3 Ways to Manage Tinnitus
How to deal with tinnitus
Almost everyone will have experienced a ringing in their ears after going to a loud concert or spending time in a noisy environment, but for people with tinnitus it is a persistent problem.
Tinnitus is the perception of noises in the ear that sound as if they’re internal, rather than coming from an outside source. It may begin suddenly or come on gradually. For some it is an occasional annoyance, but some sufferers find it totally disrupts every aspect of their lives and can lead to mental health problems.
What causes tinnitus?
Specsavers chief audiologist Gordon Harrison said: ‘Despite the fact that it is a common condition, it’s still not clear exactly what causes tinnitus. It is thought to be a problem with the way that the ear hears sounds and the brain interprets them. The majority of the cases are linked to damage to the inner ear caused by hearing loss but around one in three people with the condition do not have a problem with their ears or hearing. As well as inner ear damage, other causes of hearing loss include a build-up of wax, a perforated ear drum, a middle ear infection or stress.’
Is there any treatment?
There is no cure for tinnitus but there are a number of things you can do to try and cope with it. If your tinnitus is associated with hearing loss then hearing aids will probably help as they will help distract your brain away from the tinnitus sounds. Many hearing aids also have inbuilt ‘masking’ functions which can help people with troublesome or distressing tinnitus. A Specsavers hearing professional will be able to advise you on what might be suitable for your needs.
3 tips to help manage tinnitus:
- Visit an audiologist
Tinnitus is more common in people that suffer from hearing loss. Although wearing hearing aids cannot cure tinnitus, those experiencing hearing loss and tinnitus often see a real benefit from them. The aids stimulate the brain to engage and focus on surrounding sounds, and ultimately distracts it from the tinnitus, so many people find that their tinnitus has either reduced or even disappeared completely in some cases, as a result of wearing a hearing aid.
- Learn to relax
Worrying about tinnitus can cause tension or cause you to fixate on the noise, making it appear worse so learning to relax is important. You could try meditation or relaxation techniques from books, CDs or even an app on your phone. Some people find that aromatherapy, improved posture, massage, reflexology, craniofacial therapy, yoga, and tai chi have similar relaxing benefits, as well as resting in a relaxing environment with special aromas, dim lighting, and soft music.
- Avoid silence
In a totally quiet environment your brain will try to hear any sound more clearly – including the sound of your tinnitus. It is, therefore, important to try to avoid complete silence, especially when you are trying to sleep at night. Increasing the amount of background noise in your home or workplace can help lessen your focus on your tinnitus tone. This could include pleasant low-level sounds from a television, radio, or recorded music, from a fan, a ticking clock or from outside through an open window.
