Meet Johnathon – Tinnitus Began During Military Service in the Marine Corps
I first noticed my tinnitus symptoms around 2016 while I was in the Marine Corps. My job involved shooting howitzers cannons—100 pounds of explosives going off right next to my ears. No amount of ear protection could fully prevent the damage. After about a year or two in that role, I started to notice a high-pitched ringing in my ears. Initially, it was faint, but as I continued firing cannons and artillery rounds, the ringing became more pronounced and deeper in my ears.
The Challenges of Living with Tinnitus
Eventually, the ringing would interrupt my daily conversations—it would come out of nowhere, like a sudden “E” sound in my ear, even when I was talking to someone. My primary care physician referred me to Hope Hearing and Tinnitus Center. Before coming here, the only place I had sought treatment for my tinnitus was the VA hospital.
When I first called Hope Hearing, the phone screening and evaluation were incredibly informative. They clearly explained the process from start to finish and outlined the possibilities for my treatment. The hearing evaluation exam itself was comprehensive—much more detailed than other places I’d been. It wasn’t just sitting in a soundproof chamber and raising my hand when I heard noises. They used advanced technologies and thorough diagnostic methods to assess my tinnitus.
How Treatment Made Conversations Easier
Tinnitus has affected my daily conversations, especially with my girlfriend. She would often have to raise her voice or project across the room to get my attention because I couldn’t hear her well unless I was focused on her and watching her mouth move.
Since getting the devices and wearing them daily, the change in my hearing and tinnitus has been remarkable. Now, we can go out to restaurants, and I can focus on her conversation without being overwhelmed by background noise or triggering my tinnitus.
Support That Made a Difference
The staff here has been fantastic. They treat you like family. Dr. Kellogg, in particular, has been deeply invested in both my hearing and my overall well-being. If someone is on the fence about seeking help, the biggest advice I can give is that it’s worth scheduling a consultation. It’s worth coming in and exploring your options rather than ignoring the issue.
With the progress I’ve seen so far, I’m committed to continuing with the devices and following the treatment plan recommended by Dr. Kellogg and the team. I’m confident things will keep improving.
The Next Step For New Patients
If you have been experiencing similar symptoms or struggles to Dr. Debbie’s, the first step in getting treatment is scheduling an initial hearing evaluation to identify your unique condition. Our clinic has the freedom to choose any hearing device that will serve you best – without any insurance interference.
Know that there are indeed treatment options for tinnitus symptoms including tinnitus retraining therapy (TRT) and for hearing loss of all severity levels. Find Hope, Get Relief at Hope Hearing and Tinnitus Center in Hiawatha, serving Cedar Rapids and all of eastern Iowa.
