Tinnitus comes from the Latin word “tinnere,” which translates to “a ringing” or “to ring.” This is a relatively unpleasant auditory perception of noise that has an internal source and is only occasionally picked up by other people.
This severity of the condition is highly relative; it may be mild enough to be ignored by certain people, while for others, the condition may be so bothersome that it interferes with their normal, day-to-day activities.
How to manage tinnitus
Tinnitus can be triggered or caused by many factors. It can be caused by:
- exposure to loud noises
- certain medications
- head trauma or injury
- ear infections
- accumulation of earwax
- tumor or aneurysm (in very rare cases)
In some cases, medical intervention for tinnitus is not necessary, as the symptoms go away on their own. However, for patients who suffer from constant or severe tinnitus, there are several approaches that can be explored.
To be clear, there is no known cure for tinnitus. These approaches discussed below may help reduce the symptoms or help a tinnitus patient cope with the condition.
Here are some methods to help tinnitus keep tinnitus at bay:
Tinnitus Retraining Therapy
Tinnitus Retraining Therapy (TRT) is a treatment designed to help people manage the perception of tinnitus, which is a ringing or buzzing sound in the ears. TRT combines sound therapy with counseling. The sound therapy involves using background noise or white noise to mask the tinnitus sounds, making them less noticeable. Counseling helps patients understand tinnitus better and develop coping strategies. Over time, TRT aims to train the brain to ignore the tinnitus, reducing its impact on daily life. This therapy usually requires regular sessions with a trained professional and can take several months to achieve significant results.
Hearing aids and sound therapy:
For individuals diagnosed with hearing loss and tinnitus, hearing aids can help amplify external sounds while providing sound therapy. This is an effective combination because hearing aids can enhance hearing while reducing the perception of tinnitus. Some hearing aids are designed with tinnitus maskers that can provide sound therapy to mask or cover up the tinnitus.
Diagnose and address underlying health conditions:
In some cases, tinnitus may not be caused by a problem in the auditory system but instead, it may be linked to underlying health conditions, such as high blood pressure or diabetes. Treating underlying medical conditions may help manage tinnitus symptoms.
Maintain a healthy lifestyle:
Try to avoid certain triggers such as caffeine or nicotine. Several studies have shown that maintaining a healthy lifestyle – eating balanced meals, getting physically fit, and reducing stress – can help alleviate tinnitus symptoms.
Keep stress at bay:
Does stress and anxiety cause tinnitus or is it the other way around? Medical professionals have noted that stress and anxiety can worsen tinnitus symptoms. When a person undergoes severe levels of stress, the body produces adrenaline and other hormones that can cause changes in blood flow and increase sensitivity to sounds, thus triggering tinnitus. This is why doctors recommend managing stress levels by practicing relaxation methods and mindfulness.
Use hearing protection:
Loud noises can significantly damage the hair cells in the inner ear and worsen tinnitus. Use appropriate hearing protection to prevent hearing damage and other related issues.
Be wary of certain medications:
Some medications can trigger or worsen tinnitus symptoms, such as aspirin and other NSAIDs, Benzodiazepines, loop diuretics, tricyclic antidepressants, ACE inhibitors, and angiotensin receptor blockers. Make sure to bring up your tinnitus condition with your healthcare provider so they can provide alternative medications.
Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT):
CBT can help tinnitus patients learn how to manage the psychological and emotional aspects of tinnitus. Through CBT, tinnitus patients can learn how to identify negative thoughts and beliefs about tinnitus, such as feeling hopeless about the condition or catastrophizing. CBT also promotes mindfulness techniques, stress-management skills, and cognitive restructuring.
Keep in mind that what works for one patient may not work for another. In most cases, several tinnitus management approaches are combined. It would be best to speak with an audiologist or tinnitus specialist to determine the best course of treatment for your unique condition.
Tinnitus Evaluations in Lawrenceville, NJ
Tinnitus can be managed in a variety of methods, but the first step is to undergo a comprehensive tinnitus evaluation to efficiently determine the source of the issue and come up with a personalized treatment plan.
Oracle Hearing Center provides comprehensive hearing diagnostics and tinnitus evaluations in Lawrenceville, NJ.
Contact us today to schedule an appointment!