Tinnitus Treatment Options
Tinnitus is an annoying and persistent ringing that is heard in one or both ears, often referred to as chronic tinnitus. For some, this is a high-pitched, 24/7 ringing. Tinnitus can be very loud for some, and it can come and go for seemingly no reason, with common tinnitus risk factors contributing to its occurrence. Others talk about a lively pulse that matches every heartbeat. Whatever type of tinnitus you are suffering from, the results are often identical: stress, anxiety, and the fear that it may never leave.
Around 25 million Americans – 10 percent of the population in the US – suffer tinnitus. Sixty percent of veterans returning from combat areas register tinnitus cases and hearing loss.
Tinnitus can, at any moment, affect everyone. In reality, most people have had short-lived experiences with tinnitus, which can last from a few seconds to a few minutes anywhere. If, after a live rock show or a live sporting event, you heard a strange sound in your ear – both places with high sound levels – you have had temporary tinnitus. Prolonged exposure to loud noise increases the likelihood of experiencing tinnitus and highlights the importance of hearing protection to prevent damage in such environments.
Understanding Tinnitus
Tinnitus is a common condition where individuals perceive sound without an external source. Often described as a ringing, buzzing, or hissing noise, tinnitus can affect one or both ears. This phantom noise can be a symptom of various underlying medical conditions. Common causes include hearing loss, earwax buildup, ear infections, and exposure to loud noises. In some instances, tinnitus may signal more serious conditions like Meniere’s disease or otosclerosis. Understanding the nature of tinnitus is the first step towards managing its impact on your life.
What is Tinnitus?
Tinnitus is a common condition characterized by the perception of sound that does not have an external source. Often described as a ringing, buzzing, hissing, or whooshing sound, tinnitus can affect one or both ears or even be perceived in the head. This phantom noise can vary in pitch and intensity, and it may be constant or intermittent. According to the National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders (NIDCD), approximately 10% of adults in the United States experience tinnitus each year. Understanding what tinnitus is and how it manifests is the first step in managing this often frustrating condition.
Causes and Diagnosis
The exact causes of tinnitus are not entirely understood, but it is believed to be linked to changes in how the brain processes sound. Several factors can contribute to tinnitus, including hearing loss, earwax buildup, ear infections, and exposure to loud noises. An audiological evaluation is often part of the diagnostic process for tinnitus. Sometimes, tinnitus is a symptom of more severe conditions such as Meniere’s disease or otosclerosis. Diagnosing tinnitus typically involves a thorough physical examination, a detailed medical history, and a series of tests, including hearing tests and imaging tests like MRI or CT scans. Identifying the root cause is crucial for effective tinnitus treatment.
Causes of Tinnitus
The exact causes of tinnitus are not fully understood, but it has been linked to various factors. Hearing loss is a common culprit, as the brain may create phantom sounds to compensate for the lack of auditory input. Earwax buildup, ear infections, and exposure to loud noises can also trigger tinnitus. Age-related hearing loss is another significant factor, as the natural aging process can affect the auditory system. Less common tinnitus risk factors include head or neck injuries, certain medications, Meniere’s disease, otosclerosis, TMJ disorders, and tumors or cysts on the auditory nerve. Understanding these causes can help in identifying the best approach to managing tinnitus.
How is Tinnitus Diagnosed?
Diagnosing tinnitus typically involves a combination of medical history examination, ear, head, and neck examination, and describing the type of tinnitus noises heard. Doctors aim to identify underlying causes to treat symptoms effectively. Common tests for identifying underlying causes include audiograms, which assess hearing ability, and imaging techniques such as MRI or CT scans to check for structural issues. Blood tests may also be conducted to rule out other medical conditions. Identifying the type of tinnitus noises can help doctors pinpoint possible underlying causes, leading to more targeted and effective treatment options.
Treatment Options
We can’t yet cure tinnitus. But luckily, there are ways of treating it and keeping its frustrating effects at bay. Hearing rehabilitation can be an essential part of the treatment process for tinnitus. Make sure you have your hearing tested first. Tinnitus is often the first symptom of an ear disorder. For some people, tinnitus may be the way the auditory system “creates” sounds that it lacks due to a loss of hearing or an ear infection. Damage to the inner ear can also alter the signals sent to the brain, leading to the perception of phantom sounds.
Following your hearing test, here are some ideas for tinnitus treatment your audiologist may recommend. Subjective tinnitus, the most common form, affects 95 percent of cases and is associated with various ear disorders.
Tinnitus Retraining Therapy (TRT)
Tinnitus Retraining Therapy (TRT) is a highly effective treatment for tinnitus that leverages the brain’s natural ability to habituate to sounds. TRT involves two main components: sound therapy and cognitive therapy. Sound therapy uses devices that produce low-level background noise to help the brain filter out the tinnitus sound on a subconscious level. Cognitive therapy, on the other hand, involves counseling to help individuals modify their reactions to tinnitus. By combining these approaches, TRT aims to make the tinnitus sound less noticeable and less bothersome, significantly improving the quality of life for those affected.
