Buzz
Tinnitus is an auditory perception characterized by phantom noises like ringing, buzzing, roaring, clicking, or hissing without an external source. It is commonly attributed to ear damage caused by loud noise exposure, but can also result from ear infections, specific medications, high blood pressure, or advancing age. While some instances of tinnitus may resolve on their own, others may require treatment for underlying conditions. Around 50 million Americans experience chronic tinnitus lasting at least six months, but there are strategies to alleviate its impact.
Procedure
Addressing Tinnitus
Examine for earwax buildup. Tinnitus can sometimes stem from excessive earwax. A professional ear cleaning can alleviate many symptoms. Consult your doctor to assess and address any earwax-related issues.
- Experts advise against using cotton swabs for earwax removal due to associated risks.
Rule out head injury.
Somatic Tinnitus is characterized by ringing in the ears due to head trauma. This type of Tinnitus is often loud, fluctuates in frequency throughout the day, and can lead to concentration and memory issues. Surgical realignment of the jaw may sometimes alleviate somatic Tinnitus.
Consult your doctor for possible vascular issues. If your Tinnitus sounds like a pulsing rhythm synced with your heartbeat, it may indicate a vascular condition. Your doctor may recommend medications or surgical intervention for this type of Tinnitus. Pulsatile Tinnitus could signify underlying health issues like high blood pressure, arterial hardening, vascular tumors, or aneurysms, requiring immediate medical attention.
Review your medication. Many medications, such as Aspirin, ibuprofen, Aleve, blood pressure and heart drugs, antidepressants, and cancer medications, can trigger Tinnitus. Discuss with your doctor if your medication might be contributing to your condition and explore potential alternatives.
Discuss auditory issues with your doctor. Tinnitus often results from damage to tiny ear hair cells, caused by aging or exposure to loud noises. Occupational exposure to machinery or loud music can also lead to Tinnitus. Loud noises can cause temporary or permanent hearing loss, while other causes of auditory issues include medication use, middle ear bone stiffening, auditory system tumors, vascular or neurological disorders, and genetic factors. While long-term Tinnitus may not fully resolve, it can usually be managed effectively.
Explore treatment options with your doctor. Tinnitus may be transient or minor, not always requiring immediate medical attention. However, if it suddenly becomes severe, persists for a week, or significantly impacts your quality of life, consult a doctor. Seek professional help if you experience symptoms like fatigue, difficulty concentrating, depression, anxiety, or memory issues.
Living with Tinnitus
Stay calm. Stress can exacerbate Tinnitus symptoms. While it's rarely a severe health concern, even untreatable Tinnitus can fade over time. Focus on managing your condition effectively and educating yourself about it.
Consider medication for symptom relief. Some medications can help alleviate Tinnitus symptoms even if there's no cure. Antidepressants and Xanax can aid in managing symptoms, but they should be used judiciously due to potential side effects and addiction risks.
Use white noise. External sounds often mask the ringing in your ears. White noise machines or nature sounds can be beneficial. In the absence of specialized devices, everyday items like radios, fans, or air conditioning units can provide relief.
Explore masking devices. Various treatments for Tinnitus leverage white noise's therapeutic effects. Some devices amplify ambient sounds, while newer techniques like customized acoustic therapy show promise. Discuss with your doctor to determine the best treatment for your condition and budget.
Consider Tinnitus Retraining Therapy (TRT). If Tinnitus persists despite masking treatments, TRT offers long-term therapy and auditory training to help patients become comfortable with the sound. While masking is effective in the initial six months, TRT is more beneficial for cases lasting over a year.
Adapt your lifestyle. Stress exacerbates Tinnitus, so prioritize relaxation. Incorporate regular exercise and adequate rest into your routine. Avoid triggers like alcohol, caffeine, nicotine, and loud noises to improve your condition.
Explore counseling options. Tinnitus can lead to emotional distress; seek professional help if you're struggling mentally. Consider joining support groups facilitated by qualified health professionals for additional support.
Experiment with alternative therapies. Some people find relief from Tinnitus through alternative remedies like Gingko biloba, B vitamins, Zinc supplements, hypnosis, and acupuncture. While their effectiveness varies and is debated, they are worth exploring.
