Tinnitus Tag

treatment and management

Tinnitus Management

Tinnitus, also known as ringing in the ears, is a highly individualized phenomenon. While 1 in 6 people in North America experience tinnitus, the sounds, sensations, and experiences are highly variable. So, why should treatment be generic? Tinnitus management can and should be tailored to you, not one-size-fits-all. What is Tinnitus Tinnitus, derived from the Latin word tinnire, meaning to ring, is most often associated with the extra-sensory experience of ringing. But only some experience 'ringing.' Other common descriptors of tinnitus are humming, whistling, buzzing like cicadas, hissing, etc. It can also vary on the pitch (most often a high pitch), one or multi-toned, and the frequency (all the time or intermittent). Regardless of how you experience tinnitus, the sound is created by your brain.  Understanding Causes and Triggers Tinnitus is not a disease or disorder but a symptom of something else. Unfortunately, we don't always know what that is. Some causes include hearing loss, loud noise exposure, medications, inflammation, etc. Still, the exact reason why the tinnitus started is often a mystery. Regardless of why it started, it's still there, and the tools you can use to manage it are independent of the source. However, there are things we know can make it worse. Being aware of triggers can help you avoid them or understand you might have a flare-up after the fact. Triggers in our Diet include caffeine, alcohol, sugar, and salt. Elevated levels of any of these are known to increase the experience of tinnitus. It's theorized it's because the...

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Tinnitus sounds

Tinnitus and Its Causes

Tinnitus and Its Causes Tinnitus or ringing in the ears is an extra-sensory perception of sound. Meaning it's not caused by something in the environment that other people can hear; only you can hear it.  According to statistics 1/6 people in North America experience Tinnitus, but what causes it? The ringing, whistling, buzzing, etc. is typically caused by another underlying condition, which we'll discuss shortly. Treatment is then related to the underlying causes as well or the symptoms of the tinnitus. Causes and Risk Factors Causes* *and/or aggravators (some of these can make existing tinnitus worse) Hearing Loss - with damage to the ear from age or noise, we lose the ability to hear certain sounds. Since the brain can no longer receive or interpret those sounds, in some cases it will create its own sound (aka tinnitus) to fill the quiet. This doesn't happen in every case of hearing loss, but they are most common together. Ear infection or wax blockage of the canal - fortunately, this tends to cause temporary tinnitus. As with hearing loss, when the ear is not receiving sound, the brain likes to make it's own. Significant wax or fluid in your ear from an infection can cause this to happen. Head or neck injury - as hearing is partially occurring in our brains, any injury to the head or neck can disrupt the flow of nerve signals in the hearing process. Medications - certain medications are known to be ototoxic, meaning one of the side...

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Meniere's Ear

What is Meniere’s Disease

Meniere's Disease Meniere's disease, maybe you've heard of it, maybe you have it, but what is it? A disease of the inner ear, Meniere's specifically affects the snail-looking structure called the cochlea (the blue structure in the figure below). The cochlea plays a large role in our balance and transmitting sound into electrical signals the brain can understand. Meniere's affects roughly 600 people out of every 100,000; 80% of which only have it in 1 ear. Although, it can eventually move to the other ear. Yet even with so many people having it, there is still much unknown about this disease. Causes As mentioned above, we still don't know much about Meniere's, especially what causes it. Professionals suggest there are 4 possible causes: A build-up of endolymphatic fluid (fluid of the inner ear that creates the electrical signals) An autoimmune disease A viral infection Genetics Or a combination of the above Although we aren't certain, there are theories that support each of these possible causes. Symptoms Because of the organ it affects, the cochlea, Meniere's has 3 very distinct symptoms that appear in unpredictable episodes. Episodic hearing loss - usually with a low-frequency loss Vertigo Roaring Tinnitus Sometimes also accompanied by a feeling of fullness in the ear These symptoms can occur together or separately. Episodes of Meniere's can last for a few hours, days, or months and seem to happen at random. Although, some individuals with Meniere's can feel an episode coming on. Treatment The treatment protocol for each patient...

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supporting your partner

Partner Series: Self-Regulation and Partner Stress

Partner Stress Series Part 2 In part 1 of our stress series, we discussed what stress is and how it relates to hearing loss and tinnitus. Off the top of your head, I'm sure you could come up with several strategies to reduce some of the stress caused by those. However, the most important thing about these strategies is their ability to regulate stress in a consistent way. This is where self-regulation and partner stress (or your own) comes in. Self-Regulation Dr. Stuart Shanker has created a framework for life and stress called Self-Regulation (or Self-Reg). Dr. Shanker is not the first to use this term, but his particular perspective on how it can affect our lives is unique. Self-reg is not self-control or stress management; it’s a way of looking at stress and working out the root cause rather than just trying to control or manage the behaviour. So what is Self-Reg? Mindful self-reg involves learning to recognize and respond to stress in our environments to bring ourselves back to homeostasis (balance or calm). It's about... exploring and testing out the ways in which relationships, environments, routines, and activities can enhance self-regulation recognizing stress behaviour (behaviour that is reactive or caused by excessive stress) noticing subtle signs of stress behaviour that we never saw or understood before finding our own self-reg so we can help those around us learn how to regulate themselves in the same way We do this by understanding there is positive and negative stress. Stress is...

