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By one conservative estimate, there are at least 12 million
Americans who have tinnitus. Eight percent of those who have
it say that it regularly interferes with their daily activities.1
What can become even more problematic is that the ringing
or clicking sound tinnitus sufferers exeperience can be more
pronounced in quiet settings, such as in the bedroom before
going to sleep. Sleepsonic builds into its sound delivery
design practical features, such as a detachable audio cable,
volume control, and washable covers to make using the speaker
pillow comfortable and effective for masking tinnitus at bed
time. The design also enables any user/owner of a portable
player device such as a CD or mp3 player to plug in a Sleepsonic
without any extra power requirements.
What most users learn to do is position the slim pillow on
top or beside their regular pillow so they may listen to it
for winding down or sleeping, and then remove it later in
the night when no longer needed. In this way, Sleepsonic can
be put aside for more sleep and repositioning of the body,
which helps blood circulation and overall comfort.
Medications
Although using medications seem like a logical step for many,
sound delivery and masking devices have become ever more popular.
The choice to avoid the expense and bypass the uncertain side
effects of medication is attractive to the tinnitus sufferer.
Yet some drugs have shown to contribute towards partially
reduced tinnitus symptoms. Intravenous lidocaine is one such
medication, although its beneficial effects do not last too
long (30 minutes). Alprazolam (Xanax®) is another drug
commonly used for depression that has also been reported to
decrease the symptoms of tinnitus by up to 40%.
Currently, their are many ways people deal with their tinnitus:
- There are hearing aids where some relief may be supplied
to the tinnitus condition since the device provides restored
listening ability.
- Cognitive Therapy—It is sometimes used in combination
with masking devices or medication to improve results.
- Tinnitus Retraining Therapy—The brain has a natural
ability to filter out unwanted noise, such as that produced
by computers and refrigerators.
- Biofeedback—This is a relaxation technique that
can help you manage stress by changing your reaction to
it. Some people find it helpful in coping with tinnitus.
- Dental Treatment—If tinnitus is caused by temporomandibular
joint (TMJ) syndrome, a problem with the joint in your jaw,
specialized dental treatment may help relieve symptoms.
- Cochlear Implants— cochlear implants may provide
some degree of tinnitus relief, but are designed for mainly
person with advancing deafness.
- Lifestyle modifications—Your doctor or health practitioner
may advise you to, Avoid exposure to loud sounds and noises,
Check and control your blood pressure
Avoid or limit caffeine, alcohol, and tobacco
1http://www.hear.com/nih-tinnitus.shtml
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