Do you ever experience a persistent ringing or buzzing sensation in your ears? You’re not alone. Tinnitus affects approximately 50 million people across the United States. While for some, tinnitus might be an occasional nuisance, for others, it can significantly disrupt daily life, causing issues like sleep disturbances, anxiety and difficulty concentrating.
Let’s delve into the causes and triggers of tinnitus and provide effective management techniques to help you regain control over your life.
Hearing Loss
Research indicates that around 90% of tinnitus cases occur alongside some degree of hearing loss. When hearing loss disrupts the path of auditory signals from your inner ear to your brain, your brain may compensate by generating its own noise, manifesting as tinnitus. As hearing loss progresses, so might the severity of your tinnitus.
For people with both hearing loss and tinnitus, hearing aids can be beneficial. Many modern hearing aids come equipped with tinnitus masking features, amplifying external sounds or playing soothing sounds to distract from internal noise.
Loud Noise Exposure
Exposure to sudden bursts of loud noise can damage the delicate structures of your inner ear, leading to hearing loss and tinnitus. Whether attending a loud concert or watching an action-packed movie, repeated noise exposure can contribute to worsening tinnitus.
Taking proactive measures to protect your ears from loud noise exposure can help prevent further damage and worsening tinnitus. Invest in earplugs or earmuffs to help reduce damage during loud noise exposure.
Stress
One 2023 study found that stress could be as likely to induce tinnitus as exposure to occupational noise. Psychological stress can exacerbate tinnitus symptoms and vice versa, creating a cycle that’s challenging to break free from. Recognizing and managing stress is crucial in mitigating the impact of tinnitus on your life.
Engaging in stress-reducing activities such as meditation, yoga or exercise can help break the cycle of tinnitus-related stress, promoting overall well-being. Try taking a yoga class or going for a run around Vickroy Park to relieve some of your stress and lessen the likelihood of worsening tinnitus.
Contact Sound Advice today to schedule an appointment with one of our qualified specialists for a tinnitus consultation.