Tinnitus
What is Tinnitus?
Tinnitus is the condition in which people experience sounds in their ears or head which do not have an external cause. The noise heard varies from person to person; ringing, buzzing, humming, clicking to even hearing a heartbeat like sensation. It can be quite debilitating when chronic and constant. It can affect one or both ears.
Causes of Tinnitus
It can result from a number of events and conditions:
- Exposure to loud sounds
- Head Trauma
- Ageing
- Can develop after a flu or infection
- Severe Stress
- Head or Ear surgery
- Impacted wax
- Acoustic Neuroma
Is there a cure for Tinnitus?
Unfortunately, not yet. No surgical procedure or medication can treat tinnitus. If the cause of tinnitus is due to wax impaction, microsuction ear wax removal can resolve symptoms. In the scenario where you also have hearing loss which requires hearing aids, the hearing aids can sometimes help mask out the tinnitus.
Tinnitus needs to be appropriately worked up. At ClearEar we will carry out an extensive history and examination and consider all potential causes. Arranging imaging such as an MRI is not uncommon and is protocol in those who have one sided tinnitus.
Living with Tinnitus
You are not alone. Tinnitus is a condition that affects many people. Tinnitus Éire provides fantastic information on their site that can help and support those who have persistent or debilitating tinnitus with no obvious cause.
Can I claim this on my health insurance?
It depends on who you see and what your plan covers.
- ENT Consultant appointments (including consultant-led nasal endoscopy) are typically claimable on most health insurance plans.
- Comprehensive ear assessments with a doctor (ear examination, wax removal and hearing test) may be partially claimable, depending on your plan’s outpatient or day-to-day cover.
- Basic ear wax removal is not covered by health insurance, whether it is carried out by a doctor or a physician associate.
If you’re hoping to claim, please book a Comprehensive Assessment or a Consultant appointment. Check with your insurer before your visit. We can’t guarantee reimbursement, because it depends on your individual policy. We’ll give you a detailed receipt for every appointment.