Tinnitus is a symptom of an underlying condition where you hear sounds from sources that aren’t there. Often, people who experience tinnitus describe a ringing in the ears. But tinnitus can manifest as buzzing, roaring, whistling and hissing. There is no known cure, but there are some remedies:

Regular checkups with a hearing instrument specialist
Treatments such as earwax removal
Noise suppression like white noise machines
Psychological tinnitus therapy
Support from others

Unfortunately, good ear health isn’t a guarantee of preventing tinnitus. Still, a regularly scheduled treatment and therapy will reduce the adverse effects of the condition. Additionally, you might need emotional support for associated conditions.

The Causes of Tinnitus

There are several causes of tinnitus, including genetic problems, ear injuries and circulation issues. If the underlying cause of your tinnitus is treated or masked, you may experience a reduction in the associated noises. However, your condition won’t disappear entirely because there is no known cure since there isn’t one singular cause.

Tinnitus can be treated to reduce the intensity of the ringing, whistling, roaring, buzzing, hissing or buzzing sound in your ears. The sounds associated with tinnitus are usually only audible to you.

How Tinnitus Affects Your Hearing

Tinnitus may sound like a low roar or a high squeal, depending on the pitch. Occasionally, the sound is so loud it makes it hard to concentrate or hear outside noise. You might have symptoms all the time, or maybe they come and go. The sounds can become unbearable and loud in severe cases, like standing next to a waterfall.

Hearing problems from severe tinnitus can also cause a condition known as hyperacusis, where you develop an intolerance to sounds. The effects can happen in one ear, both or seem to be coming from inside your head.

Ways You Can Reduce Tinnitus

The effects of tinnitus can be hardly noticeable or overbearing. For some, tinnitus causes problems with mental health and psychological issues such as depression and anxiety. There is no cure for tinnitus, but there are several ways you can reduce some of the worst effects. Your tinnitus might be caused by nerve damage in your ears.

In this case, hearing protection and turning down the volume can help reduce tinnitus. You can also mask the sounds with white noise. And substances like caffeine and alcohol can worsen if it is blood flow related.

When to Visit a Hearing Instrument Specialist (HIS)

A hearing instrument specialist can help you with your tinnitus issues. There are numerous tests a HIS can perform to diagnose your specific type of tinnitus and possible causes. It would help if you considered booking an appointment for the following reasons:

Your problems persist for more than a week
Issues come and go
Your notice tinnitus effects after certain events
If the sound is only in one ear
You are being psychologically affected by the symptoms

Tinnitus management is provided by hearing instrument specialists. They can help soothe your ringing ears by performing tests. Your HIS can also suggest advice and non-medical treatments for your condition, such as relaxation techniques, sound masking and vitamin B12.

The Benefits of Tinnitus Treatment

There’s no cure for tinnitus, but it can be treated, though. You can treat tinnitus with anti-anxiety drugs and steroids. However, lifestyle changes and noise suppression are the most effective treatments. By addressing the root cause of your tinnitus, your symptoms can be significantly reduced.

For example, losing weight and exercising will help lower blood pressure, a common cause of blood flow-related tinnitus. Regular checkups with your specialist will keep your treatment on track. With proper management, you can get your life somewhat back to normal.

How You Can Help Your Tinnitus

If you experience tinnitus, it could be tempting to plug your ears. But this might make your condition worse. You should only plug your ears if you are exposed to loud sounds. However, you should avoid loud sounds if you experience tinnitus anyway. It’s also essential you look after your wellbeing.

Relaxation therapy such as aromatherapy and or yoga can help reduce tinnitus stress. Additionally, you can help by taking your mind off the problem by indulging your hobbies or keeping active with light exercise and a healthy diet.

There is no cure for tinnitus because there are many causes. However, numerous treatments such as lifestyle changes, noise suppression and relaxation can help. Some help with the physical effects and some soothe the psychological. Your hearing instrument specialist can advise you of the best course of action regarding your specific case.

To learn more about tinnitus treatment and management, please contact us at Better Hearing of Madison County. You give us a call at (315) 693-3637.