Audiology - Tinnitus Assessment and Management

What is tinnitus?

Tinnitus is a term for noises heard in the ears or head, which do not come from an external source. It is not a disease or an illness, it is a symptom generated within a person’s own hearing pathways. It’s common to experience tinnitus for a short period, for example after attending a loud concert. This is experienced by most of the population and goes away after a short time.

Persistent tinnitus occurs in about ten percent of the population. If tinnitus occurs at a particularly stressful time, or if there are negative concerns associated with the tinnitus, it can cause an increase in the brain’s focus on the tinnitus and it will become more noticeable.

What can be done to help?

Although tinnitus can be emotionally distressing when it is first experienced, these effects tend to lessen with time. This process is called habituation. Habituation occurs when the brain stops paying attention to this meaningless noise, in the same way that you stop listening to the general background noises of daily life. Additional help can be found through tinnitus retraining therapy which has three main components:

• Relaxation
• Changing emotional response towards the tinnitus
• Sound Therapy

If there is some hearing loss, the use of a hearing aid can be beneficial to some people.

A few words for family and friends

Tinnitus can indirectly affect your friends and family and it is extremely difficult for other people to realise what you are going through. You need their understanding and sympathy, so tell your family how tinnitus affects you. Beware of making it a frequent topic as the more you think or talk about the tinnitus, the more likely you are to focus on it.

What can I expect to happen at the appointment?

Most appointments are by telephone and will last about one hour. You will usually be asked to complete a questionnaire prior to the appointment. During your appointment, we will ask you about your tinnitus and any other relevant medical history. We may arrange to assess your hearing, unless this has been done recently.

We will discuss with you the general nature of tinnitus, the problems associated with it and how you can reduce awareness of the tinnitus sound. You will have an opportunity to ask questions throughout the appointment.

What happens next?

The practitioner will discuss any test results with you and the options you have. Depending on your results, further investigations may be recommended. No treatment or ongoing management will be undertaken without your informed consent.

The practitioner who referred you to the service will be informed of the outcome of your appointment.

If you have any questions about this appointment, please contact the Audiology Department on the number at the back of this leaflet.

Further Information

Tinnitus UK

Tel: 0800 018 0527 (freephone helpline)
www.tinnitus.org.uk

There is an interactive website that guides you through most aspects of tinnitus and helps identify some simple strategies to keep it under control www.takeontinnitus.co.uk

RNID Tel: 0808 808 0123
www.rnid.org.uk
 

Additional information:

• We accept calls from Relay formally known as Type talk
• Please contact the department in advance if an interpreter is required
• We are an accredited training centre, and it is possible that a student may undertake some aspects of the appointment under supervision
• There is limited availability for parking
• If you would like any further information or have any special requirements, please contact the department using the details above

Contact Us

Heywood, Middleton & Rochdale
Audiology Department, Floor One, Nye Bevan House, Maclure Road, Rochdale, OL11 1DN

Bury
Audiology Department, Radcliffe Primary Care, 69 Church Street West, Radcliffe, Manchester, M26 2SP

Oldham
Audiology Department, 4th Floor, Integrated Care Centre, New Radcliffe Street, Oldham, OL1 1NL

Telephone: 01706 674913
Email: NESaudiology@nca.nhs.uk
Website: www.northerncarealliance.nhs.uk

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