Experiencing a persistent noise in the ears, such as buzzing, ringing or humming, that you can’t attribute to an external source may leave you with many questions. This internal noise is likely the result of a condition called tinnitus. Tinnitus affects a significant number of people with over 50 million people in the United States alone living with it.
The symptoms of tinnitus are far-reaching, leading to adverse side effects, including stress, anxiety, impaired personal and working relationships and disrupted sleep. Managing tinnitus symptoms effectively is crucial in reducing its impact on your life.
One innovative approach to symptom management is notch therapy. Unlike traditional methods that focus on reducing stress and anxiety, notch therapy specifically targets the frequency of tinnitus and aims to reduce the amplification of internal noise. Research conducted with 29 patients experiencing chronic tinnitus demonstrated the efficacy of notch therapy. After just one month, notch therapy was found to regulate the auditory center, inhibit the perception of tinnitus and reorganize the brain’s emotional control center. This resulted in relief from auditory symptoms and minimized negative emotional responses associated with the ringing sensation.
How Is Notch Therapy Different?
While cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) and other techniques aim to mitigate the stress and anxiety caused by tinnitus, notch therapy takes a different approach by directly addressing and aiming to quiet down the internal ringing itself.
How Do You Choose the Right Symptom Management Technique?
It is essential to remember that tinnitus management is highly individualized, and what works for one person may not work for another. Consulting with a tinnitus or hearing specialist can help determine the most suitable symptom management techniques for you. Techniques may include any combination of relaxation methods, CBT therapy, ACT therapy, notch therapy and hearing aids.
For example, your specialist may recommend notch therapy to turn down the volume of tinnitus in addition to the use of hearing aids for sound masking during flare-ups. The combination of these two can help prevent tinnitus from interfering with your enjoyment of daily activities like work, school or even sipping on your favorite latte from Penny Lane Coffeehouse.
For help finding relief from tinnitus symptoms, contact Hearing Healthcare Center, Inc. today to make an appointment with one of our trusted specialists.