Do your ears ring even when you’re in a silent room? Do you hear a buzzing that irritates you and won’t go away? You may have a condition called tinnitus. This is a condition which affects millions of people across the globe. Characterized by ear ringing, buzzing, or other noises in the ears, tinnitus can impact quality of life. Tinnitus has been linked to mental health issues, such as anxiety and depression. Can you break the cycle of tinnitus and problems with mood? What follows here is information on tinnitus and how to manage it.
Symptoms of Tinnitus
People who have tinnitus report that they hear intermittent or constant sounds in one or both ears. They may describe these sounds as hissing, roaring, buzzing or ear ringing, and the sounds may vary in volume.
Tinnitus is often associated with hearing loss but not always. Some people have tinnitus without any measurable hearing loss whatsoever. It can affect anyone, regardless of age or gender, and it can have a significant impact on daily life if left untreated.
One of the most puzzling features of tinnitus is that no one else–besides the person who has tinnitus–hears the ear ringing or other sounds. Experts postulate that the hair cells in the ear–tiny structures responsible for sending sound signals to the brain for interpretation–are somehow damaged. Thus, the sounds of tinnitus develop.
Other possible causes of tinnitus are:
- Hearing loss related to the aging process
- Repeated exposure to loud noises (construction job noise or music as examples)
- Build-up of wax in the ear canal
- Meniere’s disease, a disorder of the inner ear which causes dizziness
- Head injuries
- Certain medications (such as antibiotics, aspirin and tricyclic antidepressants)
Managing Symptoms of Tinnitus
The first step in managing tinnitus is getting a proper diagnosis from a board-certified otolaryngologist, such as Dr. Scott William Franklin. He will rule out any underlying medical conditions and help you determine the best ways to manage symptoms. Tinnitus cannot be cured, but there are treatment interventions available to make it more manageable.
Some common treatments for tinnitus include the following.
- Hearing aids can help people with diagnosed hearing loss by amplifying external sounds and reducing the perception of tinnitus.
- Noise suppression devices which produce white noise, ocean wave sounds or other soothing sounds help mask tinnitus.
- Cognitive behavior therapy, or CBT, helps people concentrate on positive thoughts rather than on negative thoughts surrounding tinnitus.
- Stress management in the form of relaxation techniques, such as meditation, deep breathing and yoga, can lower levels of anxiety related to tinnitus and improve overall mood.
- Mindfulness techniques encourage being fully aware of tinnitus symptoms and accepting them to suppress anger or other negative emotions which sometimes accompany tinnitus.
Breaking the Cycle Between Tinnitus and Mental Health
Experts say that mental health does not have to suffer because of tinnitus. However, it is important for primary care physicians, otolaryngologists, audiologists and mental health professionals to recognize and empathize with how tinnitus affects their patients. By acknowledging the associated emotions and mental health issues, healthcare providers can help break the cycle and provide support for patients who need and want to cope with this condition.
As a patient, tell your healthcare provider about your symptoms. Be specific and detailed so the doctor better understands your experience. This will also allow the ENT physician to provide personalized care and treatment options which can alleviate your tinnitus symptoms.
Additionally, seek out support from mental health professionals who specialize in tinnitus or chronic conditions. They can offer coping mechanisms, such as relaxation techniques, cognitive behavioral therapy and mindfulness meditation to improve overall mental health.
It is important for patients with tinnitus to remember that they are not alone in their struggles. With the right support system and self-care practices, it is possible to break the cycle between tinnitus and adverse mental health impact.
Remember to focus on self-care activities, such as regular, light aerobic exercise, healthy eating habits, getting sufficient quality sleep and reducing stress levels as much as possible. These can help to reduce the severity of tinnitus symptoms and improve overall mental and physical well-being.
What to Do About Ear Ringing in Georgetown, TX
At Georgetown Ear, Nose and Throat Center, our board-certified otolaryngologist, Dr. Scott William Franklin, understands that patients with tinnitus want coping strategies that help them live well even though their ears ring. His assessment and diagnostic expertise will help you understand your condition and develop and apply ways to deal with the symptoms for a healthier, happier you.
To learn more about tinnitus, please call Georgetown Ear, Nose and Throat Center at (512) 869-0604, and our friendly office team will arrange an in-office consultation. You can arrange your appointment here as well. We hope to see you soon.
