If you’ve ever experienced ringing, buzzing, or a persistent hum in your ears, you’re not alone. This condition, known as tinnitus (pronounced ti-nuh-tuhs), affects millions of people. While it might seem like a minor annoyance at first, for many, it can be a disruptive force in their daily lives. Although there’s no cure for tinnitus, there are effective ways to manage it, helping you regain peace of mind and focus. Let’s dive into what tinnitus is, its causes, and some of the treatment options.
About Tinnitus
Tinnitus — often described as ringing, hissing, humming or buzzing—is the term used for noises in the ears or head when no actual external sounds are present. It is estimated that 50 million Americans suffer from tinnitus.
The noise may be constant or come and go and may vary or remain steady. Either way, tinnitus may be bothersome and interfere with daily life, causing difficulties with sleep or concentration with various activities.
Kaitlyn Ostrowski, AuD, Audiology, Winona Health
Hyperacusis is a clinical term for over-sensitivity to sound. Individuals with tinnitus often have abnormally strong reactions to sound (quiet, medium or loud).
What causes the ringing?
There are several causes of tinnitus. The two most common are hearing loss and exposure to excessive noise. Other conditions that may lead to tinnitus include, but are not limited to:
- Wax impaction
- Ménière’s disease (chronic disorder affecting balance and hearing)
- Jaw disorders
- Thyroid problems
- Certain medications
- Ear infections
- Head or neck injury
- Abnormal blood pressure (low or high)
- Acoustic tumors (noncancerous tumor on the main nerve between inner ear and brain)
Tinnitus is not normal. If you have tinnitus, schedule an appointment for assessment by an ear, nose and throat physician or an audiologist trained in tinnitus assessment and management.
Tinnitus Treatment
While there is no medication or surgery that can make tinnitus go away, there are many management options that may provide relief.
The goal of any management plan is to shift your focus away from your tinnitus and reduce your negative reactions to your tinnitus. Results will not occur overnight. We’ll develop an individualized tinnitus management plan to fit your unique needs and goals. Other treatments include, but are not limited to, relaxation techniques, dietary modifications, massage therapy and exercise.
Successful management plans use a combination of education, counseling and sound stimulation. At Winona Health, we use hearing aids and sound generators, which help retrain the brain to adjust to the tinnitus.
Managing Tinnitus
There is no cure for tinnitus. However, there are ways to manage the symptoms:
- Hearing Aids and Devices — Hearing aids are the single most effective way of managing tinnitus. Masking devices may also help and are often incorporated into modern hearing aids. Hearing aids are placed into the ear to help amplify sounds for those with hearing loss.
- White Noise Machine — This device can play any number of simulated sounds from the environment, such as rain or ocean waves. This is especially helpful while trying to fall asleep.
- Music — Listening to calming music can help fill silence, making the tinnitus stand out less.
- Adjustments — Lifestyle changes can help to control the impact of tinnitus on your life.
- Meditation and Relaxation — Exercises in mindfulness can help you focus less on the tinnitus.
- Healthy Changes — Making healthy changes such as a good diet, eliminating tobacco, exercising, and thinking positively can have a positive impact on your life.
- Good Sleep Practices — Creating and sticking to a bedtime routine can help decrease the effect tinnitus has on your sleep.
Tinnitus self-screener
- Is it difficult for you to concentrate because of your tinnitus?
- Do you feel that you can no longer cope with your tinnitus?
- Does your tinnitus make it difficult for you to enjoy life?
- Do you have trouble falling asleep at night because of your tinnitus?
- Do you feel depressed because of your tinnitus?
- Does it sound like people are mumbling more than normal?
- Is talking on the phone difficult?
- Do you often have to ask people to repeat themselves?
- Do you need to turn up the volume on the television?
- Has someone close to you mentioned you might have a problem with your hearing?
How did you do?
If you answered “yes” to any of these questions, it might be time to schedule an appointment with a clinical audiologist.
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