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self-reg

Client Series: Self-Regulation and Stress

Client Stress Series Part 2 In part 1 of our stress series, we discussed what stress is and how it relates to hearing loss and tinnitus. Off the top of your head, I'm sure you could come up with several strategies to reduce some of the stress caused by those. However, the most important thing about these strategies is their ability to regulate stress in a consistent way. This is where self-regulation and stress come in.  Self-Regulation Dr. Stuart Shanker has created a framework for life and stress called Self-Regulation (or Self-Reg). Dr. Shanker is not the first to use this term, but his particular perspective on how it can affect our lives is unique. Self-reg is not self-control or stress management; it’s a way of looking at stress and working out the root cause rather than just trying to control or manage the behaviour. So what is Self-Reg? Mindful self-reg involves learning to recognize and respond to stress in our environments to bring ourselves back to homeostasis (balance or calm). It's about... exploring and testing out the ways in which relationships, environments, routines and activities can enhance self-regulation recognizing stress behaviour (behaviour that is reactive or caused by excessive stress) noticing subtle signs of stress behaviour that we never saw or understood before finding our own self-reg so we can help those around us learn how to regulate themselves in the same way We do this by understanding there is positive and negative stress. Stress is on a curve... We...

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Partner Series: Stress and Hearing Loss

Partner Stress Series Part 1 Watch (with headphones is possible) till 1:13. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ce30oHq_lT0&feature=youtu.be Having just experienced a small example of what people with hearing loss deal with daily, how do you feel? Could you feel your stress level rising? Hearing loss is more complicated than not just being able to hear... it can create or add to the stress in our lives. In today's world, we have a lot of stress in our lives. According to the American Psychology Association, 75% of adults experience moderate to high stress on a monthly basis and the amount of stress has increased in the last year alone. With this much stress flying around everywhere it’s important we understand what stress is, how it is affecting us; both physically and mentally, and how hearing loss increases and maintains heightened stress levels. So what can we do about it? What is Stress? We all have some idea or definition we immediately think of for 'stress'. It may be a feeling we associate with it, a situation, or a scientific definition. But what is stress really? Stress is "the non-specific response [emotional or physical] of the body to a demand imposed on it”1. by strain or adverse circumstances. At its fundamental base, stress is an imbalance. Within our bodies, our systems are constantly trying to remain in homeostasis (balance). When things occur in our environment that increase the energy needed to accomplish a task, it changes how our body reacts. Chemicals in our brains change, our circulatory...

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stress and hearing loss

Client Series: The Stress of Hearing loss and Tinnitus

Client Stress Series Part 1 In 2020, I think we all understand that our lives are influenced by stress. This could be work stress, financial stress, physical, mental… global pandemic… etc. but we all have some idea of what stress is and what that means for us. Now add one more thing on top of your life stress: the stress of hearing loss and/or tinnitus. Both are not just an ear problem... they can create or add to the stress in your life. In today's world, we have a lot of stress in our lives. According to the American Psychology Association, 75% of adults experience moderate to high stress monthly and the amount of stress has increased in the last year alone. With this much stress flying around everywhere it’s important we understand what stress is, how it is affecting us; both physically and mentally, and how hearing loss and tinnitus increase and maintains heightened stress levels. So what can we do? First, let’s take a look at what stress actually is. What is Stress? We all have some idea or definition we immediately think of for 'stress'. It may be a feeling we associate with it, a situation, or a scientific definition. But what is stress really? Stress is "the non-specific response [emotional or physical] of the body to a demand imposed on it”1. by strain or adverse circumstances. At its fundamental base, stress is an imbalance. Within our bodies, our systems are constantly trying to remain in homeostasis (balance)....

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Covid

Covid 19 and Hearing Loss

Covid-19 and Hearing Loss   For many with hearing loss, Covid-19 and the use of masks have made communication a bit more difficult, as John Watter describes in his article. But is there more of a connection between Covid-19 and hearing loss than just masks? In an article by Forbes, the author links several publications with preliminary research into the side effects of Covid-19. As the virus is new, these studies look at small groups of people that reported changes after recovery.  Although these studies are only looking at small groups of people, they are from all over the world. Thailand, the United Kingdom, India, and globally as this pandemic has touched the world. Studies noted individuals with hearing loss in either one2 or both1,3 ears, increased Tinnitus (ringing in the ears), or Vertigo4.  These first several studies have discussed two possible side effects with a positive Covid-19 diagnosis and how it relates to hearing... Note: these things are possible as many people have recovered without these side-effects. Covid-19 a Virus Historically, other viruses have caused hearing loss in some individuals. This includes herpes, HIV, and measles5. Viruses can affect the hearing systems if the virus makes its way into the middle ear or other parts of the auditory pathway3, 5. For some individuals with Covid-19, this might have occurred.  Ototoxic Treatment The other possibility is ototoxicity. Ototoxicity or ototoxic refers to medications that can be harmful to the organs of hearing or balance. As medical professionals are trying to find what...

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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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