Tinnitus Descriptions
These more detailed descriptions are available:- Oregon Health & Science University Tinnitus Clinic Tinnitus Fact Sheet - Explains basics of tinnitus, hearing loss, living with tinnitus, and treatment.
- Hearnet.com article - Describes what tinnitus feels like, and lists several causes of tinnitus.
As stated in the above resources, the noise in the head can be very mild, or it can be extremely painful, making its sufferers desperate for relief.
Tinnitus Support
People who suffer from severe tinnitus can turn to support organizations such as the American Tinnitus Association or the American Tinnitus Foundation. Another support group is the International Tinnitus and Hyperacusis Society, which has a forum. The national organizations guide people to local support groups, and also conduct public awareness campaigns. There is a newsgroup, alt.support.tinnitus. In addition, you can also discuss tinnitus with other people who share your condition through the Tinnitus discussion list.Tinnitus Treatment
Some medical treatment is available. California, Florida, Oregon, Georgia, and Maryland have treatment clinics, for example.Books on Tinnitus
There are many books about tinnitus and how to manage it. New ones are being published all the time. Here are a few of them (in order of publication date):- Tinnitus Retraining Therapy: Clinical Guidelines by James A. Henry , Pawel J. Jastreboff , Michael J. A. Robb , Dennis R. Trune. (compare prices)
- Tinnitus: Source Readings (1841-1980) by Robert Thayer Sataloff, Dimiter Denchev, and Mary Hawkshaw (compare prices)
- Management of Tinnitus: A Controversial Issue by J. P. Guyot (compare prices)
- Tinnitus: A Multidisciplinary Approach by Gerhard Andersson and David Baguley (compare prices)
- Tinnitus Treatment: Clinical Protocols by Richard S. Tyler (Editor) (compare prices)
Tinnitus Research
Research into tinnitus continues. You can keep up with developments through journals such as the magazine Tinnitus Today published by the ATA. There is also an International Tinnitus Journal.Tinnitus Experiences
Tinnitus has often been misunderstood. Ongoing public relations efforts are necessary to educate the public. Former President Carter's wife, Rosalyn Carter (who has a hearing loss and tinnitus), became a prominent spokesperson for tinnitus in public service announcements from the Better Hearing Institute.An About visitor with tinnitus actually found a way to take advantage of it. He wrote: Not wishing to try any more sleeping medications, found a way to take advantage of it. Just concentrate on the scintillating sound exclusive of all other thoughts. Bingo, I'm asleep. Works every time.
Tinnitus Discussion
Tinnitus is frequently discussed on the About Deafness/HOH forum. Here is the first message from the thread "Anyone have tinnitus?" started by RRLisa:I was looking for some kind of discussion on tinnitus. I have had that 'condition' for about 25 years and wondered what others have experienced with this condition and how to maybe improve my understanding of the issue. I have not seen a doctor for this condition because it doesn't seem to 'bother' me during daytime hours, but I really notice it when it's quiet or when I have a cold and my ears are stopped up. Also, lately, it seems as if I'm asking people to repeat themselves more than I used to. I had a hearing test a year ago and the doctor (an ENT) didn't seem concerned about the results (although I noticed it was difficult to hear certain tones within certain ranges). I'm 38 years old and don't want to lose more hearing ability than is necessary because I maybe should have done 'something' about it. Any comments or suggestions?
