Therapeutic Approaches

Hearing Aids

These approaches utilize sound in a variety of forms:

Hearing aids, when there is an associated hearing loss with the tinnitus.

• With the use of hearing aids, hearing is often improved. As a result less attention is paid to the tinnitus.
• The person will more clearly understand that the hearing loss mainly was the cause of their hearing difficulty and not the tinnitus. Ambient noise/backround noise from the hearing aid often covers up the tinnitus perception.
• The rehabilitation that is associated with the fitting of hearing aids often helps patients better understand their tinnitus, thus reducing many of the negative feelings that may have become associated with the tinnitus sensation.

Tinnitus Maskers

Devices that create a steady noise to help cover up the tinnitus perception can be worn in the ear or behind the ear. There are a variety of recorded environmental sounds that mask the perception. Some use ambient sound i.e. waterfall or environmental nature sounds. Table top devices, such as sound machines are also options. Read more about the tinnitus maskers from General Hearing Instruments, Inc.

Behavioral Therapy

Behavioral Therapy works with people to assist them in learning to more effectively cope with their tinnitus. These techniques approach the problem through an undertanding that although the condition itself cannot be changed, how it is viewed by the sufferer can be. This involves cognitive restructuring techniques, which deal with negative thoughts and thought-management techniques. Relaxation therapy can be very beneficial.

Chinese medicine has the philosophy that hearing loss is connected to the “essence” of the person. According to Dr. Yang Jwing -Ming, in his book Qigong Massage, YMMA, 2005, and Dr. Maoshing Ni, Secrets of Self Healing, Penguin Group 2008, these deficiencies are believed to be connected to the kidney-bladder network. Depleted kidney energy is believed in Chinese medicine to be connected to decreased hearing. Strong emotions i.e. anger and frustration can aggravate the liver energy, that rises to the head and ears. This can result in hearing loss, ringing in the ears, inner ear conditions. Dr. Segal can teach you simple Q-Gong exercises to improve the movement of energy through the meridians of our body that can improve health and strength the connection to your ears and brain.

New! A client of Dr. Segal's was featured in a recent newsletter from Sound Therapy International.

Dr. Segal was featured in a recent newsletter from Sound Therapy International.

Alternative Therapeutic approaches

There are a variety of alternative approaches to assist in relaxing and rebalancing the body. There have been reported benefits in overall health for the body.

As the body is rebalanced, all the systems will operate
in a healthier way. Yoga, Chiropractic Care, Cranial Sacral Therapy, Meditation, Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT), EMF Balancing Technique, Tai Chi, Therapeutic Massage, Reflexology, Herbalism, Aromatherapy, Accupressure and Acupuncture are all reported to provide relief from tinnitus. However, there is no current documented research on these therapies in relation to tinnitus management.

A list of alternative practioners that provide these services are available through Dr. Segal.

Testimonials

To read testimonials from patients and fellow practitioners, visit the Testimonials page.