The actual problem with chronic tinnitus is not simply that you have a ringing in your ears. It’s the constant never ending ringing, that’s the real issue.
The continuous noise, possibly somewhat modest in volume, may start as little more than a nuisance. But the ringing can become frustrating and even incapacitating if it persists for days or months or more.
That’s why it’s vital to have some tips you can rely on, tips that make living with tinnitus easier. It can make a big difference if you have a plan when you’re lying in bed unable to fall asleep because of the ringing or buzzing in your ear.
Your Tinnitus Can be Made Worse
It’s important to keep in mind that tinnitus is frequently not static. Symptoms manifest themselves in spikes and valleys. There are times when your tinnitus is minor and virtually lost in the background. At other times the noises will be screaming in your ears so loudly it’s impossible to dismiss.
That can leave you in a very frightening place of uncertainty. Maybe you even get panic attacks while driving to work because you’re concerned about your tinnitus flaring up during a meeting. And the very panic attack brought on by this worry can itself trigger the tinnitus.
Tips For Coping With Tinnitus
The more you understand about tinnitus, the better you can prepare for and control the effects. And, because there’s no known cure for tinnitus, control of symptoms is essential. With the right treatment, there’s no reason that chronic tinnitus has to negatively affect your quality of life.
Tinnitus Retraining Therapy is One Option
Many treatments for tinnitus include some kind of tinnitus retraining therapy (or TRT). The sound of rain on a roof is a common analogy: it’s very loud and noticeable when it first begins but by the end of the storm you stop focusing on it and fades into the background. TRT uses the same concept to teach your brain to push the tinnitus symptoms into the background of your thoughts so you will have an easier time ignoring them.
It can take training to master this method.
Distract Your Brain
One reason tinnitus can be so frustrating is because your brain is continuously looking for the source of that noise, trying to signal you to its presence. So supplying your brain with a range of different sounds to concentrate on can be quite helpful. You could:
- Read a book while taking a bubble bath.
- Enjoy some time outside listening to the sounds of nature.
- Have music playing while painting a picture.
You get the gist: engaging your brain can help you manage your tinnitus.
Alternately, many people have found that meditation helps because it focuses your attention on something else, your breath, a mantra, and so on. Some individuals have found that meditation lowers their blood pressure, which can also be helpful with tinnitus.
Manage Tinnitus With a Hearing Aid
Many hearing aid companies have manufactured hearing aids that help minimize the ringing in your ear. This option is very convenient because they are small and out of your way compared to other approaches. You can relax and let a discreet hearing aid manage the ringing for you.
Make a Plan (And Follow-Through)
The effect of some tinnitus episodes can be minimized, and your stress response can be managed if you have a good plan for any surges in your symptoms. Plan on having a “go bag” full of things you might need. Anything that can help you be prepared for a tinnitus surge, even creating a list of helpful exercises will be good because it will keep you from panicking!
The Key is Management
There is no cure for tinnitus which is often chronic. But that doesn’t mean that people can’t regulate and treat their tinnitus. Make certain you are managing your tinnitus not suffering from it by using these tips and any others that you find helpful.
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References
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3303565/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5050200/
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17956798/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4447068/
https://journals.plos.org/ploscompbiol/article?id=10.1371/journal.pcbi.1008664