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.

Widex has an exciting high-technology hearing aid called the Mind. Dr. Segal can arrange to program a set of these aids for your specific needs and allow you the opportunity to hear how these sound in the office. Because of many of the advanced features on these hearing aids, the Zen program is unique to these instruments.

This technology has been found to be beneficial in some cases for those experiencing tinnitus perception. These relaxing, modulated tones are an exciting addition to these hearing instruments. To learn more about the concept of Zen tones for hearing issues, read this article from the May/June 2009 issue of Audiology Today.

Please ask Dr. Segal about scheduling an appointment for a consultation to learn more about the new ReSound Live™ TS Tinnitus Solution, new combination hearing instrument that can assist with tinnitus relief. Dr. Segal can arrange to program and allow you to listen to the ReSound Live™ TS if you are an appropriate candidate for them. Please see their brochure and Tinnitus Patient Handbook or check out this video.

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

There is an interesting article in the Hearing Review on how the "Stress Response System In Ear Protects Against Hearing Loss."

Behavioral Therapy works with people to assist them in learning to more effectively cope with their tinnitus. These techniques approach the problem through an understanding 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 related symptoms. Dr. Segal has studied and has used EFT on a variety of tinnitus and ear related symptoms. Contact Dr. Segal for more information regarding scheduling a session to be instructed on how you can learn to do this technique on your own to assist in your healing process.

Dr. Segal also utilizes Bach Flower remedies in her practice and customizes formulas specific for each person. Developed by Dr. Edward Bach, this is a system of 38 Flower Remedies that assist with emotional imbalances and negative emotions. They are 100% safe and natural and work in conjunction with herbs, homeopathy and medications. They are safe for everyone, including children, pregnant women, pets, the elderly and even plants.

You may also be interested in the documentary "Try It On Everything" which chronicles how EFT has been having an effect on people's emotional and physical health.

There is also a companion book that goes along with the documentary, which can be purchased separately.

Testimonials

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