Tinnitus treatment: Valuable tips

We have already covered many hearing issues in our previous articles and provided professional recommendations.

Today we will tell you about one of the most common hearing related problems that occur in 25% of the world’s population. It’s called Tinnitus. You will learn how to deal with this auditory problem and how to live with it.

What is Tinnitus?

Let’s first figure out what Tinnitus is? In this auditory disorder, a person might experience constant noises without external influence, for example, ringing, howling, and hissing in a completely calm and quiet place. These are the main characteristics of Tinnitus symptoms.

Noise can range from low to high frequency. Besides, you can hear a buzzing or ringing in one or both ears at once. Sometimes background sounds are so loud that they make it difficult to concentrate or communicate.

Of course, this causes a lot of inconveniences and leads to certain unpleasant consequences, such as inability to sleep, depression, or difficulty with orientation in space.

Keep in mind, that Tinnitus and hearing loss are interrelated. The first is rarely seen alone and is often accompanied by other auditory problems, such as a sensorineural hearing loss. For effective treatment, it is necessary to correctly and quickly diagnose the problem.

So what can cause Tinnitus?

• Heredity
• Otosclerosis
• Earwax
• Age-related hearing loss
• Loud noise exposure
• Head injuries
• Certain medications can cause it

Be careful and try to minimize the possible causes of Tinnitus.

Useful tips on coping with Tinnitus!

Remember that ringing in the ears can happen to anyone. However, do not despair and panic. Each patient can minimize the consequences of this auditory problem by following simple recommendations. Here are some effective tips that can  help you deal with Tinnitus. Let’s look at each of them in detail.

Protect hearing from further damage

As we have mentioned earlier, noise exposure is one of the main causes of Tinnitus. So, try to avoid noisy places such as construction sites, concerts, and nightclubs. If you are going to be in such noisy environments, use additional protective equipment – earplugs or noise reduction headphones. It will help you avoid further development of Tinnitus.

Use sound maskers

Sound maskers are special devices that help reduce external noise. They can also play more pleasant sounds at a fixed volume. These measures mask unpleasant ringing in the ears, allowing you to relax and more easily tolerate the symptoms.

Avoid stressful situations

Often, stress complicates the symptoms of Tinnitus, so it is recommended to try to avoid them. Try not to argue with people, do not raise your voice, relax, and use tonic products. It is also important to reduce the consumption of caffeine, nicotine, and alcohol, as these stimulants actively affect your nervous system and can exacerbate the problem.

Create favorable conditions for sleep

Insomnia and subsequent depression are common in people with Tinnitus. This is not surprising, because constant sounds and noises in the ears do not allow the body to relax. It is very important to learn how to create an environment suitable for sleeping. You can sleep with your head down to prevent congestion or use special devices that generate white noise. Quiet and pleasant music or the clock ticking also creates a favorable effect.

Use hearing aids

Hearing aids amplify sounds at frequencies that you are trying to hear, such as a conversation with a person, for example. This allows you to suppress background noise. The brain additionally focuses on the right frequencies, paying less attention to buzzing and ringing, so using hearing aid not only allows you to hear better but also helps to cope with the unpleasant consequences of Tinnitus. This is the most effective remedy for background noise! Our leading audiologist, Dr. Zhanneta Shapiro, says:

To know what solution might best meet your needs, it’s important to meet with a qualified audiologist who can fully evaluate your hearing acuity and recommend devices such as hearing aids or assistive devices to make hearing and communicating easier for you, as well as reduce tinnitus.

Try additional treatments

There are various causes of Tinnitus, so the combined use of hearing aids and additional methods give excellent results. What are the alternative methods? You can take group stress relief classes, try acupuncture, or yoga classes.  Your hearing care professional will recommend such classes to you, taking into account your individual situation. The right diagnosis is also very important, therefore your audiologist might refer you for further appropriate testing, to rule out any other medical conditions that can cause tinnitus.

Tinnitus is a common hearing problem that often occurs in people (especially elderly). Living with Tinnitus, is what is often on people’s mind after consulting with their physicians, who often might tell you that there’s no solution for it, however, here are various  Tinnitus treatments that are available.

At Audiology Island, we offer professional Tinnitus evaluations and treatment. Our hearing care professionals have extensive experience in this matter and have already helped hundreds of patients!

Are you concerned about constant noise or buzzing in your ears? Are you tired of not sleeping at night, and not being able to hear well? Call us today for a consultation with our doctors of Audiology and Audiology Island will be happy to help you!