Tinnitus Support Groups and Services

A ringing or buzzing sound in the ear, a constant chirp, bang or some hissing whooshing or rumbling noise. These are some of the common symptoms that people with tinnitus hear and are made to endure almost everyday or rarely, depending on the severity of the ailment. For some patients, the noise may be more than just the common ringing or buzzing noise, that may sound either like breaking glass, water gushing from a fountain or geyser, or the rumbling of an old chainsaw or jackhammer. While this may be a truly irritating, and sometimes debilitating disorder, those who suffer from it need not to worry, for there are number of tinnitus support groups and services who are more than glad to help them find the best treatment modes, and assist in finding ways to cope with the irritating noise and sound in their ears.

According to medical experts, tinnitus is a relatively common ailment. Health researchers also indicate that around 17 out of every 100 people worldwide experience varying degrees of tinnitus. In the United States, around 50 million individuals have this condition, according to the American Tinnitus Association. The group also notes that of the total number of individuals suffering from this disorder, around 12 million have cases which are truly severe, compelling them to seek prompt medical assistance and consolation from a number of tinnitus support groups and service for the condition. While most physicians do not define this as a disease but rather as a symptom, they agree that the common trigger points for the constant ringing include taking various drugs or medications, exposing the ears to loud music or other sounds, allergies caused by eating certain foods, stress and other contributory ear infections. It's also worth knowing that around half of those suffering from this disorder only hear one specific tinnitus sound at a time.

To help patients cope with this ringing in the ear problem, there are number of tinnitus support groups and services available today. A licensed therapist or counselor can aid the patients in learning better and more potent coping techniques that help in significantly lessening the symptoms of ringing in the ears. Counseling services also assist in effectively dealing with the other issues associated with this condition, such as depression, lack of sleep or some forms of anxiety attacks. Joining a support group also aids in allowing the individual to share his or her experience. One can join by either linking up with established organizations or by joining informal groups that meet in person, and by participating in an Internet forum. To ensure that the individual gets the best possible assistance, counseling and support, he/she first need to make sure that the support group or online forum they are joining is properly facilitated and supervised by either a competent health or licensed professional.