TINNITUS TRIAGE & CARE
Tinnitus is one of the most widely misunderstood phenomena in health, both in terms of how it develops and how it can or should be treated.
Many individuals are told to "just live with it" or that "there is no cure." But that’s only a small part of the truth.
Tinnitus is not a standalone illness or disease in; it is a symptom. And like any symptom, it has underlying causes, contributing factors, systemic connections, and broader contexts in which it emerges.
After working with many thousands of cases since 2021, through consultations, in-depth assessments, and long-term support, the following has become clear:
An effective approach to Tinnitus must move beyond the ear, beyond the psyche, and beyond outdated assumptions.
Tinnitus as a signal
There are numerous subtypes of tinnitus, each reflecting a different combination of well over 200 triggers, causes and biological mechanisms, ranging from neuroinflammatory and metabolic processes to hormonal, nutritional, structural, lifestyle, and all the way to trauma-related factors.
Key facts that challenge common myths:
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Tinnitus is not necessarily linked to hearing loss
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It is not solely an auditory or neurological issue
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It is absolutely possible to regulate, reduce, and in many cases even fully resolve symptoms – especially when the right systems and root causes are identified and addressed
Why ENTs and Audiologists cannot (and should not) be forced to bear the full responsibility
ENT specialists and audiologists play an important role, particularly in initial screening and auditory diagnostics. However, expecting them to carry the full responsibility for Tinnitus care is neither realistic nor appropriate.
Most tinnitus cases are multi-systemic in nature and require a broader perspective.
This is where an interdisciplinary model becomes essential – combining insights from neuroscience, nutrition, psychology, stress physiology, endocrinology, and many more.
The Phonisk Model:
Personalised. Evidence-Based. Systemic.
I work with a structured triage and care model rooted in a deep understanding of systemic health. The first step is always to listen – to your symptoms, your story, your environment, and your overall wellbeing.
From there, we identify your likely Tinnitus subtype and the systems most involved.
Depending on your case, this may include:
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Targeted diagnostics or referrals (e.g. blood work, imaging, audiological or vestibular assessments)
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Personalised strategies based on your profile – no generic coping tips or standardised sound therapy
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Support with nutrition, neurological regulation, and stress systems
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Psychoacoustic methods and trauma-informed care, where applicable
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Referral to medical specialists, if additional intervention is required
Each care plan is highly individualised, professionally grounded, and designed to restore regulation and reduce symptoms wherever possible.
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What to expect
Most clients require 3–5 sessions to develop a comprehensive plan and begin to notice changes – though this may vary depending on the severity, duration, and complexity of the Tinnitus.
From the very first session, clients receive a clear and realistic outlook on the expected course and scope of further collaboration.
Clients with longstanding or trauma-related tinnitus often benefit from a longer therapeutic process, in which targeted methods like Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), psychoeducation, and neuroplasticity tools can offer supportive value.
These approaches are not curative, but may serve as transitional aids, helping to reduce psychological stress load and increase tolerance while deeper physiological causes are being addressed.
Habituation techniques and masking strategies are best understood as temporary tools to help calm the limbic and autonomic nervous systems.
However, they are not suitable as standalone treatments, especially when the auditory system is chronically dysregulated, or when key underlying causes – such as nutrient deficiencies, neuroinflammation, hormonal imbalances, nervous system overload, chronic stress, trauma, or metabolic dysfunctions – have not been properly addressed.
There is no standard solution for Tinnitus.
But there is a clear path; evidence-based, systemically designed, and guided with true partnership.