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.