Tinnitus
COMMON SYMPTOMS AND HOW TO COPE WITH IT
NB Hearing’s audiologists have experience in assisting people with tinnitus. We have current knowledge of the field of research in tinnitus. We also ensure that we are equipped with techniques that have a scientific basis to diagnose and help people to manage their experience of tinnitus and other internal sound experiences such as hyperacusis and misophonia.
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Secondary symptoms of tinnitus:
Fatigue
Stress & Anxiety
Lack of
concentration
Struggling to remember things
Sleeplessness
Depression
Tinnitus can be a symptom of an underlying hearing condition or illness. In cases where the symptoms of tinnitus are a result of an underlying condition, it may be reduced by treating the underlying cause.
The exact causes of tinnitus are extremely varied, and research is ongoing to define the parts of the brain that may contribute to the experience of tinnitus. There are several conditions or activities that may cause or worsen it.
- Hearing loss related to ageing
- Continuous exposure to noise
- Earwax blockage causing irritation
- Changing of the size and shape of the middle ear bones
- Certain medications
- Certain consumed products, such as caffeine and salt
- Jaw and teeth problems
- Head or neck injuries
- High blood pressure or blood sugar
- Rarely, benign growths pressing on the auditory nerve
Regardless of the cause, the presence of tinnitus may lead to distress in the forms of anxiety, stress, insomnia, and depression. Good management gives you information and helps relaxation. Using behavioural techniques and sound generators can lead to reduce tinnitus distress and more productive, relaxed lives. Tinnitus research is an active field and our practitioners read extensively and attend coursework to further enable us to support you.
If you are unsure what to expect when visiting the audiologist to diagnose your tinnitus, here is an indication of the various tests you might be subjected to, depending on the severity of your condition:
- Hearing test – a hearing test will be conducted on each ear. Doing this will enable your audiologist to identify causes for your tinnitus and to diagnose its severity.
- A type of test that measures your perception of your tinnitus
- Movement test – an audiologist may ask you to move your eyes, legs, neck, or arms, and to clench your jaw.
- Filling out a specially designed questionnaire
- Imaging test – if required, your audiologist may suggest that you are referred to an Ear Nose and Throat specialist or other type of doctor, who may order imaging tests such as CT or MRI scans. This is dependent on the types of symptoms and other test results that we find.
Getting relief from tinnitus:
Because tinnitus can seem so distressing, most patients seek a cure. It is possible that managing or treating the underlying cause may remove the tinnitus. However, in many cases, tinnitus is not curable, but managing the response often results in the improved perception of it.
Getting relief is possible and patients can learn to cope with the symptoms. Treatments and therapy differ from patient to patient, depending on the reason for their tinnitus. Effective therapies include acoustic stimulation, behavioural therapy, medication, physiotherapy, or brain stimulation (either magnetic or electrical).
Certain lifestyle changes can also help patients suffering from tinnitus to cope with the constant ringing or buzzing in their ears. These include:
Daily exercise
Dietary changes – focus on following a healthy, nutritious diet
Getting enough sleep
Drinking enough water
Stop smoking
Try some meditation or relaxation exercises that can help you relax
You may feel helpless and frustrated. Whether you think that the ringing in your ears is a symptom of a greater problem, or an isolated issue it is best to start with a visit to an audiologist. A known entity is always easier to manage than the unknown.