Tinnitus is the preception of sound in the ears or head when no external sound is present. It is often described as "ringing in the ears", but can also take the form of hissing, clicking, roaring or other similar sounds.
The American Tinnitus Association estimates that more than 50 million Americans experience tinnitus to some degree. For most, tinnitus is diagnosed as a benign, chronic condition that requires no treatment. The remaining people find it a plaguing affliction that cannot be ignored and can be so debilitating that it impacts all aspects of life.
Tinnitus is most commonly caused by hearing loss and exposure to loud noise. All too often, exposure to guns firing, rock concerts, chain saws, and other loud noises will create tinnitus. Effects from medications, drugs or alcohol also play an important part in causing tinnitus.
Often tinnitus is not a serious symptom. However, sometimes it can be a sign of a serious medical problem. Anyone with ringing in the ears should be evaluated by an ENT physician. Tests of the ear should be done including an audiometric hearing test with tympanometry, brainstem auditory evoked potentials (BAER), electrocochleography (Ecog), and otoacoustic emissions (OAE). These are needed to rule out any serious problem that may be treated. After the cause is diagnosed, treatment can be instituted.
Look at the incredible anatomy of HOW WE HEAR. It’s self-explanatory. It’s delicate. It’s all we have for verbal communication.
Sound waves enter the ear canal and vibrate the ear drum. This causes the middle ear mechanism (ossicles) to vibrate and send those waves on to the inner ear and brain. It’s a chain reaction. The electrical impulses in the cochlea are transmitted through the cochlear nerve to the auditory portion of the brain.
TINNITUS TREATMENT CENTER at the Silverstein Institute
Our multi-disciplinary approach offers a comprehensive treatment using a variety of treatments including:
Hearing Devices - which allow the patient to hear better and mask the noise from the ear
Desensitization using Neuromonics Tinnitus Treatment - the only FDA approved treatment for tinnitus http://www.neuromonics.com/professional/treatment/index.aspx?id=136
Nutritional Supplements
Pharmacotherapy/Medications
Psychotherapy
Lifestyle Changes/Diet/Stress Reduction
Our comprehensive treatment program will help you:
- gain CONTROL over your senses
- find FREEDOM from Tinnitus
- have POWER in life, and bring out the HAPPY, HEALTHY, and PEACEFUL YOU.
If you have any questions, need additional information, or would like to schedule an appointment, call Toll Free 1-888-418-9200.
Research Study
If you are one of the 50 million Americans affected by tinnitus, you may be eligible to participate in a clinical study for desensitization using the Neuromonics Tinnitus Treatment device.
The Silverstein Institute is enrolling patients into a tinnitus treatment study. You may be eligible to participate in the study if: you are 18 years of age or older, you have moderate to severe tinnitus, you have suffered from tinnitus for 6 months or longer, or you may qualify if you have non-disturbing tinnitus but report discomfort around moderately loud sounds. The study involves an FDA-cleared treatment for long-term significant relief of tinnitus. Study participants will be compensated for their participation; however, study participants will be responsible for the cost of the treatment. Insurance may cover a portion of professional services.