Tinnitus Support Group Tag

Online Tinnitus Group – Tinnitus Apps

Tinnitus Apps Although we can't meet in person for our Tinnitus Group, we can still dive into a topic online! Have you ever been out and about (out for a walk, doing groceries, out for dinner...) when your Tinnitus flares up. Although many of our strategies can be used when you are on the go, there are also a number of apps you can download to your phone for when you're in a pinch.  Here are 8 apps that you can use for your Tinnitus; whether that is for masking or to help you sleep. These apps are a combination of those for Android and Apple devices. While there are way more out there than lists, I included those with a 4.5 rating or higher and were free or cost very little.  8 Apps for your Tinnitus Sleep Apps Name Descriptions Devices Price Rating Sleep Pillow Customizable sleep sounds and works as an alarm Apple $2.99 4.9 White Noise: Sleep Sounds Choose from 30 different calming sounds to help you sleep Android Free 4.7 Relax Melodies Select sounds, melodies, and meditations to combine them to create your own mix to help you sleep AndroidApple Free  4.6 Sleep Bug White noise and music  Android Apple Free version 4.6 Relax & Sleep Well Created by clinical hypnotherapists, the app uses hypnotherapy and meditation recordings AndroidApple Free 4.6 Masking Apps Name Descriptions Devices Price Rating ReSound Tinnitus Relief A combination of sounds and relaxing exercises that you can personalize to best suit your Tinnitus Apple...

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do's and don'ts

Tinnitus Support Group – Covid 19 Tinnitus Recap

Tinnitus Recap: Do's and Don'ts During this time with Covid-19, we haven't been able to meet for our regular Tinnitus Support Group (we miss you guys!). So, while we are social distancing, I thought we could look back at the last 7 months and what we've learned in that time. Here are some Tinnitus recap do's and don't we've learned in regards to reducing and maintaining your Tinnitus.    Tinnitus Recap DO'S Use sound therapy for general flare-ups or when you can't wear your hearing aids (i.e. going to bed) Pet your fluffy family member! The act of stroking a dog, cat, etc. has a number of health benefits. For Tinnitus it can help by reducing your blood pressure or providing a distraction. Know that it's a disconnect between your brain and ears; it's not all in your head! Take breaks if you need it; that's okay! Watch out for your peak hours; you may be better say in the morning to be in groups or around noise. Try ear massage (using in acupuncture)! Watch the foods you eat; they might have more of an impact than you think. For triggers: Be prepared with strategies or avoid those situations. Tinnitus Recap DON'TS Avoid or reduce sugar. Not only will it be better for your waistline but your brain as well. For more foods that could influence your Tinnitus check out our session with a registered nutritionist. Think you're in this alone. You are not the only one experiencing and you have...

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Tinnitus Group – Nutrition for Tinnitus

Special thank you to Jane, RHN for joining us this month to discuss Nutrition for Tinnitus. It is the hope that through this group, anyone with Tinnitus can join in to find support from others who have Tinnitus, learn about new therapies to try, test out some of them, and ultimately find hope in knowing they are not alone. Let’s dive into this month’s topic!  This Month’s Group This month we had 2 individuals with Tinnitus (one who has had it for years and another who is new) and 2 spouses join us, as well as Jane, our guest speaker. Jane is a Registered Holistic Nutritionist who has been practicing for 15 years in Toronto and Peterborough. As a nutritionist, she looks at everyone as an individual with unique circumstances and needs. She also specializes in hyperactive disorders and the Blood Type Diet.  Foods that can Aggravate Tinnitus If you've had Tinnitus for a while, I'm sure you've been told to say away from things like nicotine, caffeine, alcohol, sugar, and salt but did you know there are others? Sulfites - these are preservatives found in most dried fruit, wine, frozen foods, balsamic vinegar, MSG, etc. Phenols - a class of chemical compounds found naturally in a lot of foods including licorice, raisins, honey, raspberries, apricots, oranges, almonds, cashews, olives, peas, beans, and tomatoes. It's not that these things are bad for you, but phenols do affect how you sleep. Jane noted that if you have these at dinner time (I.e. spaghetti with tomato sauce) expect to have a...

