Have you ever experienced ringing in your ears? My mother used to say it was because someone was talking about me! You may be surprised to know that tinnitus, or ear noises, can take forms other than a high-pitched sound. Tinnitus can present as buzzing, whooshing, ticking, humming, clicking, music, or even voices. The list is exhausting. Tinnitus can be annoying, and certainly, there are degrees of bothersome.
If you have tinnitus, you are in good company with millions of others. Hearing loss is a common denominator. It’s always a good idea to start with a hearing test. There are many underlying triggers, which may include changes in blood pressure, medication, exposure to loud music or noise, problems involving jaw or neck anatomy, head injury, or even ear wax.
Many tinnitus sufferers report anxiety and stress. Relaxation, mindfulness, and meditation can make a difference in reducing tinnitus. What relaxes you? Make it a habit to carve out 20 minutes a day to do what you enjoy.
A quiet environment is the enemy of tinnitus. Turn on the TV, a radio, or soft music. This will help distract your tinnitus. Background sounds will give you something else to focus on.
Please don’t waste your time or money on over the counter remedies. And if you’ve been told there is nothing you can do to help your tinnitus, don’t believe it. There are treatments to assist in reducing the perception and volume of your tinnitus. It takes finding the right professional.
With ongoing research, scientists get closer to solving the tinnitus puzzle. When you seek information, the American Tinnitus Association is your best resource for information and facts.
If you or a loved one are bothered by tinnitus, make an appointment to see an audiologist that specializes in tinnitus. There’s a lot we can do to help.