Tinnitus is a common problem, characterized by a constant ringing, buzzing, or humming sound in the ears, and it is affecting millions of people worldwide. While it is not a serious health condition, it can cause discomfort, interfere with daily activities, and even lead to anxiety, depression, and sleep disturbances. Tinnitus sound therapy is a non-invasive treatment option that has been shown to be effective in reducing tinnitus symptoms. However, it can be challenging to find the right approach to sound therapy without proper counselling.

Understanding tinnitus sound therapy

Tinnitus sound therapy is a treatment that uses sound to reduce the perception of tinnitus. The sound can be delivered through various devices, including hearing aids, sound generators, and smartphone apps. The therapy aims to reduce the contrast between the tinnitus sound and the background noise, making the tinnitus less noticeable.

• White noise: This is a type of sound that contains all frequencies of sound at equal intensity. White noise can be used to mask tinnitus sounds and make them less noticeable.
• Pink noise: This is a type of sound that contains more low-frequency sounds than high-frequency ones, primarily used to reduce stress and improve sleep.
• Notched sound therapy: This is a type of sound therapy that uses sound at specific frequencies to reduce the perception of tinnitus. The therapy involves removing the frequencies that match the patient's tinnitus from the overall sound, creating a notch sound.

Now that we have covered what tinnitus sound therapy is, let’s find out how tinnitus counselling plays a big role in tinnitus management.

What is tinnitus counselling?

The counselling aims to provide information about tinnitus, reduce anxiety and stress associated with tinnitus, and identify coping strategies. A tinnitus counsellor is a healthcare professional with specialized training in tinnitus management. They can provide the necessary support to patients with tinnitus and help them navigate through the various treatment options, including sound therapy.

How Can Tinnitus Counseling Help?

• Assessment of tinnitus severity

The first step in tinnitus counselling is assessing the severity of the tinnitus. The counsellor will use various questionnaires to determine the impact of tinnitus on the patient's daily life, including sleep, mood, and concentration. Based on the severity of the tinnitus, the counsellor can recommend the most suitable approach to sound therapies. 

• Identifying suitable sound therapy

Tinnitus counselling can help identify the most suitable sound therapy approach for the patient. The counsellor can recommend a specific sound therapy device or smartphone app based on the patient's tinnitus sound, lifestyle, and hearing ability.

• Counselling for habituation

Habituation is the process of getting used to tinnitus and reducing its impact on daily life. Tinnitus counselling can provide information on habituation techniques and strategies, including mindfulness meditation, cognitive-behavioural therapy, and relaxation techniques.

Conclusion

Tinnitus counselling is an essential part of tinnitus management, especially for patients using sound therapy. If you or someone you know is struggling with tinnitus, consider seeking the help of a tinnitus counsellor to explore your treatment options and improve your quality of life.