How to Manage Tinnitus: Coping Strategies and Lifestyle Changes

Tinnitus or “ringing ears” is when a person can hear audible sounds that don’t exist. Often this is thought to be a ringing sound that is constantly present, but tinnitus can present as many different sounds and be intermittent or continuous. It is believed that around 15% of people in the US experience tinnitus on a daily basis and have their lives impacted by this sound.

What is Tinnitus?

Tinnitus isn’t a condition in itself; instead, it is the symptom of another health condition entirely. The sounds heard by a person suffering from tinnitus can range from mild to severe, and it can be the sound of a bell ringing, whistling noises, hissing, buzzing, ringing and even, in some cases, music. Some people experience a whooshing sound or pulsating in time with their heartbeat; this type of tinnitus is called vestibular tinnitus. It is more common when people lie down or can be heard more when falling asleep.

There are two types of tinnitus. Subjective tinnitus is when the person and only that person can hear the sounds they are describing, and it is what most people tend to experience. Objective tinnitus is when someone examining the patient can also hear the sounds which are being caused by physical effects on the ear. This type of tinnitus is extremely uncommon.

How to Cope with Tinnitus

Sadly, there isn’t a treatment that can stop tinnitus symptoms or quieten the sounds. In some cases, it might be healed by treating the condition causing the symptoms, such as hearing loss or an ear infection. But for many people, the sounds are constantly present, and finding coping mechanisms and strategies for tinnitus can help them learn to live with these sounds daily.

Hearing Aids

Utilizing hearing aids can be an effective approach for managing persistent auditory sensations. These devices are designed to not only enhance sound perception but also alleviate the presence of ongoing sounds that individuals may experience. By amplifying external sounds and creating a more balanced auditory environment, hearing aids can help individuals better focus on their surroundings.

This technology can play a significant role in mitigating the impact of persistent sounds, contributing to improved overall well-being and daily life experiences. If you’re dealing with such auditory sensations, exploring the benefits of using hearing aids as a treatment option could offer relief and improved quality of life.

White Noise Machines

Frequently, people find the absence of noise exacerbates tinnitus, so avoiding complete silence can be an excellent option to drown out the sounds you hear. Finding a nose that you can comfortably listen to that masks the sounds of tinnitus can provide some relief and help you minimize the sounds.

Tinnitus Retraining Therapy

Tinnitus retraining therapy is a structured approach aimed at alleviating the distress caused by persistent auditory sensations. This therapy focuses on changing how individuals perceive and react to these sounds, rather than eliminating the sounds themselves. By combining sound therapy and counseling, tinnitus retraining therapy aims to desensitize individuals to the bothersome auditory sensations over time. The use of low-level background sounds and guided counseling sessions helps individuals habituate to the sounds, reducing their impact on daily life.

Behavioral Therapy

Alongside the persistent auditory sensations, individuals dealing with tinnitus often experience symptoms like anxiety and depression. Techniques such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) are designed to help manage these emotional responses effectively. By working to reshape thought patterns and reactions related to tinnitus, CBT can alleviate the distressing impact of anxiety and depression. Through counseling sessions, individuals acquire coping strategies that empower them to regain control over their emotional well-being, making behavioral therapy a holistic approach that supports both auditory and mental health.

Hearing Protection

Wearing hearing protection can help reduce your risk of tinnitus, but it can also reduce the possibility of it getting worse when in noisy environments too. Wear hearing protection when attending triggers that make your tinnitus worse, such as octets or flying but try not to use ear plugs or hearing protection too frequently as this can make things worse in the long run.

Tinnitus can be a problematic symptom to overcome, and it will impact your life in many different ways. Talking to your audiologist can help you determine the cause of your tinnitus and help you find the best way forward for you. Call The Hearing Doctors at (630) 315-2899 and ask about treatment options for hearing loss and tinnitus today.