Most people have experienced tinnitus, especially after leaving a concert or loud social setting. Tinnitus is commonly known as “ringing in the ears” and refers to hearing a ringing or buzzing like noise in one or both ears. This noise is heard even though there is no external noise present in the environment. A phantom like sound, tinnitus is beyond an annoyance and can be debilitating. In fact, 20 million people deal with chronic tinnitus and an estimated 16 million people seek medical attention for tinnitus every year. Tinnitus can take a toll on sleep, cause hearing challenges, prevent concentration, and produce stress and frustration. It is important to learn ways you can effectively manage tinnitus, alleviating its impact on daily life. There are several strategies you can use to successfully do this including the following:
- Treat hearing loss. Though there are nearly 200 medical conditions that produce tinnitus as a symptom, hearing loss is the most common cause. 90% of all cases of tinnitus also occur with underlying hearing loss so if you experience tinnitus, it is important to have your hearing assessed first. Hearing tests involve a painless process that is facilitated by a hearing healthcare specialist and measures your hearing capacity in both ears. Hearing loss is commonly treated with the use of hearing aids – hearing instruments that are equipped with technology that absorbs, amplifies, and processes sound. This maximizes hearing capacity and alleviates hearing loss symptoms. Today’s hearing aids have a range of features including tinnitus masking features that are specifically designed to treat tinnitus.
- Tinnitus retraining therapy. Another benefit of being evaluated by a hearing healthcare specialist is that they can recommend additional treatment solutions for tinnitus. This includes tinnitus retraining therapy which is a type of sound therapy. It utilizes a strategy that is known as habituation which essentially involves retraining the brain to interpret tinnitus differently. The brain can be trained to associate tinnitus with mundane, background sound that is not bothersome.
- Create ambient noise. Creating background noise is a useful way to mask tinnitus. If you are in a space that has other noise, you tend to notice tinnitus less as the brain is also paying attention to the other sounds. You can create ambient noise in numerous ways including: using sound machines, playing soft background music, using an app to play calming sounds etc. This can be an effective and simple way to distract from tinnitus.
- Destress. Stress can worsen tinnitus which can then contribute to more stress. This can be an unbearable cycle that disrupts sleep, capacity to focus, complete tasks etc. So finding ways to both destress and process your stress effectively is important. There are countless ways to do this so spend some time exploring different strategies. This can include engaging in medication which encourages greater relaxation, mindfulness, quality breathing etc. Taking daily walks, exercising, finding other activities to engage in are all good ways to channel stress.
- Enhance sleep. A significant impact of tinnitus is poor sleep. You likely know how lack of sleep impacts you – fatigue, irritability, difficulty focusing, frustration etc. Poor sleep can also trigger tinnitus so finding ways to improve your sleep quality is key. You can do this by creating optimal conditions for good sleep: creating a bedtime routine that is calming, adjusting lighting, investing in comfortable bedding, using essential oils to aid in relaxation, avoiding screens at least 30 minutes before sleeping etc.
In addition to these tips, be sure to check your medications. Various medications can actually cause or worsen tinnitus. This includes over the counter medications, specific types of antibiotics, medications for conditions like heart disease, antidepressants etc. Also, the interaction of more than one medication can trigger tinnitus. So be sure to discuss medications and symptoms with your healthcare provider.
Tinnitus can be experienced intermittently or chronically, disrupting daily life. If you experience tinnitus, you should be evaluated by a hearing healthcare specialist. Identifying and treating the underlying condition producing tinnitus can provide immense relief. You can take the first step today by calling us to schedule an appointment for a hearing consultation. This appointment involves evaluating your ears and assessing your hearing capacity which is a painless and noninvasive process. Call us today to get started.