Otorhinolaryngology (pronounced oh/toe/ry/no/lair/in/goll/oh/jee) is the oldest medical specialty in the United States. Oto(Ear) + Rhino(Nose) + Laryngo(Throat)is the derivation for the common term for the practice of Ear, Nose, and Throat medicine. Otolaryngologists are therefore physicians trained in both the medical and surgical management of patients with diseases of the ear, nose, throat, and related structures of the head and neck.

Dr. Brodner has diagnosed you with Tinnitus. Our goal is to provide you with a complete understanding of your disease, of the reasoning behind diagnostic testing, and of the treatment regimen Dr. Brodner has designed to address your unique situation. If after reading the following information you still have questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to call our office or make another appointment to consult further with Dr. Brodner.

What is Tinnitus?

It is the medical term for the perception of sound in the ears or head. Often referred to as "ringing in the ears," its presentation is variable with people reporting hissing, roaring, whistling, chirping, or clicking.

Do I have to treat my Tinnitus?

The American Tinnitus Association estimates that over 50 million Americans experience tinnitus to some degree, so it is a common problem. Of these, about 12 million have tinnitus severe enough to warrant medical attention. If your tinnitus is worrisome or interfering with daily activities, ask Dr. Brodner about the myriad of treatment options available.

How can I treat my Tinnitus?

There are over 100 treatments reported for tinnitus relief; however, most are anecdotal and not supported by scientific research. The following are the methods recommended by Dr. Brodner and his staff of doctorate-level Audiologists: ‘White-noise machines’: Since tinnitus is often worse in quiet surroundings, try a quiet sound-generator (wave machine, ceiling fan, alarm clock radio set to static) to create a soothing background noise that will take your mind off of the tinnitus. Arches Tinnitus Formula: Contains natural ingredients giving 5% of patients complete elimination of tinnitus, 75% reduced symptoms, and 20% no significant change. Caution: Ginkgo biloba extract increases circulation and has a mild anticoagulant function -- patients taking prescription anticoagulants, such as Coumadin, or Plavix, or who have a history of bleeding problems should seek an alternate treatment option. Hearing Aids: Some tinnitus patients with hearing loss experience total or partial tinnitus relief while wearing hearing aids. If the hearing loss lies within the frequency range of the tinnitus, hearing aids may bring back in the ambient sounds that naturally cover the bothersome noise. Change your medications: Many drugs cause or worsen tinnitus, so thoroughly review with your pharmacist any modifications that might alleviate your symptoms. Change your diet: Many people find that alcohol, nicotine, and caffeine can worsen their tinnitus, as can eating foods with a high sugar content or quinine (tonic water). Monitor how you respond to different fare and adjust accordingly. Avoid noise: Exposure to loud sounds can have a negative effect on your hearing and exacerbate tinnitus. Be sure to protect yourself with appropriate earplugs or by not taking part in deafening events. Neuromonics Therapy: This relatively new technology is based on the principle of neuroplasticity, the ability to ‘rewire’ brain cells, and uses an iPOD device to gradually eradicate tinnitus.

Why did Dr. Brodner order a hearing test to evaluate my Tinnitus?

Tinnitus is triggered by some disruption to the auditory system. Typically, this involves some form of hearing loss due to aging, exposure to loud noises, ear infections, or certain types of medication. An audiogram (hearing test) is therefore required to thoroughly evaluate your tinnitus and help direct your treatment regimen.

We recommend these websites as sources of additional information:

www.tinnitusformula.com

www.ata.org