Tinnitus Evaluations

Auglaize and Sidney Audiology provides tinnitus evaluations in Ohio. Our clinics are located in Wapakoneta, OH and Sidney, OH.

What Is Tinnitus?

Tinnitus is when you hear sounds even though nothing is making them. People often say it sounds like ringing, buzzing, hissing, or clicking in their ears. Tinnitus isn’t a disease, but it can be a sign of other problems like hearing loss, an ear injury, or other health issues.

Why Is Tinnitus Evaluation Important?

Tinnitus evaluations are very important because they help find out what’s causing the ringing, buzzing, or other sounds you hear in your ears. Everyone’s tinnitus is different, so getting checked by a professional helps uncover the best ways to manage it. Proper evaluation can lead to treatments that make life easier and improve your well-being.

How Common Is Tinnitus?

Tinnitus is very common and affects millions of people in the United States. Around 10–15% of adults have tinnitus at some point. While it happens more often in older adults, people of all ages can experience it. Getting a proper evaluation can help you take the right steps to manage this condition effectively.

Classifications of Tinnitus

Tinnitus can be grouped into different types based on what causes it and how it feels:

Vibratory Tinnitus

• Happens because of real vibrations in the ear or nearby areas.
• Often caused by muscle spasms or problems with blood flow.

Non-Vibratory Tinnitus

• Does not involve actual vibrations.
• Caused by unusual nerve signals in the hearing system.
• Often linked to hearing loss or brain-related issues.

Subjective Tinnitus

• The most common type of tinnitus.
• Usually caused by hearing damage, stress, or certain medical problems.
• Only the person with tinnitus can hear it.

Objective Tinnitus

• Rare and sometimes even a doctor can hear it during an exam.
• Often caused by physical problems like blood vessel issues or muscle movements.

Tinnitus Evaluations

Tinnitus evaluations involve a series of steps to determine the cause and severity of your tinnitus:

1. Physical Examination
   • A thorough check of your ears, head, and neck to rule out physical issues.
2. Tinnitus Diagnostic Tests
   • Specialized tests to measure the pitch, volume, and perception of your tinnitus.
3. Other Audiologic Measurements
   • Additional hearing tests, such as pure-tone audiometry, to assess overall auditory health.

What’s Next After a Tinnitus Evaluation?

After your evaluation, we will go over the results with you and talk about the best plan for managing your tinnitus. This plan might include sound therapy, hearing aids, or other treatments designed just for you. Getting professional help is an important first step to finding relief and taking control of your tinnitus.

Tinnitus Management and Treatment Options

Tinnitus treatment is different for everyone because it depends on the cause and how severe it is. Here are some common ways to manage it:

• Sound Therapy: Listening to soothing sounds or using special devices to cover up the tinnitus.
• Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT): Helping you deal with the emotional and mental stress caused by tinnitus.
• Hearing Aids: Making outside sounds louder, so the tinnitus becomes less noticeable.
• With the right plan, you can reduce the effects of tinnitus and improve your quality of life.

Working with an audiologist ensures the right combination of treatments is tailored to your needs. Auglaize Audiology connects you to expert audiologists in Wapakoneta, OH, and Sidney, OH.