Urgent! Looking for a tinnitus specialist in Kaohsiung, preferably in the Fengshan District or nearby areas?
I have been experiencing tinnitus for a year, with fluctuations in intensity, and it seems to have become louder recently.
I am in a lot of pain and cannot tolerate it.
The sound is similar to cicadas, and my hearing tests have returned normal.
Could you recommend a doctor? Or are there any methods to alleviate tinnitus that you could suggest? Thank you.
s5698, 30~39 year old female. Ask Date: 2022/07/24
Dr. Xiao Yongxun reply Family Medicine
Dear Mr.
S5698:
1.
There are many causes of tinnitus, which can generally be divided into:
a.
Objective tinnitus: This can be further categorized into vascular or muscular disorders.
Vascular tinnitus occurs due to narrowing of blood vessels or increased blood flow, leading to blood vibrations and turbulence that, when transmitted to the inner ear, result in pulsatile tinnitus.
Examples include issues with veins, arteries, and arteriovenous malformations.
Muscular tinnitus is often caused by spasms of the muscles in the ear and pharynx, resulting in myoclonic tinnitus.
It can also be sounds generated by the movement of the eustachian tube as the tympanic membrane moves in and out with breathing; this is often exacerbated during significant weight loss, leading to enhanced self-perception of sound.
Examples include problems with the middle ear muscles, eustachian tube muscles, and throat muscles.
b.
Subjective tinnitus is the most common type and is a significant source of distress for most patients.
The potential causes are quite diverse, including disorders of the outer ear, middle ear, inner ear, auditory nerve and neural conduction pathways, cortical disorders, other systemic diseases, and psychogenic tinnitus, among others.
2.
A differential diagnosis of the condition must be considered and ruled out systematically to approach the true cause.
My practice location is quite far from Kaohsiung or Fengshan; I recommend that you visit an ENT clinic at a regional hospital or discuss your situation with your family physician before making a decision.
Reply Date: 2022/07/24
More Info
Dear Inquirer,
I understand that you are experiencing significant distress due to tinnitus, which can indeed be a challenging condition to manage. Tinnitus, often described as a ringing, buzzing, or hissing sound in the ears, can vary in intensity and can be influenced by various factors, including stress, exposure to loud noises, and underlying health conditions. Given your situation, I will provide some guidance on finding specialists in the Fengshan area of Kaohsiung and discuss potential treatment options.
Finding Specialists in Fengshan, Kaohsiung
In the Fengshan area, you may want to consider visiting an otolaryngologist (ENT specialist) who has experience in diagnosing and treating tinnitus. Some hospitals and clinics in Kaohsiung that you might explore include:
1. Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital - This facility has a reputable ENT department and may have specialists who focus on tinnitus management.
2. Chung Shan Medical University Hospital - Known for its comprehensive care, this hospital may also have ENT specialists who can help with your condition.
3. Fengshan Hospital - As a local hospital, they may have ENT specialists who can provide consultations and treatment options for tinnitus.
It is advisable to call ahead and inquire specifically about their experience with tinnitus management, as some doctors may have more expertise in this area than others.
Treatment Options for Tinnitus
While there is currently no definitive cure for tinnitus, several treatment options can help alleviate the symptoms and improve your quality of life:
1. Sound Therapy: This involves using background noise or white noise to mask the tinnitus sounds. Many patients find relief by using sound machines or apps that play soothing sounds.
2. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): This psychological approach helps patients manage their reactions to tinnitus. CBT can reduce the distress associated with tinnitus and improve coping strategies.
3. Hearing Aids: If your tinnitus is associated with hearing loss, using hearing aids can amplify external sounds, which may help mask the tinnitus.
4. Tinnitus Retraining Therapy (TRT): This is a specialized form of sound therapy combined with counseling. It aims to help your brain habituate to the tinnitus sounds, making them less noticeable over time.
5. Medications: While there are no specific medications for tinnitus, some patients find relief with certain antidepressants or anti-anxiety medications. It is essential to discuss this option with your healthcare provider.
6. Lifestyle Modifications: Reducing caffeine and alcohol intake, managing stress through relaxation techniques, and ensuring adequate sleep can also help manage tinnitus symptoms.
7. Alternative Therapies: Some patients explore acupuncture, herbal supplements, or other alternative treatments. However, it is crucial to consult with a healthcare professional before trying these methods.
Conclusion
I recommend scheduling an appointment with an ENT specialist in the Fengshan area to discuss your tinnitus symptoms in detail. Bring along any relevant medical history and previous hearing tests to provide the doctor with a comprehensive understanding of your situation. Remember, while tinnitus can be frustrating, many patients find effective ways to manage their symptoms and improve their quality of life.
If you have any further questions or need assistance in finding a doctor, please feel free to reach out. I wish you the best in your journey toward relief from tinnitus.
Best regards.
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