Descriptions of tinnitus usually include ringing, buzzing, hissing and humming sounds that come and go frequently or are ongoing. Though not always the case, hearing loss and tinnitus often go hand-in-hand, with close to 80% of those experience tinnitus symptoms also having hearing loss. There are a plethora of scams asserting to “cure tinnitus,” which take advantage of those who are desperate for a solution, but there are also legitimate techniques available to manage the condition. Through a better understanding of tinnitus and how to manage it, we hope to help Los Altos and Menlo Park residents to find the solutions they seek without being taken by scams.
What is tinnitus?
Estimates of the number of individuals affected by tinnitus worldwide range between 10% and 15%, of adults, making it a leader among the most common adverse health conditions globally. Tinnitus does not follow set rules. The condition may be constant or come and go with varying frequency. The type and intensity of the noise each person hears can vary from one to the next. Additionally, the tones heard can also vary from high-pitched, deep, low-pitched, or even a tone that changes pitches. Essentially, the condition rarely presents in the same way for every individual. Regardless of age or background, tinnitus can become a debilitating issue capable of causing extreme stress and reducing your capacity to sleep or concentrate on important tasks. These factors, along with the lack of a cure for the condition, make tinnitus management a significant challenge.
What causes tinnitus?
The Central Gain Theory is the most widely accepted explanation behind what causes the non-existent sounds to appear in the heads of individuals with tinnitus. The theory argues that when certain sounds are no longer being processed by the brain, it compensates by recreating the sound to fill in the gap. This “phantom” sound is similar to the “phantom limb” condition experienced by amputees. The theory also provides an explanation for why tinnitus and hearing loss track together. The underlying causes that contribute to reduced sound processing capacity typically include:
- Exposure to loud noise from music, gunshots, explosions, construction equipment or machinery.
- Ototoxic medications sometimes produce tinnitus as a side effect or contribute to hearing loss.
- Age related deterioration of nerve fibers in the inner ear contribute to both sensorineural hearing loss and tinnitus.
- Earwax blockage can be a cause.
- Injuries to the ears, neck or head
- Neurological disorders
- Middle ear bone degeneration
- Upper respiratory infections or TMJ (temporomandibular joint) disorder can also cause tinnitus.
How is tinnitus managed?
Different types of tinnitus management target a specific cause or symptom associated with the condition to help provide relief. Not every technique will produce results in every patient, so those experiencing tinnitus often have to try out several methods before finding those capable of managing their unique condition, which include a variety of management approaches withing three main treatment categories, including:
- Stress and Anxiety Management: Because stress and anxiety complicate and add to increased sound sensitivity in tinnitus, one tinnitus management technique seeks to limit their effect through exercise, counseling, medication, coping tactics, improving sleep, eliminating smoking and altering other lifestyle habits.
- Masking: Masking covers up the internal sounds of tinnitus by using external sounds. However, if some tinnitus sound does not remain so that individuals learn to lessen perception and acclimate through habituation, masking can worsen the condition.
- Hearing Aids: The dual effect of correcting hearing loss issues and reducing the effect of tinnitus result from the use of hearing aids. Connectivity options with modern hearing aid technology allow users to use of stress management and masking techniques integrated into their hearing aids.
Pacific Hearing Inc. Supports You to Manage Your Tinnitus
There is no cure for tinnitus and not all management techniques work for every person. Taking control of tinnitus is a battle to which individuals often have to commit multiple resources.
Pacific Hearing has the expertise and equipment, which includes Lenire therapy for tinnitus to help with managing your symptoms. Above those tangible items our team is committed to providing the support and encouragement necessary to help you overcome the condition.
If you or a loved one struggles with tinnitus, contact us at the Silicon Valley location nearest you with your questions and concerns or to schedule a tinnitus assessment.