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Support Group

Tinnitus Awareness – Tinnitus Support Group

Tinnitus Awareness - February 2020 It is the hope that through this group, anyone with Tinnitus can join in to find support from others who have Tinnitus, learn about new therapies to try, test out some of them, and ultimately find hope in knowing they are not alone. Let’s dive into this month’s topic! This month happens to include Tinnitus Awareness Week! Put on by the British Tinnitus Association each year, this week is to promote awareness to the general public and further research into treatments and ultimately a cure.  This Month’s Group This month, we asked our three group members about their story, Tinnitus advocacy, awareness, and prevention, and advice they would for someone newly diagnosed.  A very big thank you to each of you! Lucia Greig, John Lethange, Jim Leigh, and their spouses.  Your Tinnitus Story How would you describe your Tinnitus and your journey? Lucia - I contracted Tinnitus as a result of Meniere's Disease.  In the initial 15 years, I learned to accept and live with the high pitched noises.  After going bilateral in 2015, I was faced with a multitude of base like noises. As another adjustment period passed, that too became part of my daily life.  John - Well, I’ve had it since I was 20. You get used to it after a while. I have my good and bad days or periods. Right now the Meniere's is not as bad.  Jim - [Tinnitus for several years without hearing loss] Try everything, you won't know what...

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ear acupuncture

Acupuncture for Tinnitus – Tinnitus Support Group

Tinnitus Support Group Recap – January 2020   First meeting of 2020! We have some great topics planned for this year! Special thank you to Jesse from Peterborough Acupuncture for joining us this month to discuss acupuncture for Tinnitus.  It is the hope that through this group, anyone with Tinnitus can join in to find support from others who have Tinnitus, learn about new therapies to try, test out some of them, and ultimately find hope in knowing they are not alone. Let’s dive into this month’s topic!   This Month’s Group This month we had 2 individuals with Tinnitus and their spouses join us, as well as Jesse, our guest speaker. Jesse has been practicing acupuncture for 12 years and treated many clients with Tinnitus.    These individuals have had Tinnitus for many years and tried out a variety of therapies to bring down the ringing. Both have tried acupuncture before with mixed results.    What is Acupuncture? Traditional Chinese Medicine is a holistic practice that includes acupuncture, herbs, massage, and exercises. It's a way of looking at the body and systems as an interconnected whole. In acupuncture, small needles (they don't hurt I promise!) are used to stimulate various points on the body. These points are on meridian connections, where systems and tissues meet. Each meridian has many activation points that correspond to nervous system receptors on the skin. The needle stimulates a vary precise spot to alert the brain to the systems connected to that spot.  Acupuncture is multi-leveled; working...

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Group at dinner; Christmas

Group Strategies & Family Support – Tinnitus Group Recap

Tinnitus Group Recap December 2019 Happy Holidays! Moving into December with all the festivities and family is an exciting time! For those living with Tinnitus, it can also be tricky with group environments. This month we discussed some group strategies and how partners can support in those situations. It is the hope that through this group, anyone with Tinnitus can join in to find support from others who have Tinnitus, learn about new therapies to try, possibly test out some of them out, and ultimately find hope in knowing they are not alone. Let’s dive into this month’s topic! This Month’s Group This month we were joined by 3 individuals with Tinnitus and their spouses. These individuals have all had Tinnitus for a number of years and tried out a variety of therapies to bring down the ringing. In groups, many of them already have strategies that work well for them. We also discussed some new tactics to try too. Holidays and Large Groups All of us could agree, we look forward to the holidays and seeing family. It's a wonderful time bringing everyone together... all the excitement, all the noise; talk about loud! With each person, their tolerance for loud environments varies - one can handle small groups of around 5-6 people max, another it's really only one-on-one. Knowing your limit can help you plan and prepare for those environments. Leaving the room for a few moments if it gets too loud (one individual goes and does the dishes as...

