What is Tinnitus?

Do you hear a ringing, roaring, clicking, or hissing sound in your ears? Do you hear this sound often or all the time? Does the sound bother you a lot? If you answer yes to these questions, you may have tinnitus (tin-NY-tus). Tinnitus is a symptom associated with many forms of hearing loss. It can also be a symptom of other health problems including thyroid problems, ear wax, ear infections, or disease of the ear.

Roughly 25 million Americans have experienced tinnitus. Some cases are so severe that it interferes with their daily activities. People with severe cases of tinnitus may find it difficult to hear, work, or even sleep.

What Causes Tinnitus?

9

One extremely loud sound and/or exposure to loud sounds over time can both cause tinnitus.

9

More than 200 medications can cause tinnitus.

9

Allergic reactions can cause both temporary or permanent tinnitus.

9

Allergic reactions can cause both temporary or permanent tinnitus.

9

Tumors, circulatory problems, and jaw or neck problems can all cause tinnitus.

The Tinnitus Evaluation

A tinnitus evaluation is a continuation of the hearing evaluation. We will further evaluate your tinnitus by testing frequencies beyond the normal hearing test. We will match the pitch and loudness of your tinnitus in order to give us information about our ability to mask, change or interact with your tinnitus as treatment. This information will help us to decide which treatment options are best suited for you. Additionally, we will evaluate loudness tolerance in a controlled environment. Often, individuals with hearing loss and tinnitus also suffer from sound sensitivity.

Options for Tinnitus Treatment

Levo Sound Therapy

The Levo Sound Therapy system is an FDA cleared device that you use while you sleep. Research shows that patients who use this found relief from their tinnitus.

Hearing Aids

Research has shown that hearing aids can also help treat tinnitus. Tinnitus is often a symptom of hearing loss. Hearing aids help by covering (masking) the sound of tinnitus, and by stimulating auditory pathways. One study found over 60% of patients found relief in their when using hearing aids.

Tinnitus Retraining

We work with you by educating, counseling, and by using sound therapy. The goal of tinnitus retraining therapy is to train your brain to ignore tinnitus to the point where your tinnitus is no longer bothersome.

We will use your health history, an additional Tinnitus questionnaire, and your hearing test to determine your treatment options. Sometimes, patients are referred to other healthcare providers for additional testing when necessary. Dr. Falk always starts every tinnitus management program by helping patients understand what is known about tinnitus, the potential causes, its relationship to hearing, various treatment options and the brain’s ability to pay attention to or ignore the information. Together, we will determine the best option for you.

Get In touCh

Schedule Your Appointment Now

Office Address

740 E Sioux Ave #102
Pierre, SD 57501

Office Hours

Mon - Fri:
8AM - 12PM, 1PM - 5PM

We close daily from
12PM-1PM

  • This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.