Sound Therapy
Sound-masking devices provide a pleasant or benign outside noise that partially drowns out the tinnitus’ internal sound. White noise machines are a specific type of sound-masking device that can be particularly effective. Tinnitus retraining therapy (TRT) is another specialized treatment for managing tinnitus, utilizing cognitive and sound therapy to help the brain habituate to auditory signals. A tabletop sound machine is a traditional sound-masking device, but there are also small electronic devices that fit in the ear. Tinnitus retraining therapy TRT is designed to help individuals habituate to the tinnitus signal over time, making it less perceptible and more manageable. Such devices can play white noise, pink noise, noise from nature, music, or other ambient sounds. Some people prefer an ambient sound level that is just slightly louder than their tinnitus, but others prefer a masking tone that drowns out the ringing entirely.
Relaxation exercises
Tinnitus is closely linked to stress and anxiety. Not only are people with high levels of anxiety more likely to suffer from tinnitus, but stress also plays a role in the severity of tinnitus symptoms, as well as how people can cope with those symptoms successfully. Progressive muscle relaxation is a specific technique to reduce stress and anxiety. In short, the more stressed you are, the more susceptible you are to ringing ears.
By learning to relax, you can best help yourself with your symptoms, which is an essential part of treating tinnitus. Many people who practice regular relaxation techniques say that they reduce their tinnitus’ loudness and help them to become indifferent to their noise. It can also help with stress and the anxiety associated with tinnitus.
Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
This can be useful, either as a stand-alone therapy or in conjunction with sound care. Mindfulness meditation can also be a complementary technique to CBT. By using techniques to help you deal with anxiety and distress, CBT can help you manage the impact of tinnitus on your life. Objective tinnitus, a rare form of tinnitus audible to an observer and often linked to underlying vascular or muscular disorders, constitutes less than 5 percent of tinnitus cases. This allows you to realize the state of your thinking process so that your emotions can become more optimistic.
Cognitive-behavioral programs usually involve tracking thoughts and noting when tinnitus creates the most significant disturbance for you. You will then discuss your ideas and be supported to change the way you think about tinnitus.
Managing Tinnitus Symptoms
While there is no definitive cure for tinnitus, several strategies can help manage its symptoms. Sound therapy, which uses sound devices to help the brain habituate to tinnitus, can be particularly effective. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is another valuable approach, helping individuals change their perception of tinnitus and reduce its impact. Biofeedback is also a technique that can help manage stress and anxiety related to tinnitus. Relaxation techniques, such as deep breathing and meditation, can also alleviate stress and anxiety, which often exacerbate tinnitus symptoms. In some cases, medications like antidepressants and anti-anxiety drugs may be prescribed to help manage the condition.
Reducing Exposure to Loud Noises
Reducing exposure to loud noises is essential in preventing tinnitus and protecting your hearing health. Prolonged exposure to loud noises can damage the hair cells in the inner ear, leading to tinnitus. To minimize this risk, use hearing protection devices such as earplugs or earmuffs, especially in noisy environments like concerts, construction sites, or while using loud machinery. Additionally, taking regular breaks in quiet areas can give your ears a chance to recover. By being proactive about hearing protection, you can significantly reduce the likelihood of developing tinnitus or making existing symptoms worse.
Lifestyle Changes
Making lifestyle changes can play a crucial role in reducing tinnitus symptoms and improving overall well-being. Reducing stress is particularly important, as stress can exacerbate tinnitus symptoms. Techniques such as deep breathing, meditation, and cognitive behavioral therapy can help manage stress levels. Regular exercise not only reduces stress but also improves overall health, which can positively impact tinnitus. Improving sleep habits, such as establishing a consistent sleep schedule and creating a relaxing sleep environment, can also help alleviate tinnitus symptoms. Additionally, avoiding loud noises and quitting smoking can further contribute to managing tinnitus effectively. By incorporating these lifestyle changes, individuals can take proactive steps towards better managing their tinnitus.
Alternative and Complementary Therapies
Beyond traditional treatments, several alternative and complementary therapies can aid in managing tinnitus symptoms. Acupuncture, which involves inserting small needles into specific body points, has shown promise in reducing tinnitus symptoms. Nutritional supplements may also be a potential aid in managing tinnitus symptoms. Herbal supplements like ginkgo biloba and zinc may also offer relief. Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR), which focuses on mindfulness meditation, can help reduce the stress and anxiety that often make tinnitus worse. Exploring these options can provide additional avenues for relief and improve overall well-being.
Coping and Support
Living with tinnitus can be challenging, but there are effective ways to cope with its symptoms. Joining a support group, whether in person or online, can offer a sense of community and shared experience. Tinnitus support groups can also be a valuable resource for finding community and shared experience. Keeping a tinnitus journal to track symptoms and identify triggers can be insightful. Practicing relaxation techniques, such as deep breathing and meditation, can help reduce stress and anxiety, which can worsen tinnitus symptoms. Additionally, seeking counseling or therapy can provide strategies and techniques to manage the condition more effectively. Remember, you are not alone, and support is available to help you navigate life with tinnitus.
Hearing Aids
Several studies have explored how hearing aids impact tinnitus patients’ everyday lives, such as how a hearing aid can lead to tinnitus reduction and quality of life. Digital hearing aids are a specific type of hearing aid that can help with tinnitus. Other studies have shown that hearing aids reduce the effect of tinnitus in a significant number of people. It has been proved that bilateral auditory aids (one per ear) can be more advantageous than just using other tinnitus support.
Healthy adaptation to hearing aids and rehabilitation to normal levels of sound usually only takes a few weeks. When this adjustment time has ended, it’s easier to wear hearing aids everyday. Indeed, many come to rely on them for their everyday lives. When hearing loss is addressed, and the sounds around them become more prominent, many become less aware of their tinnitus.