Tinnitus is a condition where a person hears ringing, buzzing, hissing, or similar sounds in their ears or head without any external noise source. It is not a disease itself but a symptom of an underlying issue, such as hearing loss, ear infections, earwax buildup, loud noise exposure, or age-related hearing decline.
Tinnitus can occur due to several reasons, including:
Prolonged exposure to loud noises (e.g., concerts, machinery, headphones at high volume)
Hearing loss (age-related or due to ear damage)
Ear infections or blockages (wax buildup or fluid in the ear)
Stress or anxiety (which can make tinnitus symptoms worse)
Certain medical conditions or medications
Auditory Steady State Response (ASSR) offers several advantages as a tool for assessin
While not all cases can be prevented, you can reduce your risk by:
Avoiding loud noises or using ear protection in noisy environments
Keeping the volume low when using headphones
Maintaining ear hygiene but avoiding deep cleaning with cotton buds
Managing stress levels through relaxation techniques
Regular hearing check-ups, especially if you are exposed to noise frequently
g hearing. Some of the key benefits include:
Objective Results: Unlike traditional hearing tests that rely on patient responses, ASSR provides an objective measurement of hearing function. This makes it ideal for testing individuals who may have difficulty participating in standard assessments.
Wide Frequency Coverage: ASSR can measure hearing sensitivity across a broad range of frequencies, including those that are often challenging to test with other methods.
Safe and Comfortable: ASSR is completely non-invasive and painless. It requires no needles or uncomfortable procedures, making it suitable for patients of all ages.
Early Detection of Hearing Loss: By identifying hearing issues at an early stage, ASSR helps prevent further damage and allows for timely intervention.
Personalized Treatment Planning: Results from an ASSR test can be used to create customized treatment strategies, which may include hearing aids or other assistive devices tailored to the individual’s needs.
A tinnitus masker is a device that produces soothing sounds or white noise to help “mask” the ringing or buzzing in the ears. It doesn’t cure tinnitus but helps make the noise less noticeable, improving focus, sleep, and overall quality of life.
Reduces the awareness of tinnitus sounds
Improves sleep quality
Helps with concentration during work or daily tasks
Lowers stress and anxiety linked to tinnitus
Can be used alongside hearing aids for better hearing support