.Prof Grant Searchfield who has international recognition for his contributions to research, publications, and advancement of tinnitus management through education, and his development of technology, devices, media and theories of practice that support tinnitus. If you are interested in taking part in research or would like to contribute in other ways please contact Professor Grant Searchfield, Head of Department, Section of Audiology, The University of Auckland. Email:  g.searchfield@auckland.ac.nz