Tinnitus Evaluation & Management

Expert Tinnitus Care in Weston, FL

If you're experiencing ringing, buzzing, hissing, or other sounds in your ears that no one else can hear, you may have tinnitus. At Movac Medical and Hearing Center, Dr. Viviana Martinez provides comprehensive tinnitus evaluation and management services to help you find relief and improve your quality of life.

What is Tinnitus?

Tinnitus is the perception of sound when no external sound is present. It's often described as:

• Ringing in the ears
• Buzzing or humming
• Hissing or whooshing
• Clicking or pulsing sounds
• Roaring or whistling

Tinnitus affects millions of Americans and can range from a mild annoyance to a debilitating condition that interferes with sleep, concentration, and daily activities.

Common Causes of Tinnitus

While the exact cause of tinnitus varies from person to person, common factors include:

• Hearing loss - Age-related or noise-induced hearing loss is the most common cause
• Noise exposure - Loud music, construction work, or other loud environments
• Stress and anxiety - Can worsen tinnitus symptoms
• Medications - Some medications can cause or worsen tinnitus
• Earwax buildup - Blockage can cause or worsen tinnitus
• Medical conditions - High blood pressure, TMJ disorders, or head/neck injuries

How We Evaluate Tinnitus

Dr. Martinez begins with a comprehensive evaluation to understand your tinnitus and its impact on your life:

• Detailed case history about your tinnitus symptoms, when they started, and what makes them better or worse
• Complete hearing evaluation to assess your hearing ability
• Tinnitus pitch and loudness matching to characterize your specific tinnitus
• Assessment of how tinnitus affects your daily life, sleep, and emotional well-being
• Review of your medical history and medications

This thorough evaluation helps Dr. Martinez develop a personalized treatment plan tailored to your specific needs.

Treatment Options for Tinnitus

While there's no universal cure for tinnitus, many effective management strategies can provide significant relief:

Hearing Aids with Tinnitus Maskers

Modern hearing aids are one of the most effective tools for managing tinnitus, especially when hearing loss is present. Many patients find that hearing aids help reduce their tinnitus perception by:

• Amplifying external sounds, which helps mask the tinnitus
• Improving communication, reducing stress and anxiety that can worsen tinnitus
• Providing built-in tinnitus relief features like sound generators and masking sounds

Dr. Martinez works with leading hearing aid manufacturers that offer advanced tinnitus management features, including zen therapy with relaxing tones, customizable relief sounds, and various sound therapy options tailored to your needs.

Sound Therapy

Sound therapy uses external sounds to help reduce the perception of tinnitus. This can include:

• White noise machines or apps
• Nature sounds like ocean waves or rain
• Music therapy
• Hearing aids with built-in sound generators

Counseling and Education

Understanding tinnitus and learning coping strategies is an important part of management. Dr. Martinez provides:

• Education about tinnitus and what causes it
• Cognitive behavioral techniques to reduce tinnitus-related stress
• Relaxation strategies and stress management
• Lifestyle modifications that can help reduce tinnitus perception

How Hearing Aids Help Mask Tinnitus

Hearing aids are particularly effective for tinnitus management because they address the underlying hearing loss that often accompanies tinnitus. When you can hear external sounds more clearly, your brain has less "room" to focus on the internal tinnitus sounds. Additionally, many modern hearing aids include:

• Tinnitus maskers - Generate sounds specifically designed to mask or distract from tinnitus
• Sound therapy programs - Customizable sound options you can control via smartphone app
• Notch therapy - Filters out the specific frequency of your tinnitus
• Relaxation sounds - Soothing sounds to help you relax and reduce tinnitus awareness

Dr. Martinez's Approach to Tinnitus Care

With over 13 years of experience, Dr. Viviana Martinez takes a compassionate, patient-centered approach to tinnitus management. She understands that tinnitus affects each person differently and works closely with you to:

• Identify the specific characteristics of your tinnitus
• Understand how tinnitus impacts your daily life
• Develop a personalized treatment plan
• Provide ongoing support and adjustments as needed
• Combine multiple strategies for the best possible outcomes

Frequently Asked Questions

Will hearing aids help with tinnitus?

Yes, many patients find significant relief from tinnitus with hearing aids. Studies show that hearing aids can reduce tinnitus perception in 60-80% of patients, especially when hearing loss is present. Modern hearing aids with built-in tinnitus management features offer even more targeted relief. Dr. Martinez can help determine if hearing aids are right for your specific tinnitus situation.

Is there a cure for tinnitus?

While there's no universal cure, many effective management strategies can significantly reduce tinnitus perception and its impact on your life. The goal is to make tinnitus less noticeable and less bothersome, allowing you to focus on the sounds and activities that matter most.

How long does tinnitus treatment take?

Tinnitus management is often an ongoing process. Some patients experience immediate relief with hearing aids or sound therapy, while others may need time to adjust to new sounds and strategies. Dr. Martinez provides follow-up care and adjustments to ensure you're getting the best possible results.

Insurance and Financing

We accept Aetna, Cigna, Florida Blue, Medicare, and Medicaid for tinnitus evaluation and management services. For hearing aids with tinnitus features, financing is available through CareCredit for qualified patients. Our team can help you understand your coverage and explore financing options.