Tinnitus Evaluation and Treatment
What Is Tinnitus?
Tinnitus is a widespread condition affecting up to 50 million Americans - often as a result of hearing loss after exposure to excessive or loud noises. Sufferers perceive sound in the ear or head in the absence of corresponding external stimuli (i.e. a sufferer hears a ringing, buzzing, hissing, clicking, roaring or beeping 
although there is no external or environmental sound creating it).For some, tinnitus is a distraction or an annoyance. But for others, tinnitus can be debilitating. Tinnitus is a condition that can result from a range of underlying causes, including ear infections, foreign objects or wax in the ear, or injury from loud noises. Tinnitus can also result as a side-effect of some medications. Tinnitus is often evaluated clinically from mild to severe according to the impact on quality of life, such as interference with sleep, quiet activities, work roles, social interaction or normal daily activities.
It is estimated that 10% to 15% of adults have prolonged tinnitus requiring medical evaluation and approximately 2 million Americans suffer from severe tinnitus. Many tinnitus sufferers have irregular sleep patterns that result in sleep deprivation. In addition, tinnitus sufferers are often prescribed medications to cover some of the tinnitus symptoms or other health conditions that may have been impacted by the tinnitus. However, these medications typically do not treat the tinnitus itself.
What Effects Does Tinnitus Have?
Chronic tinnitus can be very stressful, debilitating and disruptive on everyday activities. Tinnitus can interrupt and distract mental tasks and interfere with sleep. Sleep deprivation can lead to a whole host of other problems including aching muscles, depression, Diabetes, decreased concentration, headaches, hypertension/hyperactivity, irritability and weight gain.
For some, tinnitus is more than a mild annoyance - it is a chronic and stressing condition that can lead to:
- Loss of sleep
- Inability to relax
- Lack of concentration
- Sensitivity to loud sounds/hyperacusis
- Negative impact on work, family, and social life
How Can You Help Me?
Widex Zen technology: Zen is a unique music program available in Widex hearing aids. Based on what is known as fractal technology, Zen plays random, chime-like tones that can be used for relaxation and for making tinnitus less noticable. Your audiologist can adjust each Zen program according to your preference in terms of pitch, tempo, and volume. For some hearing aid users the effects of using Zen is immediate, but for most it will take some time. Your audiologist will help you set realistic goals and help you adjust as needed.
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Click for more information about Zen technology.