Tinnitus affects millions of people at some stage. Although most episodes of tinnitus will resolve on their own, there are some occasions when it’s wise to seek proper assessment from an Audiologist.
Tinnitus That Starts Suddenly or in One Ear
If you get tinnitus suddenly and there is no obvious cause (for example after loud noise) then you should get it checked out as soon as possible. Tinnitus in one ear is also something that should be assessed by an audiologist rather than left to sort itself out as it could be a sign of another underlying problem.
Tinnitus With Other Symptoms
In addition to feeling worried about tinnitus, if you experience any of the following symptoms then it is worth having an assessment as soon as possible: dizziness, ear pain, a fall in hearing. Pulsatile tinnitus is also a symptom that needs a prompt assessment as it can be caused by a variety of reasons and some of these need to be treated as a medical emergency. The NHS provides a clear guide as to when tinnitus needs medical attention and what you should not delay treating.
Tinnitus That Has Not Faded After a Few Weeks Started to Appear
Tinnitus can often not be ‘cured’ but the assessment can offer ways to manage it and make it easier to live with. Many people find that the sound is there but it is no longer a problem after a short period of time using sound therapy. The sooner that tinnitus is assessed the more options will be available for its management.
What an Audiologist Assesses
An audiologist can assess whether tinnitus is associated with hearing loss and if so, whether hearing aids could help. He or she will also check hearing thresholds and assess the pitch and loudness of the tinnitus. If you are looking for Audiologist Bristol, see https://www.imperialhearing.com/audiologist-near-me/bristol/.
Management Options They Can Offer
Your audiologist will look at your tinnitus in terms of its pitch and volume and will assess your hearing thresholds. They can also determine if any hearing loss is present and recommend appropriate management using techniques such as sound therapy or hearing aids. Some cases of tinnitus are referred to a specialist but for many people sound therapy or the use of hearing aids where necessary enables them to get used to the sound of their tinnitus.
Don’t forget that if your tinnitus is persistent or is worrying you in some way, it is always best to have it assessed by an audiologist.