Living with Tinnitus and Hyperacusis (Overcoming Common Problems)

Tinnitus can be a terrible affliction, both for the individual, and also for friends and family, and many people with tinnitus are currently left to fend for themselves. Despite this, prospects for recovery have never been better, based on recent advances in psychology, auditory neuroscience and medicine. Tinnitus (colloquially known as ringing in the ears) is common, affecting some five percent of people. Hyperacusis, or hypersensitivity of hearing, is commonly associated with troublesome tinnitus. However, these basic definitions give no idea of the individual, even idiosyncratic nature of both disorders, which can be profoundly affected by someone's personality and psychological state. While this may complicate medical treatment, it does mean that self-help techniques can often be effective in minimizing the distress caused by these disorders, which can range from lack of sleep and irritability, to loss of concentration and confidence. The latest edition of Living with Tinnitus and Hyperacusis looks at strategies for living with tinnitus and hyperacusis, and includes a complete program for recovery. It features the latest research from the fields of psychology, neuroscience and medicine to offer a full overview of the causes, impact, and most effective treatments available. It has practical advice on relaxation and sound therapy as well as insights into relieving the stress of tinnitus and hyperacusis. It also contains advice on misophonia and related disorders.