21/11/2021
You may have been told in the past to “learn to live with it” and “nothing can be done.” This is not true. We can help you learn to manage your reactions to tinnitus and make it less of a problem.
What is Tinnitus?
Tinnitus is a ringing, humming, buzzing, or other sound in your head or ears that does not have an outside source. The sound comes from within your head. For most people, tinnitus is a constant sound.
Should I See a doctor for tinnitus concern?
In most cases, having tinnitus does not mean that you need to see a doctor.
However, in some cases it is very important to see a physician. If you have tinnitus, and if you have any of these following symptoms with tinnitus than you need to see your doctor or other health professional.
Injury to your body
Weakness or paralysis of any muscles in your face
Sudden unexplained hearing loss in one or both ears (Go to Emergency Care or to an ENT (Ear, Nose, Throat) clinic immediately.
Extreme anxiety or depression
The tinnitus pulses with your heartbeat
You have ear pain, drainage from your ear, or if there is a foul odour coming from your ear
You have vertigo (the feeling that you are moving or the room is moving when neither is moving) Go to an ENT (Ear, Nose,Throat) clinic or to a physician as soon as possible.
And if you have following symptom, you can come and see us (limestone audiology & tinnitus clinic) or any hearing care professional who specialise in tinnitus management. (sometime in the near future)
The tinnitus is a constant sound that does NOT pulse with your heartbeat
You do NOT have ear pain, drainage from your ear, or foul odour coming from your ear
You do NOT have vertigo
You do NOT have weakness or paralysis of any muscles in your face
You do NOT have sudden unexplained hearing loss
What Causes Tinnitus?
Anything that causes hearing loss also can cause tinnitus. The most common cause of tinnitus is loud noise. (In many cases, there is no known cause). Other causes include:
Injury to the head or neck
Various diseases
Too much ear wax
Stress
Prescription drugs
Can Tinnitus be Cured?
A cure for tinnitus would mean that some treatment could silence it.
How are Reactions to Tinnitus Managed?
Methods that are used in clinics include:
Sound-based methods (Tinnitus Masking) Tinnitus Retraining Therapy
Education
Counselling/Psychotherapy (Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy)
Progressive Tinnitus Management
What About “Alternative” Methods?
There are many “alternative” methods, including:
Acupuncture
Hypnosis
Vitamins and herbs
Homeopathy
(None of these methods has been shown by research to help people with tinnitus
more than placebo).
Isn’t There a Drug for Tinnitus?
All drugs used for tinnitus are meant for other problems – like depression, anxiety, and trouble sleeping. Some of these drugs can improve mood. A better mood can help to make tinnitus less of a problem. In some cases, a drug can reduce the loudness of tinnitus. However, drugs also can make tinnitus louder. Any use of drugs for tinnitus involves trial-and-error. Because of possible side effects, the use of drugs should be approached with caution
Most methods of tinnitus management involve using sound in some way.
Goals of Tinnitus Management
There are many methods for managing reactions to tinnitus. These methods are not intended to make your tinnitus quieter. They are intended to help you feel better – even if it’s just for a short time – without changing your tinnitus. The more you practice feeling better, the easier it will become to feel OK with your tinnitus just as it is. All of these methods have basically the same goals. They are to:
Feel less stressed about tinnitus
Have fewer emotional reactions to tinnitus
Almost never think about tinnitus
Feel like tinnitus has little effect on daily activities (concentration, work,
sleep, etc.)
Feel like tinnitus is not much of a problem
Feel like there is no need for further help learning to manage tinnitus
All of these goals can be accomplished without changing your tinnitus. Go ahead and check the boxes above for the goals that apply to you. Use the space below to write down any other goals you have. Keep in mind that this workbook can help you with tinnitus problems, but not with trouble hearing. For help with trouble hearing, please talk to a hearing care professional.
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Using Sound to Manage Reactions to Tinnitus
In general, there are three types of sound that can be used to manage reactions to tinnitus:
1 Soothing Sound – makes you feel better as soon as you hear it. It helps reduce stress or tension caused by tinnitus.
2 Background Sound – reduces contrast between tinnitus and a quiet environment. It makes it easier to ignore tinnitus.
3 Interesting Sound – keeps your attention. It helps shift attention away from tinnitus.
Some types of sound can be used in more than one way at the same time. For example, interesting sound can help to shift attention away from tinnitus. At the same time it can help to reduce stress and tension from tinnitus.
Changing Thoughts and Feelings to Manage Reactions to Tinnitus
1 Practicing relaxation exercises
2 Increasing pleasant activities
3 Learning how to change your thoughts about your tinnitus
These may be new behaviors for you. You can learn and practice these new behaviors. Then you will have new skills to manage your reactions to tinnitus.
