Independent hearing specialists in Cornwall
We offer a comprehensive consultation designed for diagnosing tinnitus. This 90-minute consultation involves a full diagnostic exam, a detailed explanation of the results, and if necessary, personalised guidance on managing tinnitus effectively. Click the button below to book a tinnitus consultation in Truro, Cornwall, or call 01872857512 for friendly advice.
Why choose us?
Kara initially trained as an Hearing Therapist, and progressed to become a Senior Hearing Therapist; leading services and teaching students. She expanded her skill set by training to become an Audiologist, and then Hearing Aid Dispenser, as well as a Wax Clinician.
Kara's role as an Hearing Therapist included seeing patients with tinnitus. She has specialised in this area for over 20 years now. She is experienced in carrying out Tinnitus Assessments, developing Treatment Plans, offering counselling and advice on tinnitus and fitting hearing aids with tinnitus features as a treatment option.
We are Corporate Members of Tinnitus UK, and also partner with Oto in order to provide a Cognitive Behavioural Therapy course to our patients. You can read more about the CBT course here
Kara's role as an Hearing Therapist included seeing patients with tinnitus. She has specialised in this area for over 20 years now. She is experienced in carrying out Tinnitus Assessments, developing Treatment Plans, offering counselling and advice on tinnitus and fitting hearing aids with tinnitus features as a treatment option.
We are Corporate Members of Tinnitus UK, and also partner with Oto in order to provide a Cognitive Behavioural Therapy course to our patients. You can read more about the CBT course here
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What is tinnitus?
The experience of hearing sounds without an external source is referred to as tinnitus. It's commonly described as ringing, buzzing, or humming in the ears. These sounds can be heard in 1 or both ears or in your head. Tinnitus sounds can be constant or can be heard occasionally. The exact cause of tinnitus can be complex and varies from person to person. Tinnitus is common and affects around 7.6 million people in the UK. Some common causes include:
Age-related hearing loss
As people age, they may experience a natural decline in hearing, which can contribute to the development of tinnitus.
Earwax buildup
Excessive earwax can block the ear canal and affect hearing, potentially leading to tinnitus. Do you have earwax buildup? Book ear wax removal treatment with us.
Medical conditions
Some medical conditions such as Meniere's disease, temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders, and vascular disorders, can also be associated with tinnitus.
Noise-induced hearing loss
Exposure to loud noises over time can damage the tiny hair cells in the inner ear, leading to hearing loss and tinnitus.
Medications
Although very rare some medications, such as certain antibiotics, cancer drugs, and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), can cause or aggravate tinnitus as a side effect. Find out more information on medications causing tinnitus here.
As people age, they may experience a natural decline in hearing, which can contribute to the development of tinnitus.
Earwax buildup
Excessive earwax can block the ear canal and affect hearing, potentially leading to tinnitus. Do you have earwax buildup? Book ear wax removal treatment with us.
Medical conditions
Some medical conditions such as Meniere's disease, temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders, and vascular disorders, can also be associated with tinnitus.
Noise-induced hearing loss
Exposure to loud noises over time can damage the tiny hair cells in the inner ear, leading to hearing loss and tinnitus.
Medications
Although very rare some medications, such as certain antibiotics, cancer drugs, and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), can cause or aggravate tinnitus as a side effect. Find out more information on medications causing tinnitus here.
