Tips for Managing Tinnitus

Tinnitus affects some 50 million Americans, and can severely

impact their quality of life. While there is currently no cure, there

are steps you can take at home to help reduce the severity of your

symptoms. These lifestyle tips are easy to implement and can

help calm the distraction.

Tinnitus, a condition characterized by the perception of noise or ringing in the ears, affects an estimated 50 million Americans, making it a prevalent issue that many individuals face daily. Tinnitus can manifest in various forms, including buzzing, hissing, or whistling sounds, and can significantly impact the quality of life for those who experience it. The constant presence of these sounds can lead to difficulties in concentration, communication, and even sleep disturbances, which can further feelings of anxiety and frustration. While there is currently no definitive cure for tinnitus, there are several proactive steps you can take at home to help alleviate and reduce the severity of your symptoms. By implementing these lifestyle changes, you can create a more peaceful environment and find relief from the persistent distractions that tinnitus can cause.

Tinnitus treatments focus on helping you take your mind off of your tinnitus.

1. Hearing Aids:

   Most people with ringing of the ears have some degree of hearing loss. Hearing aids create a dual benefit of enhancing hearing and masking or covering up the tinnitus. The majority of patients with tinnitus receive partial or complete relief from their tinnitus with the use of hearing aids

2. Maskers:

   Tinnitus maskers are small electronic devices that look like hearing aids and are tuned to generate sound that masks or covers up the tinnitus. Like hearing aids, they may provide relief from the tinnitus, but will not enhance hearing and may interfere with understanding speech.

3. Medicine or Drug Therapy:

   Some hearing loss and ringing of the ears patients develop anxiety and other strong emotional responses to their tinnitus. Certain medicines may provide relief from these emotional reactions and provide some relief from the tinnitus.

4. Counseling:

   People with severe ringing of the ears may experience anxiety, depression, and other psychiatric problems. You may be referred to a psychiatrist or counselor as needed.

5. Relaxing:

   Learning how to relax is very helpful if the noise in your ears frustrates you. Stress makes the ringing in your ears seem worse. By relaxing, you have a chance to rest and better deal with the sound.