Tinnitus Doctor in Huntsville
What Is Tinnitus?
Tinnitus can be described as ringing, whooshing, clicking, buzzing, or static that you hear in one or both ears. Some people hear multiple sounds, and the pitch and loudness can fluctuate. Tinnitus can be frustrating because it is a sound only you can hear, and it is different for every person. Book an appointment to meet a tinnitus doctor in huntsville at Apollo Audiology Clinic
What Causes Tinnitus?
The most common cause of Tinnitus is hearing loss, but other causes may include:
- Earwax buildup
- Acoustic trauma, or exposure to loud sounds like gunshots, fireworks, or standing next to speakers at a concert
- TMJ or jaw tension
- Concussion, injury to the head or neck
- Ototoxic drugs that damage the ear, which can include drugs for cancer treatment, diuretics, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, and antidepressants
- Stress
- Ear infections
You Are Not Alone
According to the American Tinnitus Association, approximately 25 million Americans experience tinnitus. For most people, tinnitus isn’t bothersome. For others, tinnitus can greatly affect their quality of life by interrupting sleep, concentration, or participation in recreational activities. Sometimes, tinnitus is also accompanied by sensitivity to loud sounds. Tinnitus treatment at Apollo Audiology-Huntsville focuses on reducing the perception of tinnitus to improve your function in daily life.
Steps to Take When You Have Tinnitus
A multidisciplinary approach can be very helpful in figuring out what might have caused your tinnitus.
- An evaluation by an Ear, Nose, and Throat doctor can rule out possible underlying medical issues, such as a tumor, cardiovascular issues, and ear infection.
- Once you have been medically cleared, the next step is to see an audiologist for a hearing test. According to the American Tinnitus Association, approximately 80 percent of people with tinnitus have some hearing loss. Apollo Audiology works with hearing technology that can assist with both hearing loss and tinnitus.
- Once your hearing sensitivity is established, the next step is a tinnitus evaluation. Amanda Davis, an Audiologist at Apollo Audiology-Huntsville will evaluate which type of tinnitus you may have and provide treatment for your unique tinnitus.
Ways to Manage Tinnitus
Tinnitus can be very frustrating, because there is not a single cure or treatment that works for everyone. However, there are many ways to make it less bothersome. Your treatment plan may include the following:
- Treating the hearing loss
- Sound Therapy
- Sleep Hygiene
- Stress Management
- Bimodal Stimulation Devices
- Custom Hearing Protection
- Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)
OTO Tinnitus Program
Apollo Audiology now offers OTO, a 12-week tinnitus support program designed to help change how you perceive tinnitus and reduce its impact on daily life. The program uses cognitive behavioral techniques through simple 10-minute audio sessions that can be completed at home, making it a convenient option for patients who want structured support between in-office visits.
With OTO, your audiologist begins with a full assessment to better understand your tinnitus and how it affects you. You then work through the program with ongoing guidance, including follow-up visits at around 4 weeks and 3 months so your care plan can be adjusted as needed.
Clinical materials for OTO note that the program has been evaluated in multiple clinical trials and is built around helping patients “tune out” tinnitus over time rather than simply masking it. For patients looking for a science-based, practical approach to tinnitus care, OTO adds another option to Apollo Audiology’s tinnitus treatment lineup.
- What is OTO? OTO is a 12-week tinnitus support program that uses short daily audio sessions and cognitive behavioral techniques to help change how you respond to tinnitus.
- How does OTO work? After an initial assessment, you complete about 10 minutes of audio-based exercises each day, with follow-up support from your audiologist along the way.
- Who is OTO for? OTO is designed for people who want a structured, science-based option to help manage tinnitus and reduce its impact on daily life.
Frequently Asked Questions About Tinnitus Treatment in Huntsville
Q: What is the best treatment for tinnitus?
There is no one-size-fits-all cure, but effective tinnitus treatments do exist. At Apollo Audiology, Dr. Amanda Davis creates a personalized tinnitus management plan that may include sound therapy, management for tinnitus distress, and Cognitive Behavioral Training strategies based on what works best for you.
Q: How do I stop the ringing in my ears?
The first step is identifying what’s causing it. Dr. Davis will conduct a comprehensive tinnitus evaluation to determine the type and severity of your tinnitus, then recommend a targeted plan to reduce or manage the ringing so it no longer controls your life.
Q: What causes tinnitus?
Tinnitus is most commonly caused by noise-induced or age-related hearing loss, but can also be triggered by earwax buildup, ear infections, head or neck injuries, and certain medications. A tinnitus evaluation at Apollo Audiology helps pinpoint your specific cause so treatment can be properly targeted.
Q: Is tinnitus related to hearing loss?
Most people with chronic tinnitus also have some degree of hearing loss. Treating underlying hearing loss with sound generators or hearing aids often provides significant relief from tinnitus symptoms.
Q: Can tinnitus be cured permanently?
While there is currently no permanent cure for tinnitus, many patients experience dramatic improvement with the right treatment approach. Dr. Davis will work with you to reduce how much your tinnitus impacts your sleep, concentration, and overall quality of life.
Q: What is the OTO tinnitus program?
OTO is a clinically backed 12 week program that helps tinnitus sufferers manage their symptoms through guided education, sound therapy, and relaxation techniques. Apollo Audiology offers the OTO program as part of a comprehensive tinnitus care plan, giving patients ongoing support between appointments.
Q: What is CBT for tinnitus?
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is one of the most evidence-based approaches for tinnitus management. It helps you reframe how your brain responds to tinnitus sounds, reducing the anxiety, stress, and sleep disruption that tinnitus often causes. Dr. Davis incorporates CBT-based strategies into tinnitus treatment at Apollo Audiology.
Q: Can hearing aids help with tinnitus?
For patients whose tinnitus is linked to hearing loss, hearing aids can provide significant relief. Many modern hearing aids include features that reduce the brain’s focus on the tinnitus signal. Dr. Davis will determine if hearing aids are the right fit during your evaluation.