Tinnitus Resources in Naples and Estero, FL
Use Our Tinnitus Resources to Help Find Relief
Tinnitus is a serious medical symptom which can be caused by a number of medical conditions. The perceived noise created by tinnitus is more than just a nuisance. It can also take a severe mental toll on individuals, making it difficult to have conversations, concentrate on work, relax in the evenings, or even sleep. For this reason, Florida Gulf Coast Hearing Center takes every instance of tinnitus very seriously. We understand the stress this problem is putting you through and will work our hardest to find you a solution. On this page, we’ve gathered some resources help you start the conversation about your symptoms with one of our doctors. From there, we’ll figure out the best treatment options for you. Contact us today to learn more or to schedule an appointment about your tinnitus issues.
Take Our Tinnitus Reaction Questionnaire
To help you determine whether or not you’re experiencing tinnitus, we’ve put together a questionnaire to gather information about your symptoms. You can then bring your answers along during an appointment with one of our doctors. Once at our office, we’ll thoroughly assess your symptoms and what we can do for you.
- Do you frequently experience sounds not caused by outside factors? This head noise can take the form of ringing, buzzing, roaring, clicking, hissing, or humming.
- Does the noise become worse when you are in quiet environments?
- Is the noise affecting your quality of life or hindering conversations?
- Have you worked in a loud environment for an extended period?
- Do you have other ear problems or trouble hearing?
Tinnitus Facts
- Tinnitus is very common; about 10%-15% of adults experience tinnitus. About 50 million US citizens have tinnitus to some degree. Nearly 12 million people have tinnitus so severe they seek medical attention.
- Almost two million people suffer from severe tinnitus that interferes with daily activities.
- Smoking cigarettes isn’t only bad for your lungs and your heart etc. Studies prove that cigarette smoke is harmful to your ears. Toxic chemicals found in cigarette smoke has known links with chronic ear infections and tinnitus.
- Stress and anxiety are common contributors to tinnitus. Many people who suffer from panic attacks, anxiety disorder, depression, or high stress levels are prone to ear ringing caused by tinnitus.
- Around 60 percent of veterans returning from war report tinnitus.
- More than 200 drugs are known to cause tinnitus as a side effect.
- There are two types of tinnitus – subjective and objective. Subjective is tinnitus only you can hear; objective can be heard by your audiologist.
Frequently Asked Questions about Tinnitus
In order to help you better understand tinnitus, we’ve compiled a list of commonly asked questions. Please let us know if you have any additional questions not listed on this page:
How Common is Tinnitus?
According to the American Tinnitus Association, tinnitus is a common problem, reporting that the U.S. Centers for Disease Control estimates it affects nearly 15 percent of the general public, or about 50 million Americans. Tinnitus isn’t considered a medical condition itself but is rather a symptom of an underlying condition like hearing loss, ear injury, or a disorder with the circulatory system.
Does Tinnitus Only Occur in Older Individuals?
Though age-related hearing loss is a common factor in the development of tinnitus, other issues can cause younger individuals to experience tinnitus. Exposure to loud noises such as heavy machinery and firearms can lead to temporary tinnitus that eventually fades. However, repeated exposure can inevitably cause permanent damage to your ears. Earwax blockages and changes to your ear bones can also result in ringing in the ears.
Should I See a Doctor If I’m Experiencing Tinnitus?
You should make an appointment with your doctor if your tinnitus has become a significant problem in your life, i.e., it’s a disturbance affecting your quality of life. According to the Mayo Clinic, you should also see your doctor if you develop tinnitus after an upper respiratory infection, if your tinnitus occurs suddenly, or is accompanied by hearing loss or dizziness.
How Do You Treat Tinnitus?
At Florida Gulf Coast Hearing Center, we have a variety of treatment options to help with tinnitus symptoms. We’ll assess the severity of your condition and determine which option is best for you. You may benefit most from maskers, which help to mask the perceived noise. Hearing aids also might do the trick for you. Some people even find relief from devices that are a combination of hearing aids and maskers. We’ll help you choose the right option.