One of the most difficult and frustrating things about tinnitus treatment is that in the majority of cases only the patient can hear the noises which means that judging the success of your cure for tinnitus relief program is pretty difficult. It is such a subjective decision – is it worse or are the tinnitus noises less this week? Is the recent change in my tinnitus relief program effective?
Well, I have an idea to help you judge your progress. Let me explain by starting with some background information.
I was reminded recently about Dr. Aram Glorig's questionnaire, (Dr Glorig founded the American Auditory Society). He devised this questionnaire as a quick and easy means of enabling tinnitus sufferers to compare how their own conditions contrast with other patients' conditions.
Looking at the questionnaire again, and remembering trying to be objective about my own tinnitus sound, I believe it could be used to help you measure the success of your own tinnitus relief program.
Here is my summary of Dr Glorig's questionnaire, and at the end a bit more about how it could help you.
Are the noises;
- Intermittent; more on than off – score (2) more off than on – score (1).
- Does the noise stop you going to sleep; yes frequently (2) yes occasionally (1) no (0).
- Are your tinnitus symptoms worse when its quiet; yes(1) no(2).
- Is it worse when you are not busy; yes(1) no (2).
- What does your tinnitus noise sound like; a high pitched tone(2) a low pitched tone(2) rushing air (1) static (2) something else (1).
- How much does having tinnitus bother you; mildly (1) moderately (2) severely (3).
Now add up your score and compare it to the ‘California Scale' below.
- 5 or less – slight tinnitus.
- 6/7 – mild.
- 8/9 – mild to moderate.
- 11/12 – moderate.
- 12 or more – severe tinnitus.
Here is my suggestion. Choose a day and time when it is usually convenient for you to sit on your own for ten minutes in the quiet. Think of this as a crucial part of your tinnitus relief treatment as you do the test and record your score, maybe write it in your diary. Do this every two weeks and compare your progress as the score reduces. Good luck, I hope this helps.
Changing the subject slightly, if you haven't really got going with your own tinnitus relief program, now would be a good time to start. First thing to do is to find out more about the condition, the symptoms, causes, and treatments, so that you know how to plan a proper tinnitus relief program for yourself.
The easiest way to do this is to invest a few dollars in a tinnitus treatment book that suits your style. You may not want in depth detail but just an easy read, or perhaps something in between.
Rather than start reading the book from the beginning I suggest you scan through it first to get the feeling of what you need to do and then read it in more detail. Now you will be ready to start your tinnitus relief program and expect to see real improvements within a few weeks or even sooner.
