What is Tinnitus?

Tinnitus is a medical condition that affects the auditory system, and it is characterized by a ringing, buzzing, hissing, or other sounds that are heard in one or both ears or in the head. Tinnitus can be either subjective, where the sounds are only heard by the person suffering from it, or objective, where a doctor can also hear the sounds during an examination.

Tinnitus is a common condition that affects millions of people worldwide, and it can occur at any age. The exact cause of tinnitus is not fully understood, but it is believed to be related to damage to the hair cells in the inner ear, which transmit sound signals to the brain. This damage can be caused by exposure to loud noises, ear infections, wax buildup, or other factors.

There are several types of tinnitus, including pulsatile tinnitus, which is characterized by a rhythmic pulsing sound that is synchronized with the heartbeat, and somatic tinnitus, which is caused by movements of the head or neck. Other types of tinnitus include tonal tinnitus, which is characterized by a constant or intermittent high-pitched sound, and non-tonal tinnitus, which is characterized by a hissing or buzzing sound.

Tinnitus can have a significant impact on a person's quality of life, and it can cause a range of symptoms, including anxiety, depression, and sleep disturbances. People with tinnitus may also experience difficulties with concentration and memory, and they may find it challenging to perform tasks that require focus.

There is no cure for tinnitus, but there are several treatments that can help to alleviate the symptoms. One common treatment is sound therapy, which involves listening to white noise or other soothing sounds to help mask the sounds of tinnitus. Other treatments include cognitive behavioral therapy, which can help people with tinnitus to change their thoughts and behaviors related to the condition, and medication, which can help to reduce the severity of the symptoms.

In addition to these treatments, there are several lifestyle changes that people with tinnitus can make to help manage their condition. These changes include avoiding loud noises, reducing stress, getting enough sleep, and maintaining a healthy diet and exercise routine.

Although tinnitus is a common condition, there is still much that is not fully understood about it. Researchers continue to study the underlying causes of tinnitus and to explore new treatments that may help to alleviate the symptoms.

What is IASIS neurofeedback and how might it help?

IASIS is a brain technology that sends a very, very small current through your head through a set of electrodes. These electrodes are attached at various points on your head similar to an EEG but with only 5 electrodes. We move the electrodes around to various established points on your head so that the current is run through all different paths through your head. Studies have shown that this specific treatment is able to reduce abnormal slow-waves in your brain measured by a MEG (Magnetoencephalography). During an IASIS session, the patient does not feel anything because the amount of electricity used is many magnitudes smaller than what is going through a cellphone. 

At Discovery Health Healing Center, IASIS has been effective at helping to reducing the symptoms of tinnitus. It can help the brain's ability to process sound signals and reduce the perception of tinnitus. People who have undergone IASIS treatment report significant improvements in their symptoms, including a reduction in the intensity and frequency of the sounds they hear. IASIS is a promising treatment option for people with tinnitus, and it may offer hope for those who have not found relief with other treatments.