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Your Trusted Tinnitus Specialists in Greensboro, North Carolina

Are you plagued by a persistent “ringing in the ears” or hearing a sound when no external noise exists?

Do you hear hissing, roaring, whistling, chirping, or clicking that no one else seems to notice? If so, you might be experiencing tinnitus, a common yet challenging condition that can significantly impact the quality of your life.

Great experience!! Excellent customer service from beginning to end. Shannon explained everything well and I had a good understanding of treatment options.

Donna Sutton

Shannon Frymark, Au.D., talking to a female patient suffering from ringing in the ears
Audiologist with a senior female patient

Tinnitus—More Common Than You Might Think

Tinnitus, as pervasive as it is mysterious, affects approximately 15 percent of Americans—translating to around 50 million people nationwide.

While it may seem relatively commonplace, this persistent condition can cause considerable disruption and distress, compelling those affected to seek professional help.

Perhaps the most insidious aspect of tinnitus is its subtlety. It is not an illness in and of itself, but rather is often a symptom of other underlying issues.

Common causes include noise-induced hearing loss, a buildup of earwax, sinus infections, jaw misalignments, or the side effects of certain medications.

That’s why, at Aim Hearing and Audiology, we understand how crucial it is to get to the root of the problem. We advocate for a comprehensive hearing evaluation if you exhibit any signs of tinnitus.

A Deeper Dive Into Tinnitus

Tinnitus is a complex and often misunderstood condition. Contrary to popular belief, tinnitus is not a disease but a symptom. It’s a neurological disorder where your brain processes a sound that isn’t actually present in your environment.

Tinnitus manifests in two primary types: subjective, where only the individual can hear the sounds, and objective, a rarer form where both the person and others can perceive the sound.

The noises associated with tinnitus can vary significantly from person to person. They may present as ringing, buzzing, hissing, or a multitude of other sounds. They can be constant, intermittent, or pulsatile, or they can come in waves.

Intriguingly, men are more prone to experiencing tinnitus than women. Additionally, about 90 percent of individuals with tinnitus also suffer from some degree of noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL).

The intricacies of tinnitus go far beyond these facts. This condition can wreak havoc on an individual’s day-to-day life, affecting their sleep, concentration, mood, and overall mental well-being. Tinnitus tends to worsen over time if left untreated, further exacerbating its impact.

Tinnitus Management Solutions at Aim Hearing and Audiology

Medications

Certain medications can cause tinnitus. If we discover that your tinnitus is a side effect of a medication you’re taking, we may suggest a change in your prescription. And as part of a comprehensive management strategy, some patients may benefit from antidepressants or anti-anxiety medications.

Acoustic Therapy

This therapy uses externally generated sounds to mask, inhibit, or alter the tinnitus sounds, making it easier for you to manage your symptoms. Acoustic therapy can involve a sound generator, a combined hearing aid and sound generator, or in-home masking devices.

Music Therapy

This is an effective alternative for those who find masking noises irritating. Music therapy uses soothing, consistent classical music passages to reduce tinnitus awareness.

Tinnitus Retraining Therapy (TRT)

As one of the most successful management forms, TRT combines directive counseling with low-level sound masking. Its primary aim is to “retrain” your brain to assign less importance to tinnitus sounds.

Hearing Aids

For individuals with concurrent hearing loss, hearing aids can help minimize tinnitus. By amplifying background sounds, the tinnitus noises become less noticeable.

Stress Management

Because stress significantly aggravates tinnitus symptoms, we also provide stress management techniques like relaxation training, guided imagery, and self-hypnosis as part of our comprehensive tinnitus management approach.

Facts About Tinnitus

  • Tinnitus is not a disease but a symptom of an underlying condition.
  • It's a neurological disorder causing the brain to interpret a sound that isn't actually present.
  • There are two types of tinnitus: subjective (only the person experiencing it can hear the sounds) and objective (both the individual and others can perceive the sound).
  • The sounds heard can vary from ringing, buzzing, or hissing to a multitude of other noises. They can be continuous, intermittent, or pulsatile, or they can come in waves.
  • Approximately 15 percent of Americans experience some form of tinnitus, representing roughly 50 million people.
  • Men are more likely to experience tinnitus than women.
  • Almost 90 percent of individuals with tinnitus also suffer from some degree of noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL).
  • Common causes of tinnitus include noise-induced hearing loss, a buildup of earwax, sinus infection, jaw misalignment, or side effects of certain medications.
  • Tinnitus can significantly affect a person's daily life, disrupting their sleep, concentration, and mood.
  • If left untreated, tinnitus tends to worsen over time.
  • There's no known exact cause or cure for tinnitus, but several treatment strategies can help manage the symptoms.
  • Dietary changes or supplements alone cannot relieve tinnitus, but a balanced diet can contribute to overall health and well-being.
  • Stress and anxiety can often make tinnitus symptoms worse, making stress management an important part of tinnitus treatment.
  • Hearing aids can often provide relief from the internal sensation of tinnitus, especially for those with accompanying hearing loss.

Start Managing Your Tinnitus Today

At Aim Hearing and Audiology, our goal is not just to manage your tinnitus but to enhance your overall quality of life. Remember, tinnitus tends to worsen if left untreated, so don’t wait until the situation deteriorates further.

Take control of your hearing health today. Contact us at (336) 295-1064 or complete the form on this page to schedule your comprehensive tinnitus evaluation. Trust us to guide you through your journey to better hearing and an improved sense of well-being. Let us help you reclaim your peace from the clutches of tinnitus, one step at a time.

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