How long does the treatment take?

      This varies considerably from patient to patient, but on average, treatment takes anywhere from several months to two years.  The severity of the tinnitus and the patient’s commitment to the treatment play a significant role in this.

 

Will I be cured?

      You will no longer be bothered or annoyed by your tinnitus. However, if you concentrate and want to hear your tinnitus, you will. This is why refer to Tinnitus Management Program is referred to as a treatment and not a cure.

 

What is the guarantee that I get better?

      There is no guarantee. From our experience, over 80% of patients engaged in this Tinnitus Management Program have reported significant improvement.

 

Are there any side effects of the treatment?

      There are not any side effects.

 

What kind of audiological tests are performed?   Will they hurt my ears?   What if I can't hear my tinnitus when I am tested?

      The tests include an audiogram and several specific tests which allow us to evaluate the existence and degree of your tinnitus. The tests begin with low levels of sound that gradually get louder, therefore, none of the tests will be painful. If the tinnitus is not present on the day of the testing, it will NOT influence the possibility of success with the treatment.

 

I recently had audiological tests done. Do they have to be repeated?

      We prefer to have the tests performed in our Center. Equipment calibrations may vary and there are also very specific measurements we perform which are not routinely provided in other places.

 

What is the role of external sound?

      External sound from radios, TVs, stereos, etc. is used at low levels.  This sound is not intended to mask or cover your tinnitus, but rather reduces the contrast between our tinnitus and completely silence and slightly distracts you from the sound of you tinnitus. 

 

What are the devices I might need and what do they look like?

      There are several devices that may be used during treatment.  Some patients may require devices known as noise generators.  Others may require hearing aids.  Both types of devices are small instruments that are worn either behind or inside both ears.  They should not interfere with your work or talking on the telephone; in fact, the in-the-ear devices can be worn while sleeping.

 

Can I just buy the devices?

      The devices are used to help speed up the treatment process, but what is important is how they are used.  How the devices are used depends on each individual patient's need. If you just buy and wear the devices, you most likely will not achieve improvement, and in some cases you may even harm yourself. We will teach you how to use them effectively.

 

Do I need to have the devices?

      Not everyone needs the devices. After your audiological evaluation, we will give you our recommendation regarding your treatment.

 

I am using hearing instruments. How can I use other devices?

      Depending on the type of hearing instruments, it is possible we can work with your hearing instruments and you will not need any other devices, or you may alternate between amplification and noise generators. 

 

I am taking some medication. Will I be able to continue?

      Our evaluation will provide the answer to this question. In general, if you are taking medication for any reason other than tinnitus, you should be able to continue taking the medication.