Tinnitus, an incessant ringing, buzzing, or other internal noise in the ears or head, affects up to 15 percent of adults, ranging from a mild nuisance to severe disability. Delve into the world of tinnitus to explore its causes, potential remedies, and effective coping strategies.
Statistics from the American Tinnitus Association reveal that over 25 million American adults grapple with this condition. Despite its prevalence, the emotional toll on those affected is profound.
Tinnitus manifests as constant or intermittent noise, originating within the head and not from external sources.
There are two types:
Subjective tinnitus - audible only to the person affected, linked to factors like hearing loss, auditory damage, and medications.
Objective tinnitus - a rhythmic noise synchronized with the heartbeat, detectable by healthcare professionals.
Tinnitus stems from diverse sources, including age-related hearing loss, exposure to loud noises, head trauma, certain medications, health conditions, and stress.
Disorders like Meniere's disease, otosclerosis, TMJ disorders, and acoustic neuroma can also contribute to the development of tinnitus.
Tinnitus management varies based on its underlying cause. While some can ignore the noise, others find it significantly disrupts their daily lives.
Solutions include hearing aids, Tinnitus Retraining Therapy (TRT), noise generators, masking devices, stress reduction techniques, and holistic approaches such as meditation, yoga, tai chi, and acupuncture.
Intriguingly, ongoing research explores cutting-edge treatments like stem cells and regenerative medicine, sound therapy, electrical stimulation, and dietary supplements such as zinc, B Vitamins, melatonin, and lavender oil.
Tinnitus remains a condition with much to unravel. Though numerous treatments offer relief, a definitive cure eludes us.
Seek healthcare advice if bothersome symptoms persist, especially after upper respiratory infections, accompanied by pain or dizziness, or if sudden changes occur in intensity or pitch.
Crucially, if anxiety, depression, or suicidal thoughts arise due to tinnitus, consult with a health professional promptly.
Heather Andrews, Au.D., CCC-A
Dr. Andrews received her doctorate in audiology from East Tennessee State University in 2016, and she has worked with many people of all ages to help improve their hearing and balance. She currently specializes in hearing aids and telehealth audiology. She believes that hearing aids and audiological care should be accessible to anyone who needs it, and she works hard to provide training and information on available technology and resources to help people make the most of their hearing.