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neurotherapy

Neurotherapy – Tinnitus Group Recap November 2019

Tinnitus Support Group Recap – November 2019 Back again! This month, our Tinnitus Support Group discussed Neurotherapy for Tinnitus. A very special thanks to Jennifer Sprague from MettaMorphosis Peterborough for introducing us to Neurotherapy and the work you do.   It is the hope that through this group, anyone with Tinnitus can join in to find support from others who have Tinnitus, learn about new therapies to try, test out some of them, and ultimately find hope in knowing they are not alone.   Let’s dive into this month’s topic!   This Month’s Group This month we had 2 individuals with Tinnitus and their spouses join us, as well as Jennifer, our guest speaker. These individuals have had Tinnitus for many years and tried out a variety of therapies to bring down the ringing. However, Neurotherapy is new to the group.   What is Neurotherapy? Neurotherapy, also called neurofeedback, biofeedback, or neuromodulation has to do with retraining electrical waves in the central nervous system (your brain and spinal cord). The goal is to have them work in a more natural, healthy, and rhythmic manner. If the activity in the brain is not optimally functioning, corresponding problems may reflect in our mental or physical health.   Jennifer described Neurotherapy as being like physiotherapy for the brain. After an injury, physical healing first needs to occur; once that happens the damaged area needs rehabilitation. This is done with electrical frequencies.   Another way to think about it is as a "mirror for the...

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Animal Therapy for Tinnitus – Support Group Recap

Tinnitus Support Group Recap - October 2019 Back again, where did September go! This month, our Tinnitus Support Group discussed and tried out animal therapy. A very special thanks to Lynda and Lana from East Central Therapy Dogs for coming in to see us.  It is the hope that through this group, anyone with Tinnitus can join in to find support from others who have Tinnitus, learn about new therapies to try, possibly test out some of them out, and ultimately find hope in knowing they are not alone.  Let's dive into this month's topic! This Month's Group This month we were joined by 3 individuals with Tinnitus and their spouses, as well as Lynda from East Central Therapy Dogs, who also happens to have Tinnitus herself.  These individuals have all had Tinnitus for a number of years and tried out a variety of therapies to bring down the ringing. Aside from Lynda, one member of our group has utilized animal therapy with a neighbour's dog. What is Animal Therapy? There is something about having a dog around.       With East Central Dog Therapy, a session looks a little like this. The individual gets about 15 minutes petting the dog and talking with the handler. In their program, handlers are trained in how to carry on a conversation and facilitate the time with the client and dog.         The simple act of stroking a dog, cat, or other animal can change a number of things in...

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Tinnitus Support Group Recap Sept 2019

Tinnitus Group - September 2019 We are thrilled to be back with our Tinnitus Support Group after a little hiatus. This group, as part of our Tinnitus solutions, was designed to be a safe place to discuss your tinnitus, the symptoms, your thoughts and feelings, as well as a place to find support, hope, and, hopefully, a few new strategies to try out. This Month’s Group In this month's group, we had 3 individuals with Tinnitus, 2 due to Meniere's disease, as well as 2 spouses that are big advocates for their partners.  These individuals have had Tinnitus for a number of years; so they have tried a variety of strategies and found what works for them. However, through discussion, we found that sometimes revisiting strategies you’ve tried previously can demonstrate different results based on the level of the Tinnitus at that point in time.  Tinnitus Triggers and Strategies Through our discussion, we talked about what triggers seem to increase the Tinnitus and what strategies have been working recently for the group. These included:  Trigger Strategies Motor noises (big trucks, lawnmowers, etc.) Noise-canceling headphones Sound therapy (ocean noise *use a sound that you love) Stress and General Flare-Ups Sound therapy Using a cane (stress of possible dizzy spell and falling, due to the Meniere's, the cane helps with security) Distraction therapy - playing solitaire on the computer Animal therapy (petting the neighbour’s dog) Visceral Manipulation  Gardening Clinking plates while washing dishes Moving to a different room Using plastic or paper plates...

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