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 substances cause an increase in blood pressure.
• Stress and fatigue; these two go hand in hand. We usually don’t sleep when stressed, and being tired makes us more stressed… a vicious cycle!
• Loud Noise – Extremely loud noise can be the cause of tinnitus, but after the fact, it can also make it worse. Wearing hearing protection while doing noisy activities, like cutting the grass, can reduce the likelihood of a major flare-up.

Tinnitus Management

Now, I know that I said the cause of tinnitus is not a necessity of treatment; in one regard, it isn’t. However, if you know the source of the tinnitus, it can point to specific treatment options. For example, suppose tinnitus is related to hearing loss. In that case, the use of hearing aids for amplification and, in some cases, a masking noise can significantly reduce tinnitus. As stated previously, there is no one-size-fits-all tinnitus management plan, so various treatment options may or may not work for everyone.

Possible Management Options

• Sound therapy uses white noise to mask the ringing you experience. This can reduce the overall volume of the tinnitus to a more manageable level. Sound treatment can be done with hearing aids, sound generators (Products), and even Apps.
• Relaxation or distraction techniques – such as deep breathing, playing a game on your phone to distract you, etc.
• Counselling – Techniques like Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT) have been known to help psychologically deal with the mental load of tinnitus and the negative thoughts associated that can be associated with it.
• Support Groups – Having others to talk to understand how you’re feeling and can share their experiences can be beneficial. Not only for the resources but to know that you aren’t alone. There are some online groups through the American Tinnitus Association. Previously, we held a group in-house that we, hopefully, will start again soon.
• Sleep aids – simple as a fan for some background noise at night or more extreme situations like medication.
• Biofeedback – This is therapy directly to your brain! Done through a licenced psychologist, biofeedback uses neurological stimulation to change brain waves. Complicated and very cool!
• Medical Alternatives – dental (if TMJ joint issues contribute to tinnitus), massage, hypnosis, acupuncture, naturopathy, chiropractic, etc. may also help.

These management options are designed to help relax your brain, change your thinking, and hopefully help you rest. For some treatment options, you won’t know if they will help until you try them. Remember, not everyone’s treatment will look the same. Even though acupuncture worked for Jim, doesn’t mean it will have the same effects for you. Trail and error are key.

Don’t hesitate to contact us for more information or a free tinnitus consultation. We are here to help and provide resources where we can. You are not alone in your struggle with tinnitus.