Tinnitus Treatment

Unparalleled Expertise in Tinnitus Treatment

Dr. Julie Prutsman’s team of audiologists offers the highest standard of care. Dr. Julie has immersed herself in the study, understanding, and treatment of tinnitus for more than 15 years, long before effective FDA tinnitus treatments had been developed beyond hearing aids and masking devices. She studied under the industry’s most respected and leading tinnitus expert, Dr. Pawel Jastreboff.

Dr. Jastreboff, Ph.D., Sc.D. developed the renowned Tinnitus Retraining Therapy (TRT) protocol. Julie had the privilege of studying under him in 2002 and today is a proud member of the TRT Association, whose 50 members in the United States have been personally trained by Dr. Jasterboff and his associates. With this neurophysiological background, Dr. Julie is continually seeking and analyzing the latest tinnitus technologies to help you find the long-term solution that’s right for you. Today, she spends the majority of her time overseeing and reviewing cases with her team of doctors, all of whom she personally recruited, hired, and trained. We strive to deliver exceptional care without exception.

Evidence-Based Results

Almost every otolaryngologist, audiology practice, and hearing aid dispenser that claims to offer relief from tinnitus typically offers only one solution: hearing aids. While amplification may help some, only 50% of tinnitus sufferers will benefit from hearing correction alone. Recently in one of our Google reviews, a patient who had visited several other audiologists commented, “It was so refreshing to hear her (Dr. Leah Mitchell) address the tinnitus issue as a primary concern, not my hearing loss.” At Sound Relief, we promise to focus on your tinnitus, your medical history as it relates to your tinnitus, the cause of your tinnitus, and offer evidence-based solutions like Tinnitus Retraining Therapy.

Additional Tinnitus Treatment Options

Tinnitus Treatment Counseling

People living with tinnitus may experience anxiety, depression, and other psychiatric problems. As a result, along with our Tinnitus Retraining Therapy, we refer patients to psychiatrists or counselors as needed.

Tinnitus Treatment Medication

Some people develop anxiety, depression, or other strong emotional responses to their tinnitus. Certain medications can provide relief from these symptoms. Nutritional supplements can also relieve associated symptoms such as lack of sleep. Our audiologists work with patients’ physicians to make sure the medications they need are working towards your goal of finding relief.

Tinnitus Relaxation Techniques

Stress can worsen the effects of tinnitus. Learning how to relax can be very helpful if you experience frustration or anxiety from the noise in your ears. Relaxation allows the nervous system the opportunity to rest and reset. Your audiologist can review relaxation techniques that have helped other patients with similar experiences. Some may benefit from yoga, acupuncture, biofeedback, and/or tinnitus support groups.

Oticon Tinnitus SoundSupport™

Oticon Tinnitus SoundSupport works by introducing a dynamic, soothing sound that will mix with and distract you from bothersome tinnitus. This aids in developing a sense of control over the condition, which is vital to long-term success. The flexible program includes a variety of relief sounds that can ease the effects of tinnitus. Your audiologist can personalize the sounds to your needs and preferences, and they can be used alongside Tinnitus Retraining Therapy for instruction and support.

Widex “The Zen Program”

Widex employs fractal tone technology so that the sounds you hear are predictable but not repeating. Your audiologist can choose between an assortment of “Zen styles,” which are soothing and musical. Your audiologist can adjust the tones’ pitch, tempo, and volume. When used correctly, Widex Zen Therapy promotes cortical organization (brain “re-wiring”) to make tinnitus less noticeable.

ReSound Smart 3D App

The ReSound Relief App is designed to help alleviate tinnitus symptoms by providing soothing background sounds that divert your attention from the persistent ringing or humming in your ears. You can use pre-set soundscapes or import your favorite music, blending it with calming sounds such as pink noise or ocean waves. The app allows for further customization of these soundscapes to meet your specific needs, and it is best used in consultation with your audiologist.

What Can I Do to Help Myself?

We encourage you to avoid anything that can make your tinnitus worse. Understanding tinnitus prevention is as crucial as understanding its treatment. Preventative measures can reduce the risk of developing tinnitus or exacerbating existing symptoms. Here are some strategies and considerations to keep in mind:

1. Limit Exposure to Loud Noises:

• Workplace Noise: If your occupation involves noisy environments like construction sites, music venues, or factories, always wear protective ear equipment. Industries with high noise exposure often mandate the use of earmuffs or earplugs.
• Recreational Activities: When attending concerts, using power tools, or engaging in loud recreational activities, consider using ear protection. Even short-lived loud noises, like fireworks, can impact hearing.

2. Turn Down the Volume:

• Listening to music or watching television at high volumes, especially with earphones or headphones, can lead to hearing damage over time. Opt for noise-canceling headphones that allow you to listen at lower volumes and take regular breaks to rest your ears.

3. Healthy Lifestyle Choices:

• Avoid Smoking: Nicotine and tobacco can reduce blood flow to the delicate structures of the ear, exacerbating tinnitus symptoms.
• Limit Alcohol and Caffeine: Excessive consumption might aggravate tinnitus for some individuals. Moderation is key.

4. Manage Stress Levels:

• Chronic stress or anxiety can contribute to the severity of tinnitus. Techniques like meditation, deep breathing exercises, and physical activity can help manage stress and potentially reduce the intensity or perception of tinnitus.

5. Regular Check-ups:

• Annual hearing exams can help detect potential problems early. Inform your doctor or audiologist immediately if you notice any changes in your hearing.

6. Be Cautious with Medications:

• Some medicines, including high doses of aspirin or certain antibiotics, are ototoxic and can cause or worsen tinnitus. Always discuss potential side effects with your healthcare provider and inform them if tinnitus develops or worsens with medication.

7. Protect Against Head Injuries:

• Trauma to the head or neck can cause tinnitus. Wear helmets during sports or activities that pose a risk of head injury.

8. Educate and Advocate:

• Raise awareness about the risks of noise exposure among friends, family, and community. Encourage venues to use safe sound levels and support initiatives to reduce noise pollution in urban areas.

By integrating these preventive measures into your daily life, you can take proactive steps to safeguard your hearing health and reduce the risk of tinnitus. Remember, prevention is often more accessible and more effective than treatment.

If you struggle to hear over your tinnitus and are ready to start treatment, schedule an evaluation with Sound Relief today. Beyond tinnitus treatment, we can help with any hearing loss you may be experiencing. This can reduce the stress and strain of understanding speech, reducing your tinnitus.