Tinnitus is the perception of sound in the ears (usually described as ringing, buzzing, roaring etc.) when there is no external source linked to the noise. It affects about 15-20% of the population, with about 2 million people reporting debilitating tinnitus.
As an audiologist at Hear USA, I have heard my fair share of misconceptions about tinnitus with the most common one being that nothing can be done about tinnitus and one just has to live with it. Other misconceptions include tinnitus is a disease (it is not – it is a symptom of something); tinnitus is always temporary (can definitely be chronic and long lasting); or that tinnitus is only an issue for people who experience hearing loss (not true – tinnitus can also be in people with normal hearing). All of these common myths are ultimately damaging to tinnitus care and research, since they dissuade people from taking the condition seriously, which in turn can have broader implications.
While tinnitus is especially common in older adults, people of any age can experience it – making it more important than ever to mitigate its causes. The good news is that there are many ways to reduce risk, and there are various methods to manage it if diagnosed.
February is Tinnitus Awareness Month and the perfect opportunity to debunk any persistent myths that may prevent people from seeking professional help by illuminating the causes, duration, and care options for tinnitus. People of all ages can and should reduce their risk of tinnitus with simple lifestyle changes and should use this opportunity to urge family members to take precautions or seek help if they are experiencing symptoms.
The Causes for Tinnitus are Wide-Ranging
There are many known causes that are linked to a tinnitus diagnosis, the most common of which is noise exposure. This includes exposure to loud decibel noise over time (such as daily in-ear headphone use at full volume) or one sudden loud noise (such as an explosion). Tinnitus can also be a symptom of hearing loss – which is why audiologists and HCPs will conduct a hearing test when a client reports tinnitus symptoms to either confirm loss or rule it out as a cause.
Other causes of tinnitus include medications like NSAIDs (ibuprofen, aspirin), prolonged/frequent use of Tylenol, and certain chemotherapy drugs and diuretics; ear problems like impacted wax, Meniere’s disease, TMJ, and is often associated with chronic conditions like diabetes, thyroid disorders, or rheumatoid arthritis.
Take Precautions Now to Reduce Risk
For long-term noise exposure, simple lifestyle changes can help; wear earplugs for the obvious loud sounds – like concerts or indoor fitness classes – but also for tasks you may not consider as damaging, like vacuum cleaning or lawn mowing. Moreover, if you wear in-ear headphones like Apple AirPods, turn them down! A good barometer of healthy volume is that another person should not be able to hear the audio playing through your headphones. If they can, hearing damage is already occurring.
Another more indirect way to mitigate risk is to take care of your cardiovascular health, which has a significant tie to tinnitus. That includes exercising; eating healthy; limiting alcohol and nicotine consumption; and doing your best to reduce stress on a daily basis.
Custom Treatment Options are Available
So, what is the next step if you do have tinnitus? One of the most prevalent myths is that it’s untreatable and nothing can be done about it except learn to live with it. While tinnitus can’t be cured, it can be effectively managed, greatly improving quality of life and reducing risk for other health factors.
Unfortunately, tinnitus has significant effects on long-term health, which makes treatment a top priority. For one, tinnitus damages sleep quality – when all sounds of the day subside, be it traffic, conversations, TVs, etc., tinnitus becomes more obvious and often results in insomnia. Plus, people with tinnitus report feeling fatigued, suffering from memory loss, and may even experience depression, stress, anxiety, and irritability.
The good news is that tinnitus can be effectively managed using a variety of different approaches. For those with hearing loss and tinnitus, I often recommend hearing aids with a dual purpose: the hearing aid will of course help them hear better, but many with integrated sound therapy technologies also serve to mask their tinnitus.
For those with tinnitus without hearing loss, I recommend external sound therapy devices that emit white noise or nature sounds, especially at night. Clients may also consider a total counseling approach, which features sound masking paired with cognitive behavioral therapy to help mitigate any lifestyle effects that might intensify tinnitus symptoms.
Tinnitus Retraining Therapy has also shown tremendous promise for tinnitus sufferers by combining sound masking approaches with counseling by a trained professional. Another approach that has proven effective for people with moderate to severe tinnitus is the Lenire Device. It is a non-invasive, FDA approved medical device designed to treat tinnitus, by utilizing a combination of sound stimulation and electrical pulses to the tongue to modulate the brain’s perception of tinnitus.
Finding or Providing Support
In addition to therapy, support groups have proven to be incredibly beneficial from a psychological perspective. Tinnitus clients can coordinate meet-ups with peers to speak on coping methods. Additionally, alternate therapies outside of audiology or behavioral health – like acupuncture – have the potential to alleviate a lot of stress and keep tinnitus symptoms to a minimum (as stress often exacerbates it).
If your loved one has tinnitus, it’s important not to discount what they’re going through and to offer empathy, support, and encouragement. Loved ones can help them find professional help and treatment options, knowing that addressing tinnitus will both improve their quality of life and help mitigate longer term health risks.
If you suspect you have hearing loss or are experiencing tinnitus, find your closest HearUSA location at www.hearusa.com/hearing-centers and book a complimentary hearing aid evaluation today.
