Tinnitus Hearing Loss
Dr. Kirsten McWilliams
Meet Dr. Kirsten McWilliams, Audiologist and Owner at the Hearing Solution. Dr. McWilliams is board-certified in Tinnitus Management by the American Board of Audiology and brings over a decade of experience in helping individuals with hearing loss and tinnitus. Her journey includes clinical rotations at Stanford and Kaiser, followed by a fellowship at UC Davis Medical Center and the attainment of her Doctorate in Audiology. Graduating at the top of her class from the University of the Pacific, San Francisco, Dr. McWilliams is dedicated to providing personalized and effective solutions to manage tinnitus symptoms and tinnitus hearing loss.
“Dr. Kirsten McWilliams spent considerable time with me as my hearing had recently declined further into the severe and profound range due to otosclerosis. My hearing aids needed adjusting, and I had recently developed bothersome, unremitting tinnitus which made sleeping especially difficult. Dr. Kirsten, who was recommended by the American Tinnitus Association, helped me both materially and emotionally that day, and I am grateful. Not once in my 40 years of hearing interventions with various doctors, otolaryngologists, surgeons, or audiologists has anyone assessed, educated, adjusted, recommended, and referred as precisely and compassionately as she did...and all in a single visit! I live two hours away and I will gladly make the drive for such excellent care.”
— Thomasine
Tinnitus Symptoms
Understanding Ringing in Your Ear
Are you experiencing persistent ringing, buzzing, whooshing, or other sounds in your ears? These symptoms could indicate tinnitus, a condition that affects about 20 percent of the American population. Tinnitus is the perception of sound when no external sound is present and can vary from a minor nuisance to a major impediment to the quality of life for some individuals.
Tinnitus symptoms can include fatigue, depression, anxiety, irritability, and memory/concentration problems, and may be linked to conditions such as hearing loss, noise exposure, head or neck trauma, high blood pressure, vascular disorders, heart conditions, ototoxic medications, benign tumors known as acoustic neuromas, and impacted earwax. Roughly 90% of all tinnitus patients also experience hearing loss.
Although tinnitus isn't a disease, it is a symptom that can result from various underlying conditions. Treatment for tinnitus includes assistive technologies such as hearing aids, and many individuals notice a decrease in symptoms after using them. Tinnitus retraining therapy is another option that has shown promise in helping individuals manage the impact of tinnitus on their daily lives.
Treatment for Tinnitus
Retraining Therapy for Tinnitus
While tinnitus has no known cure, the condition can be managed with the proper treatment. Tinnitus retraining therapy has shown promise in helping individuals manage the condition. This type of therapy aims to help decrease the perception of the ringing sensation by retraining the brain's response to the sound. Through acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), a type of psychological counseling, individuals are able to habituate themselves to tinnitus symptoms.
However, diagnosis is the first step to manage tinnitus effectively, and it begins with a thorough hearing test performed by a licensed audiologist. These evaluations enable you to choose the most appropriate treatment for tinnitus.
Hearing Aids and Habituation for Tinnitus
If you or someone you care about is experiencing persistent ringing in the ears, we are here to offer assistance. Many individuals approach us feeling hopeless and frustrated, believing that nothing can be done to alleviate their tinnitus. It's important to note that the perceived loudness or annoyance of tinnitus is not necessarily permanent.
Dr. McWilliams, a leading tinnitus expert in Northern California, provides tinnitus evaluation and treatment through therapy, using state-of-the-art cutting-edge equipment and technology-based practices. Through her expertise, patients can change their perception of tinnitus, leading to reduced bother or even complete relief for some. While 20% of the population has tinnitus, only 10% of those have bothersome tinnitus that affects their quality of life.
In addition to hearing aids, we offer habituation as another treatment for tinnitus. To learn more about this, we invite you to watch a short video featuring our owner and Doctor of Audiology, Dr. Kirsten McWilliams.
To learn more about our approach to treating tinnitus, schedule a consultation with The Hearing Solution today by calling (916) 646-2471 or click the button below to request an appointment with one of our Audiologists.
FAQ for Tinnitus Management
What causes tinnitus?
Tinnitus, often described as a persistent ringing, buzzing, or hissing in the ears, is not a disease itself but a symptom. It can result from a variety of conditions, including hearing loss, noise exposure, head or neck trauma, high blood pressure, vascular disorders, heart conditions, ototoxic medications, and even benign tumors known as acoustic neuromas. In some cases, the cause remains unidentified.
How is tinnitus diagnosed?
Diagnosing tinnitus involves a comprehensive evaluation by an audiologist. The process typically includes a detailed review of your medical history, a physical examination, and a series of hearing tests to determine the presence and extent of any hearing loss. Specialized tests may also be conducted to identify your tinnitus's underlying cause and tailor the most effective treatment plan for you.
What are the treatment options for tinnitus?
Treatment for tinnitus is personalized and can include a variety of approaches. The Hearing Solution utilizes Sound Therapy and Stress Management techniques to help you cope with tinnitus. Adjustments to hearing aids can also be highly effective, especially if hearing loss is a contributing factor. Counseling and support from a compassionate audiologist are integral parts of the treatment, helping you manage tinnitus's physical and emotional impacts.
How does tinnitus affect sleep and daily life?
Tinnitus can significantly impact daily life and sleep, causing issues like fatigue, depression, anxiety, irritability, and problems with memory and concentration. The persistent noise can make it difficult to fall asleep or stay asleep, leading to a decreased quality of life overall. Addressing these challenges with the right support and treatment can make a substantial difference in managing these effects.
Can tinnitus be a sign of a serious condition?
While tinnitus is a symptom rather than a disease, it can sometimes indicate a severe underlying condition such as high blood pressure, vascular disorders, or benign tumors like acoustic neuromas. It’s important to seek a thorough evaluation to rule out or address potential health concerns.
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