Tinnitus is a symptom that ebbs and flows. Because it’s so hard to pinpoint the cause of the ringing and when it will show up, managing it is tricky. For most people, tinnitus management requires a multifaceted approach.
Let’s look at four approaches you can take to manage your tinnitus. You might only need one or two, or you might need a rotating combination of all of them. Either way, we’re here to help you through it.
1. Treat Your Hearing Loss
Tinnitus and hearing loss often co-occur, with about 90% of tinnitus cases presenting with an underlying hearing loss.[1] Your brain is used to receiving all sorts of sounds. When those sounds suddenly lessen or disappear, your brain might be tempted to generate its own noise in the form of a ringing or buzzing. Wearing hearing aids is one excellent way to manage both tinnitus and the underlying hearing loss causing it.
2. Consider Sound Masking
Sound masking covers your internal tinnitus with a soothing external noise. Think of sound masking like listening to the radio next to a waterfall; the noise of the rushing water (sound masking) will make the radio (tinnitus) harder to hear or drown it out altogether.
Hearing aids with a tinnitus feature are one excellent tool for on-the-go tinnitus relief. A white noise machine, fan or cellphone app are also great options.
3. Try Counseling
Tinnitus retraining therapy (TRT) or cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) are popular forms of tinnitus relief designed to help you divert your attention away from the symptom and manage your negative reaction to the ringing when it arises.
Both types of counseling work well when combined with other relief strategies. A mental health professional can help with CBT, and a hearing specialist can help with TRT.
4. Minimize Stress
Stress has been shown to be a risk factor for developing and worsening tinnitus. If you have a lot of stressors in your life, try a few of the following stress-relief techniques:
- Relax in Forest Park
- Exercise daily
- Meditate or journal for a few minutes each day
- Listen to music or watch a fun movie
- Read your favorite book
- Get creative; draw, paint, knit, etc.
Combining stress management strategies, hearing loss treatment, sound masking and counseling—maybe not all at the same time—will give you an excellent shot at tinnitus relief. For more information about managing the symptom, contact Center for Hearing & Speech today.
[1] American Tinnitus Association. (n.d.). Other hearing conditions associated with tinnitus. https://www.ata.org/about-tinnitus/why-are-my-ears-ringing/other-hearing-conditions/
