The presence of a noise in the ears, usually a buzzing, ringing or humming, that cannot be heard from the outside or attributed to an external source is a symptom of tinnitus. Tinnitus affects more than 50 million people in the United States, leading to various adverse effects such as stress, anxiety, frustration, impaired relationships, poor concentration, irritability and disrupted sleep. Given the profound impact of tinnitus, finding effective symptom management methods is crucial.
One relatively new approach to symptom management is notch therapy. Notch therapy works by targeting the specific frequency of your tinnitus and turning down the amplification of the internal noise.
The Research
A study conducted with 29 patients with newly diagnosed chronic tinnitus sought to investigate the efficacy of notch therapy. The results revealed that after just one month of treatment, notch therapy was able to regulate the auditory center by inhibiting the perception of tinnitus and reorganizing the brain’s emotional control center. In other words, this therapy alleviated the auditory symptoms and minimized the negative emotional responses associated with the ringing sensation.
How Is Notch Therapy Different?
Most tinnitus management therapies, including cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), focus on reducing the stress and anxiety associated with internal ringing. Notch therapy, on the other hand, attempts to turn down the volume of the noise itself rather than teach you to ignore it.
It is important to remember that tinnitus management is highly personal. Some methods and techniques may work for you but not for others, and vice versa. A tinnitus or hearing specialist can help you choose the best symptom management techniques. Techniques may include any combination of relaxation methods, CBT therapy, ACT therapy, notch therapy and hearing aids.
The real-life impact of tinnitus can be significant, affecting social interactions and everyday activities. Simple tasks like enjoying an evening out with friends or ordering a beverage at The Bonsai Tea House can become frustrating experiences. By effectively managing tinnitus symptoms, individuals may experience reduced stress levels, improved sleep quality, enhanced concentration and more.
To learn more about managing your tinnitus, contact Midwest ENT Centre today to make an appointment with one of our trusted specialists.