FAQ for People with Tinnitus

There are three types of tinnitus we mainly talk about:

1. The most common is Subjective Tinnitus – this is where the sounds can only be heard by you.
2. Objective Tinnitus – is where the sounds can also be heard by your doctor, or audiologist using a stethoscope or other listening device.
3. The third style of tinnitus is Pulsatile Tinnitus, this is where the tinnitus is often a whooshing type of sound which matches the frequency of your pulse (or heartbeat). If you have Pulsatile Tinnitus, it is important to see your doctor or physician to rule out any underlying medical cause.

A ringing sound is the most common, but people also describe their tinnitus sounds as a high-pitched electronic buzz, crackling, roaring or like a cicada. For some people the sound changes or may even be different in each ear.

Some people hear the sounds in both ears, some in only one ear and some people perceive the sound as being within their head.

Currently there is no “magic cure” for tinnitus. However, if your tinnitus is caused by an underlying medical condition, an injury, or a drug reaction, then treating the underlying cause may also stop your tinnitus. That is why we always recommend seeing your doctor for advice.

The answer for over 80% of people is an emphatic Yes. This has been proven through our experience of working with thousands of clients at the University of Auckland clinic and online through Tinnitus Tunes. However, it takes commitment and being open to using new (but research and clinically proven) treatment techniques.

Yes, it is really helpful to have the support of your family or close friend and it is fine to share your membership for that purpose.

Yes, you can cancel your membership and get a no fuss full refund any time within the first 60 days of joining.

Many people who have tinnitus also have some degree of hearing loss and a consultation with an audiologist will help determine whether you need a hearing aid. Having a hearing aid can help your tinnitus in a variety of ways:

• The hearing aid will amplify other natural sounds around you which will help shift attention away from your tinnitus.
• The hearing aid can help you hear and understand conversations, particularly in a noisy environment.
• If you get the right type of hearing aid it can come with inbuilt masking sounds and other forms of tinnitus treatment. You can also use blue tooth to listen to the sound therapy available from Tinnitus Tunes.