One in three people will experience tinnitus at some point in their life, and one in ten have tinnitus that will not go away. The nature of tinnitus is individual to each person’s experience. It’s often described as ringing ears, buzzing, or a humming sensation when there is no external sound. Tinnitus can be heard in one ear, both or in the middle of the head. It can come and go, or it can be a constant noise. It can be pulsing, it can even sound like music to some.
Tinnitus affects millions of people worldwide. Despite its prevalence, it remains widely misunderstood. In this blog, we aim to shed light on this common condition, exploring its causes, symptoms, and effective management strategies.
What is it?
Tinnitus is not a disease itself but rather a symptom caused by an underlying condition. It is characterised by the perception of sound in the ears or head when no external sound is present. This phantom noise can vary in pitch, intensity, and duration, and may manifest as ringing, buzzing, hissing, or roaring sounds.
Causes of Tinnitus:
People commonly experience short-term tinnitus after listening to loud music, but this ringing in the ears usually disappears after a period of quiet. Long-term tinnitus is often associated with age or noise-related hearing loss. However, the underlying cause is not always so clear.
The NHS page on tinnitus suggests several potential causes. These range from, exposure to loud noises, natural hearing loss, certain diseases, other underlying health conditions like diabetes or as a result of medications, anxiety and depression.
Symptoms of Tinnitus:
As mentioned, the primary symptom is the perception of sound when there is no external source present. This may be accompanied by other sensations such as ear fullness, pressure, or discomfort. For some people, tinnitus can interfere with concentration, sleep, and overall quality of life, sometimes leading to stress, anxiety, and depression.
Management Strategies:
Unfortunately, there is no cure for tinnitus. It is unlikely that a doctor will be able to make it go away. However, there are several management strategies they may be able to suggest and it is often reported to get better over time.
1. Sound Therapy:
Sound therapy involves using external sounds, such as white noise machines, nature sounds, or music, to mask or distract from the perception of tinnitus. This can help reduce the contrast between the phantom noise and silence, making tinnitus less noticeable.
2. Stress Reduction Techniques:
Stress and anxiety can exacerbate tinnitus symptoms, so learning stress reduction techniques such as deep breathing, meditation, or progressive muscle relaxation can be beneficial. These techniques help promote relaxation and alleviate tension, making tinnitus less bothersome.
3. Hearing Aids:
For individuals with hearing loss in addition to tinnitus, hearing aids can be a valuable treatment option. By amplifying external sounds and improving overall auditory perception, hearing aids can help reduce the prominence of tinnitus and enhance communication abilities. At Cambrian Hearing, we offer a range of hearing aids to help with Tinnitus.
4. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT):
CBT is a type of psychotherapy that focuses on changing negative thought patterns and behaviors. For individuals with tinnitus-related distress, CBT can help them develop coping strategies, challenge negative beliefs about tinnitus, and improve their overall emotional well-being.
5. Lifestyle Modifications:
Certain lifestyle factors, such as caffeine, alcohol, and tobacco use, can exacerbate symptoms. Making healthy lifestyle choices, including regular exercise, balanced nutrition, and adequate sleep, can help reduce the severity and improve overall health and well-being.
6. Avoiding Loud Noise Exposure:
Since exposure to loud noises can worsen tinnitus symptoms, it’s important to protect your ears from excessive noise. This may involve wearing earplugs or earmuffs in noisy environments, turning down the volume on personal electronic devices, and taking breaks from loud activities.
Find Help
Tinnitus can be a challenging condition to live with, but with the right management strategies, individuals can effectively cope with their symptoms and improve their quality of life. Tinnitus is often easier to manage if help is given early, so ensure to contact a hearing care professional.
It’s important not to suffer alone. Tinnitus UK has a great tool to find tinnitus support in your local area, where people with tinnitus can find people who understand. Or call the British Tinnitus Association on 0800 018 0527. Whilst there are not many tinnitus support groups in listed in Shropshire, there is “DeafnAble Tinnitus Support Group” in Telford. If you or someone you know is experiencing tinnitus, don’t hesitate to reach out to for guidance and support.
