Tinnitus and Decreased Sound Tolerance Assessment and Treatment
Tinnitus is a condition characterized by the perception of ringing, buzzing, hissing, whistling, or other sounds in the ears when there is no external sound source. It is often referred to as “ringing in the ears”. Tinnitus can be as subjective phenomenon, meaning that only the person experiencing it can hear the noise. More rarely, it can be objective, meaning that the sound can be heard by another person or picked up with specialized equipment.
What causes tinnitus?
Tinnitus is not a disease in itself but rather a symptom of an underlying issue, such as exposure to loud noises, ear wax blockage, hearing loss, ear or sinus infections, or certain medical conditions like concussion, high blood pressure or vascular disorders. It can be temporary or chronic and may vary in intensity from a mild, occasional annoyance to a constant, distressing condition that can affect a person’s quality of life, concentration, and sleep. Treatment for tinnitus depends on its underlying cause. If tinnitus is associated with an underlying medical condition, addressing that condition may alleviate the symptoms. In some cases, it may go away on its own. If it is chronic and distressing, you may need support to learn how to manage it.
Tinnitus may or may not co-occur with decreased sound tolerance (hyperacusis and/or misophonia). Hyperacusis is characterized by an increased sensitivity to all sounds, making them seem much louder and often uncomfortable or painful. Misophonia involves an emotional and psychological reaction, such as anger, anxiety, or irritation in response to specific “trigger sounds” or repetitive noises.
Treatment
A basic hearing test will rule out medical red flags. However, if you feel that you need some extra investigation, education and support, the Ear & Hearing Clinic can help!
Tinnitus/Decreased Sound Tolerance Assessment
Audiologists at the ear and hearing clinic can provide in-depth assessment. In addition to a standard hearing test, specialized assessment includes enough time for a detailed interview, specialized tinnitus and/or sound tolerance measures, counselling and education, and the development of a treatment plan where necessary.
Tinnitus and/or Decreased Sound Tolerance Therapy
For individuals who need support with distressing, chronic tinnitus, our audiologists with specialty tinnitus training will provide ongoing support. Support is also available for adults with decreased sound tolerance (hyperacusis, misophonia).
Our Tinnitus Trained Team
We have three audiologists trained in tinnitus retraining therapy (TRT) by the well-known Dr. Pawel Jastreboff.
Ha-Yoon Jae - Clinical Audiologist
Ha-Yoon Jae received both his Honours Bachelor of Science in Biology and Master of Clinical Science degree (Audiology) from Western University. Coupled with his unique previous life experience (army Sergeant Medic), he came to understand and appreciate the necessity of Audiology Care and Rehabilitation. Ha-Yoon has a special interest Tinnitus and decreased sound tolerance. He studied under Dr. Hashir Aazh to receive Tinnitus & Hyperacusis Rehabilitation Therapy Specialist Certification and under Dr. Pawel Jastreboff for Tinnitus Retraining Therapy certification. He earned the CBT level I and II certifications from Wilfrid Laurier University in Waterloo in 2020. He is currently pursuing his Doctorate in Audiology from A.T. Still Arizona School of Health Science. Ha-Yoon Jae works out of our Elmira and Kitchener locations.
Juliana Schlegel - Doctor of Audiology
Dr. Schegel received a Bachelor of Arts with honours majoring in Psychology and Linguistics (1993) while studying at Brock University. She later earned her Master of Clinical Science in 1997 from the University of Western, Ontario. She completed her studies with a Doctorate in Audiology in 2004 while attending the Arizona School of Health Sciences. Juliana has a keen interest in vestibular and balance disorders. She completed her Tinnitus Retraining Therapy certification under Dr. Pawel Jastreboff in 2015.
Rachel Dingle - Audiologist
Rachel Dingle received her honours Bachelor of Science in Psychology in 2005 and continued on to complete a Masters (2008) and a Doctorate (2012) at Dalhousie University. Her doctoral thesis used behavioural psychophysical methods to explore the neural mechanisms underlying sound localization in humans and was supported by the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada. Rachel completed her Masters in Clinical Sciences (Audiology) at Western University in 2015. She also studied under Dr. Pawel Jastreboff to receive her Tinnitus Retraining Therapy certification. Rachel works primarily out of our Elmira location.
Book Your Hearing Health Check Appointment
Book your appointment online, by calling 1-833-669-4425 for more appointment options and availability or by texting 226-220-7982
