Hearing & Brain Centers of America
When some people lose a limb, they may experience phantom limb syndrome — pain that seems to come from the missing limb. Tinnitus, or ringing in the ears, is a similar phenomenon. It typically results from damage to the auditory system, and that ringing is your brain’s way of signaling that something is wrong.
Symptoms of tinnitus vary widely from person to person, making diagnosis and treatment challenging. One study published on PubMed Central found that tinnitus affects between 5.2% and 45% of the population.
Many people don’t even realize they have it — but it’s far from just a minor nuisance.
“Tinnitus or phantom sounds are the direct result of your nerves breaking down from your ear to brain,” said Dr. Keith N. Darrow, a neuroscientist and clinical audiologist. If left untreated, tinnitus can lead to more serious issues, including hearing loss, loss of balance, and even dementia. While there is no cure, effective treatments can significantly reduce — or even eliminate — symptoms.
Hearing & Brain Centers of America
Silenced: The Medical Treatment of Tinnitus
Learn More in Dr. Keith Darrow’s Books
Darrow is the author of two books on tinnitus: Silenced: The Medical Treatment of Tinnitus and Quiet: Living with Less Noise. These resources explain what tinnitus is, outline the latest treatments, and share personal success stories. They also emphasize how early intervention can lead to lasting relief for up to 90% of patients.
Silenced is written for both those suffering from tinnitus and people looking to understand the condition better. Readers will gain insights into coping strategies, treatment advancements, and real patient outcomes. Whether you’ve been living with tinnitus for years or just started noticing symptoms, this book provides practical tools to help improve your quality of life.
Click here to request a free copy of the book, or call (817) 697-7569.
One Patient’s Story of Relief
Steve Ruesch, a Utah resident, is one of many who found relief through Darrow’s treatment approach. Like many others, his tinnitus began mildly — he noticed ringing only at night or in quiet environments. Over time, however, it worsened and began interfering with his life.
“I was sick of the ringing in my head,” Ruesch said. “I was losing sleep, wasn’t productive at work, and I was becoming less tolerable at home. I was so desperate that I tried the magic pills, but nothing worked.”
Eventually, Ruesch visited his local Excellence in Audiology–certified clinic, Hearing and Brain Centers — and that’s when everything changed.
After discussing his symptoms and goals with Darrow’s team, he learned that his tinnitus was the result of hearing damage — a common cause for more than 90% of patients, according to Darrow.
“Damage to the ears — from age, noise, or even medications — can compromise the neural connections between the ear and brain,” Darrow said. “This leads to a significant increase in neural activity in higher brain centers, which the person then perceives as tinnitus.”
Hearing & Brain Centers of America
Dr. Keith Darrow
The Most Effective Form of Treatment
Research over the past decade has shown that hearing treatment plans, especially those involving professional support and prescription-grade hearing aids, are the most effective way to restimulate the auditory system and relieve tinnitus.
“We’ve discovered that the most effective way to treat tinnitus is to provide direct sound stimulation to the brain,” Darrow said. “This allows the brain to rewire itself and make long-term neural changes.”
Ruesch knew the treatment wouldn’t work overnight. It could take up to six months. But the wait was worth it — he was among the 80% of patients who experienced direct relief from tinnitus.
Now symptom-free, Ruesch reports better sleep, less anxiety and stress, and improved hearing. He continues with his treatment plan to maintain these results.
A New Option: Lenire® Bimodal Neuromodulation Device
Lenire® is a non–hearing aid option designed to help manage tinnitus symptoms such as ringing, buzzing, or chirping. It’s used to supplement medical treatment for patients who need additional support.
Lenire uses a combination of sound therapy and gentle electrical pulses delivered to the tongue to help retrain the brain and reduce the perception of tinnitus. Backed by clinical research, Lenire offers a safe, at-home solution under professional guidance.
Don’t Wait — Treat Tinnitus Early
Treating tinnitus early leads to the best outcomes. Left untreated, the condition often worsens and can affect many areas of life. Understanding how detrimental tinnitus can be — and how much better life is after treatment — Ruesch encourages anyone experiencing symptoms to seek help right away.
“For anybody who’s wondering if they should get treatment — specifically those suffering from tinnitus — I say do it,” Ruesch said. “Don’t wait. It will change your life.”
Take the first step toward living with less noise. Call (817) 697-7569 to request a book, get your questions answered, or schedule an appointment at one of their locations in Granbury, Weatherford, Temple or Austin.
