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How You Can Help Your Child Cope With Tinnitus

3 little kids sitting next to each other; help your child with tinnitus concept

Tinnitus can be a distressing condition for some children, although many kids don't even notice it and most outgrow it. 

But if your child is upset by the sporadic or constant noises, there are ways you can help them cope.

Provide background noise

Tinnitus can be distracting, making it difficult for your child to pay attention at home or at school. One way to combat this is to provide background noise, such as a fan or white-noise machine. This can blend with the sound of the tinnitus and make it less noticeable. It helps your child to feel in control of their condition, helps their nervous system adapt to the tinnitus, and improves your child's ability to concentrate.

Seek professional help 

If you suspect that your child has tinnitus, it is important to consult with a healthcare professional. The healthcare professional may perform a hearing test and other diagnostic tests to determine the cause of the tinnitus and develop an appropriate treatment plan.

Consider hearing aids

A child with tinnitus and hearing loss may find that hearing aids can help improve the tinnitus. Hearing aids can pick up sounds children may not normally hear, which can help reduce the perception of tinnitus.

Cognitive behavioral therapy

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a type of therapy that can help children with tinnitus learn how to manage their symptoms. CBT can help children change the way they think about their tinnitus, which can help reduce the distress it causes.

Tinnitus retraining therapy

Tinnitus retraining therapy (TRT) is a type of therapy that can help children with tinnitus habituate to the sound of their tinnitus. TRT involves using sound therapy and counseling to help children learn to ignore their tinnitus.

Speech therapy

Tinnitus can make it difficult for children to hear and understand speech. A speech therapist can help your child overcome these difficulties as well as aid in the continued development of their vocabulary.

It is important to note that most cases of tinnitus in children do not have an obvious medical cause and are nothing to worry about. However, if your child's tinnitus is causing them distress or interfering with their daily life, it's a good idea to enlist the help of your family doctor.



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