Tinnitus and Sound Sensitivity Support

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Mindfulness and Audiology Services: Personalized Care for Your Well-being and Hearing Needs

  1. ‘Are you tossing and turning at night, unable to escape the relentless buzz in your ears?’

  2. ‘Struggling to concentrate at work or losing yourself in a book because of that persistent ear noise?’

  3. ‘The fear of losing your hearing and the endless worry and stress are driving you up the wall, making you feel like you're going crazy.’

  4. ‘Feeling disheartened because there isn't a treatment for tinnitus?’

  5. ‘Do you have intense negative reactions to certain sounds, such as chewing, keyboarding, or the rustling of paper?’

  6. ‘Do continuous noises, like traffic or a refrigerator's hum, overwhelm you?’

  7. ‘Do sudden, loud noises easily upset you?’

Ha-Yoon Jae, Au.D., M.Cl.Sc.,

Doctor of Audiology

Struggling with persistent, Bothersome tinnitus and sound sensitivity?

Definitions

  • Ringing in ears, tinnitus, high frequencies, cricket, roaring

    Tinnitus

    Tinnitus is a sensory phenomenon characterized by the perception of diverse auditory sensations within the ears or head, encompassing high-pitched tones, buzzing reminiscent of grasshoppers, simulated TV noises, and continuous hums, among others, despite the absence of any external auditory stimulus. This prevalent symptom impacts approximately 15-20% of the global population.

  • sound sensitive

    Hyperacusis (or Misophonia)

    Decreased Sound Tolerance (DST), also known as hyperacusis or misophonia, is when certain everyday sounds can cause strong emotional reactions. People with DST might feel angry, frustrated, or anxious when they hear these sounds, and it can even make them feel depressed. This sensitivity to sound can make it hard to do everyday activities and can affect their overall well-being.

    Hyperacusis means sounds seem louder than they really are, while misophonia means certain sounds bother them a lot. Understanding these conditions better can help find ways to help people cope and feel better.

Meet Dr. of Audiology

Your compassionate guide to auditory well-being.

At Fine-Tuning Tinnitus Clinic, Ha-Yoon Jae, Doctor of Audiology, leverages extensive military medical experience and advanced audiological training to provide personalized care. With a deep passion for treating bothersome tinnitus and sound sensitivity (such as hyperacusis and misophonia), he combines cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and mindfulness techniques with audiological expertise to guide you on your auditory health journey wherever you are.

  • Discover effective relief for your tinnitus without the hassle of travel with our remote counseling services.

    By eliminating the need to commute, we save you valuable time and money by offering the convenience of receiving therapy from the cozy comfort of your chosen space. Whether you're at home or on the go, our platform brings professional support wherever you need it

  • Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is;

    • Only Evidenced-Based Treatment for Tinnitus

    • Only Tinnitus Treatment Strongly Recommended by US, Japan, and European Clinical Guidelines For Ear-Nose-Throat (ENT) Physicians

    Recognizing the intricate connection between auditory health and mental well-being, we strive to provide comprehensive care that addresses both physical symptoms like tinnitus and hyperacusis, as well as the psychological impact on our patients.

    Meeting an audiologist who embraces such a holistic approach can lead to more favorable outcomes for individuals experiencing hearing disorders and auditory hypersensitivity.

  • Tinnitus and hyperacusis require consultation primarily with a licensed clinical audiologist with in-depth knowledge of the auditory system and multiple therapeutic techniques.

    I have completed extensive and rigorous extra training as a clinical audiologist practicing in Ontario, Canada, a profession regulated by the college (CASLPO). This training encompasses Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Tinnitus Retraining Therapy (TRT), and various Mindfulness techniques, ranging from general Mindfulness practice to more specific approaches like Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR).

    I am also a certified mindfulness facilitator, which enhances my ability to integrate mindfulness practices into my therapeutic interventions effectively.

    With these skills at my disposal, I am thoroughly equipped to address a broad spectrum of hearing health issues, including tinnitus, hyperacusis, and associated concerns, with professionalism. My training allows me to provide profound insights and offer more effective solutions to individuals coping with these conditions.

How Our Tinnitus Sessions Work

Living with bothersome tinnitus for years or even decades can create patterns of thought and emotional responses that feel difficult to change. At our clinic, we focus on breaking these patterns through Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and mindfulness practices, which are tailored to your unique needs.

Step-by-Step Approach
CBT and mindfulness provide structured, step-by-step strategies to address the way your brain processes tinnitus. These techniques focus on helping your thinking brain distinguish between real threats and false alarms caused by tinnitus. By doing so, we aim to reduce automatic, reactive responses, such as frustration, anxiety, or panic.

Calming the "Knee-Jerk" Reactions
Through regular practice, we guide you in cultivating the skills needed to calm instinctive reactions to tinnitus. This involves learning how to shift your focus away from negative emotional loops and reframe your thoughts about tinnitus in a healthier, more balanced way.

Practical Skills for Everyday Life
Our sessions emphasize practical exercises and mindfulness-based techniques to help you regain control over your responses to tinnitus. These tools not only reduce the emotional burden of tinnitus but also enhance overall well-being and resilience in the face of daily challenges.

With commitment and consistent practice, many of our clients have found significant relief from the emotional and psychological impacts of tinnitus. Let us help you start your journey toward a calmer and more peaceful mind.

Our Services

  • Initial Comprehensive Tinnitus (or Hyperacusis) Assessment

  • Tinnitus (or Hyperacusis) Managetment Sessions

  • Mindfulness-Based Chronic Stress Management Class

FAQs

Is it covered by OHIP or private insurance?

Our services are NOT covered by OHIP or private insurance. They are private pay only. Additionally, please note that we do not deal with any legal documents.

What is the process for scheduling an appointment?

First, you will start with a comprehensive initial audiological assessment conducted by Ha-Yoon Jae, Au.D., a Doctor of Audiology. He will use various tools to evaluate your tinnitus and hyperacusis and provide guidance tailored to your specific needs. It's a good idea to bring your hearing test results for a more detailed assessment.

How long does a session last?

Each case of tinnitus and hyperacusis is unique, so there is no one-size-fits-all approach. Sessions are individualized based on your needs. Typically, we aim for at least SIX sessions, but it can sometimes extend to more sessions depending on your case.

How much does a session cost?

The initial tinnitus/hyperacusis treatment session is $215. Follow-up sessions are $186 each.

I am interested in your mindfulness-based stress management class. Is there any prerequisite?

No, there are NO prerequisites. This course is open to anyone who wants to learn how to manage everyday stress more effectively with a proven mindfulness approach. Many people think they handle stress well, but often, they can benefit from learning new techniques to manage stressful situations better.

Do you see pediatric patients?

No, we do not see pediatric patients. However, we DO provide the assessment, and through our initial assessment, we can guide you to appropriate services or resources for individuals under the age of 20.

How do remote sessions work?

Our remote sessions are conducted via a secure online platform, allowing you to receive expert care from the comfort of your home. You do NOT have to download any app. to install, but will receive instructions on how to join the session after scheduling your appointment.

What can I expect from a comprehensive assessment?

During the comprehensive assessment, our audiologist will review your medical history, perform a detailed audiological evaluation, and interview you in depth about your tinnitus and hyperacusis symptoms. This helps create a personalized treatment plan tailored to your needs.

How effective are the treatments for tinnitus and hyperacusis?

The effectiveness of the treatment varies from person to person. Our approach combines evidence-based treatments like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Tinnitus Retraining Therapy (TRT), and Mindfulness techniques, significantly benefiting many patients.

Feel free to reach out if you have any more questions or need further information!