The tinnitus clinic is for people who are experiencing tinnitus which is having an impact on their daily activities.
Tinnitus is a word used to describe a variety of noises which people perceive inside their head that are not from any external stimulus. It is a condition that affects between 10 and 19% of the adult population, and roughly 1 in 3 elderly adults.
It is commonly associated with noise exposure, hearing loss and stress but can also be related to many other health problems such as:
- Neurological problems
- High blood pressure
- Jaw problems
- Anaemia
- Anxiety and depression
- Side effects of medications.
Tinnitus sounds are described by patients in a variety of ways. In a single experiment alone, people described tinnitus in thirty-nine different ways
Most people are not bothered by their tinnitus but if you feel it is having an impact on your daily activities, then there is help available.
Who is the clinic for?
At the Audiology Department, we offer a course of Tinnitus Management to anyone needing help with their tinnitus. This may involve being signposted to self-management strategies and local support groups, or an Individual Session with a member of the Tinnitus Team. You may only need to have one appointment or you may need two or three.
The Tinnitus Team are audiologists who specialise in tinnitus work.
What happens at the clinic?
At your first appointment the Tinnitus Team member will ask you some questions about your tinnitus to give a clearer picture of how it affects you. Then the team will work with you to draw up a Tinnitus Management Plan that is designed to suit you.
Tinnitus Management may consist of such things as:
- discussing your thoughts around tinnitus and the impact on daily activities
- relaxation techniques
- sound enrichment
- sleep hygiene
- white noise generators/sound generators (for people without a hearing loss) OR
- wearing hearing aids (for people with a hearing loss).
How can I be referred into the service?
Your GP can refer you to the direct access hearing assessment service where an audiologist will take a history of your ear/hearing problems. You will also have your hearing tested.
The audiologist will discuss your results and treatment options available to you and can arrange referral to the tinnitus clinic.
