Tinnitus
Tinnitus or ringing in the ears is hearing a sound without the presence of a corresponding sound source in the environment, which is why people also speak of a “phantom sound”. This phenomenon occurs in 15% to 20% of the population. Generally, ringing in the ears is more common in men than in women and is more common in the left than in the right ear. It is also more common among people with hearing loss than among normal hearing people and more common among older people than among young people.
What is it?
Tinnitus is a common condition where sounds such as wheezing, ringing, or noise are perceived without an external source of noise. Although most people with tinnitus can live a normal life, 20% experience it as seriously burdensome.
There are two main types: pulsatile tinnitus, which is in sync with heart rate or breathing and often has a mechanical cause, and non-pulsatile tinnitus, where the cause is more difficult to determine. Hearing loss, stress and neurological factors play an important role here.
Although tinnitus appears to originate in the ear, the sound is generated and processed by the brain via different neural pathways. For example, the “lateral route” analyses the frequency and intensity of the sound, while the “medial route” determines its emotional significance. This route plays a role in how distracting a sound is experienced and in the link with stress and attention.
However, the brain has an inhibitory mechanism that can reduce the impact of tinnitus, which explains why some people are less affected than others.
A distinction is made between the tinnitus symptom, where the sound is perceived without further consequences, and the tinnitus syndrome, where tinnitus is associated with emotional, psychological and social restrictions, such as anxiety, sleep problems and decreased concentration. The impact on daily life determines the extent to which tinnitus is considered a syndrome.
How to treat
up to 70% When the cause of the tinnitus can be determined, treatment will focus on this. That is why it is always advisable to have yourself examined by an Otorhinolaryngologist (ENT) first. The reason for the development of tinnitus is often not always so clear, so it sometimes makes sense to apply different forms of treatment simultaneously.
Can tinnitus disappear completely?
Unfortunately, to date, there is no treatment that can completely disappear the tinnitus as a symptom. However, it is possible to treat additional symptoms such as emotional disorders, anxiety, hyperfocus, cognitive disorders, sleep disorders,... for people with the “tinnitus syndrome”. As a result, the “tinnitus symptom” will play a less prominent role in daily life.
By influencing the functioning of brain regions that are involved in generating tinnitus and giving it an emotional value with neuromodulation, it is possible to reduce the perception of tinnitus in daily life.
This can significantly improve the quality of life for 60% to 70% of our patients.
Neuromodulation is often combined with behavioral therapy, hearing aids, physiotherapy, medication, etc. It's more of an 'and' than an 'or' story.
During an intake consultation, your story will be listened to and a qEEG will be taken, which helps us determine which neuromodulation technique could have the most effect.
Other conditions that we treat
Auditory and vestibular disorders
These disorders are related to hearing and balance and can have a major impact on your daily life.
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Neurological and cognitive disorders
These disorders affect brain function, which can lead to problems with attention, memory, and motor skills.
Mental and emotional disorders
Mental illness can be deeply rooted in neurobiological dysfunctions.
Chronic Pain and Fatigue Syndromes
Chronic pain and fatigue are often difficult to treat with conventional methods, especially when there is no obvious physical cause.
Fatigue syndromes and sleep disorders
Sleep and energy management are essential for brain function. Problems in these areas can lead to severe tiredness and difficulty concentrating.
Headache and facial pain disorders
Headaches and facial pain can result from complex neurological processes.
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