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What happens in a Tinnitus Consultation?The consultation includes a 90 minute initial appointment and a tinnitus review 1 week later. The tinnitus consultation includes a full hearing diagnostic, explanation of results and advice on effective tinnitus management. We will go through:
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Cognitive Behavioural Therapy
Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) is a type of counselling that can help people manage tinnitus by changing their thoughts and behaviours about it. CBT can help reduce the negative impact of tinnitus on quality of life
"CBT has been shown to be one of the most beneficial treatments available to increase quality of life in people with tinnitus" Tinnitus UK
How CBT works
We have partnered with Oto to be able to provide a scientifically proven technique to manage tinnitus effectively. The CBT digital programme has a 96% success rate, and users only need spend 10 minutes a day on their programme to achieve a positive outcome
In order to access the programme, you will need to attend a Tinnitus Consultation to begin with. This will help ascertain if CBT is suitable for you
"CBT has been shown to be one of the most beneficial treatments available to increase quality of life in people with tinnitus" Tinnitus UK
How CBT works
- CBT helps people identify negative thoughts about tinnitus and replace them with more positive and realistic ones
- CBT can help people learn coping techniques to make tinnitus less bothersome
- CBT can help reduce anxiety and depression, which are often linked to tinnitus
We have partnered with Oto to be able to provide a scientifically proven technique to manage tinnitus effectively. The CBT digital programme has a 96% success rate, and users only need spend 10 minutes a day on their programme to achieve a positive outcome
In order to access the programme, you will need to attend a Tinnitus Consultation to begin with. This will help ascertain if CBT is suitable for you
Reviews
"Kara was extremely helpful and patient when I visited today. She answered my many questions about Tinnitus and Hearing problems, and clearly explained each test before carrying it out. I would recommend the business to anyone experiencing hearing issues." - Claire Thompson
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Untreated tinnitusIf you do not act and seek tinnitus treatment, the symptoms may worsen. This can lead to additional health issues as there may be underlying conditions that need attention, and in many cases, tinnitus can have an impact almost everything you do. Over time, tinnitus can lead to more significant health issues, including:
Poor sleep, Chronic fatigue, Anxiety, Stress, Difficulty concentrating, Irritability. Find out how to cope with symptoms of tinnitus in our blog For extra support visit Tinnitus.org.uk |
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Why Choose Us?
Choose K & M Hearing Solutions for tinnitus consultation in Cornwall with confidence. Led by Kara, a fully qualified audiologist registered with the HCPC and a member of BSHAA, with over 20 years of experience, including 11 years within the NHS, supporting ENT clinics and specialising in working with adults with learning disabilities.
"Customer care is at the very core of everything I do. I am experienced in providing rehabilitation, counselling and effective management of hearing conditions including tinnitus. We specialise in combination hearing aids, which have dedicated tinnitus programmes designed to alleviate tinnitus. With my background in hearing rehabilitation, combined with my many years of experience as an audiologist, you can rest assured you are in the best hands." - Kara Butterworth (Lead Audiologist)
"Customer care is at the very core of everything I do. I am experienced in providing rehabilitation, counselling and effective management of hearing conditions including tinnitus. We specialise in combination hearing aids, which have dedicated tinnitus programmes designed to alleviate tinnitus. With my background in hearing rehabilitation, combined with my many years of experience as an audiologist, you can rest assured you are in the best hands." - Kara Butterworth (Lead Audiologist)
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FAQ's
SHOULD I CLEAN MY EARS BEFORE A CONSULTATION?
It's important that we can examine your ears clearly; however, using cotton buds to clean ears is not recommended; find out why here. If you suspect your ears are blocked with wax, please contact us before booking a hearing test to discuss wax removal services
WILL MY TINNITUS GET WORSE?
The progression of tinnitus can vary from person to person. For some individuals, tinnitus may remain stable or even improve over time, depending on if they have any underlying conditions. We advise getting in touch with us if you are experiencing tinnitus.
WILL TINNITUS CAUSE HEARING LOSS?
Tinnitus is often associated with hearing loss, however, it does not cause hearing loss, nor does hearing loss cause tinnitus.
CAN TINNITUS BE CURED?
Tinnitus is not a disease but a symptom of an underlying condition, many of these conditions can be cured by treatment effectively curing the symptoms associated with tinnitus.
DOES TINNITUS GO AWAY BY ITSELF?
People who have temporarily been exposed to loud noises or one-off situations like music concerts the symptoms of tinnitus will eventually go away, however, if you are experiencing prolonged symptoms you should get in contact with us.
DO TINNITUS CONSULTATIONS HURT?
No, tinnitus consultations or diagnostics are not painful, we aim to provide quick and efficient tests with the least discomfort possible for our clients.
