Introduction How You Hear Digital RevolutionTinnitus
What Happens Comparison Chart Hearing Quiz
Digital Revolution Testimonials
About UsForms Contact UsGuide Book

To speak with a Doctor...
Call: 804-282-5590

Search this site:

Hearing Solutions You Can Trust.

 

Tinnitus

Tinnitus is a very common problem that affects millions of people around the world.  Tinnitus is auditory phantom perception, or an auditory sensation that is not related to the perception of external sound.  When asked to describe their ear noise, many tinnitus patients will describe their tinnitus as noise in the ears or head which is frequently described as ringing, buzzing, humming, hissing, or sounds similar to escaping steam.  Approximately 44 million Americans experience some type of tinnitus.  One out of one hundred adults (that’s about 2.8 million) report that their tinnitus interferes with concentration, sleep, and quality of life.    While tinnitus is frequently associated with different conditions (hearing loss, otosclerosis, ear infections, Meniere’s Disease, prescriptive and non prescriptive drug use), noise exposure is the most common cause of tinnitus. 

What treatment options are available?  Too often, the patient with tinnitus is told that there is no surgery or treatment for tinnitus.  While surgery and medical/prescriptive treatment for tinnitus is not recommended, many tinnitus patients report significant success with a combination of counseling, education, and sound treatment.  Dr. Lori Gardner has been trained in a highly regarded approach to tinnitus management—TRT or Tinnitus ReTraining Therapy (TRT).   TRT combines an initial evaluation, counseling and use of different devices to provide desensitization of tinnitus.   For more information, call Dr. Lori at  804-282-5590.  

The Initial Tinnitus Evaluation

The initial tinnitus evaluation is a comprehensive appointment designed for people who have already received a comprehensive ear, nose, and throat examination.  The initial tinnitus evaluation or appointment consists of:  audiometric evaluation, counseling, and device fitting (if necessary).  Total contact time between you and a Hear Virginia audiologist will be three to six hours.  This is preferably split into two days but can be one very long and intensive day, if necessary. 

You will first receive a comprehensive audiologic evaluation.  After a brief interview, the audiologist will perform a range of tests which will provide us with specific information about your hearing, tinnitus and/or hyperacusis.  Many of these tests are unique and are not normally performed in otolaryngology offices.  If you have recently had audiologic testing, medical evaluation, blood tests, or imaging studies, please bring these results with you—do not rely on mail, courier, or fax. 

Your counseling session will follow the comprehensive audiologic evaluation.  During this session, we will discuss the anatomy and function of the ear, potential mechanisms of tinnitus, and its alleviation.  During the counseling session, we will also present the best treatment plan for you.  We will address your individual questions and concerns during this counseling session.  Since treatment always includes the use of external background sound, you will receive specific instruction for sound therapy.  Frequently, the background sound is amplified by hearing aids, or enriched with low level sound generating devices.  Your exact treatment plan will be specified and explained to you.  Your commitment to treatment is a crucial ingredient to success.  If instruments are needed to implement therapy, a fitting appointment will proceed. 

To schedule your tinnitus evaluation, call us at 804-282-5590.

 

 
 
  • Change text size  
  • normal_text
  • small_text
  • big_text

Contact a
Doctor of Audiology

TESTIMONIALS

See what others are saying...