Tinnitus Awareness Week — which runs from February 3rd to February 9th — is the perfect time to shed light on a condition that affects millions of people. If you’ve ever experienced ringing, buzzing, or other persistent noises in your ears, you’re not alone. And at Sonora Hearing Care, we’re here to help you find the peace and quiet you deserve.
What Is Tinnitus?
Tinnitus isn’t a disease; it’s a symptom, often linked to hearing loss or other underlying health conditions. For some, it’s a mild inconvenience. For others, it can be a daily struggle. The National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders (NIDCD) estimates that over 25 million Americans experience some form of tinnitus. Of these, about 5 million face chronic symptoms, and 2 million find it debilitating.
Causes of Tinnitus
Tinnitus can have many causes, including:
Hearing Loss: This is the most common cause, as damage to the auditory system can trigger tinnitus. When the hair cells in the inner ear are damaged, they send abnormal signals to the brain, which can be perceived as ringing or buzzing sounds.
Ear Obstructions: Earwax buildup or foreign objects in the ear canal can also trigger tinnitus. Even a small amount of blockage can affect how sounds are processed and lead to symptoms. Cleaning your ears safely can often resolve this issue.
Head or Neck Trauma: Injuries to the head or neck can impact auditory nerves. Trauma may disrupt normal blood flow or nerve function, leading to hearing changes and tinnitus.
TMJ Disorder: Issues with the temporomandibular joint can create auditory symptoms. The proximity of this joint to the ear means that problems with alignment or function can cause sounds like clicking, popping, or ringing.
Sinus Pressure or Infections: Inflammation or congestion can interfere with normal ear function. This can temporarily alter hearing and exacerbate tinnitus until the underlying condition is treated or goes away on its own.
Ototoxic Medications: Certain drugs can negatively affect the inner ear, such as some antibiotics, diuretics, and chemotherapy agents. Always consult your doctor about potential side effects if you notice changes in your hearing.
While these are common culprits, tinnitus can also result from stress or other health conditions. In fact, over 200 different disorders are currently linked to tinnitus!
Your First Step: A Hearing Test
A hearing test is your first step toward finding relief. Audiologists are trained to identify whether your tinnitus is being triggered by a medical issue or if it’s something we can address directly. In most cases, we can create a treatment plan tailored to your needs, but if necessary, we’ll refer you to an ENT or primary care physician for additional care.
While there isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution for tinnitus, there are some common approaches we use that have helped many of our patients:
Hearing Aids: Modern hearing aids do so much more than just amplify sound—they can be programmed to generate soothing masking sounds that can draw focus away from the ringing of tinnitus and make it less noticeable and distracting. Sometimes hearing aids alone help mask the sounds of tinnitus.
Sound Therapy: Sound therapy uses external noise to distract from tinnitus. Options range from white noise machines to apps that generate calming soundscapes, like ocean waves or rain. Some devices can even be customized specifically for your unique tinnitus profile!
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): CBT doesn’t just address the symptoms of tinnitus—it helps you change your emotional response to them. By learning how to reframe your thoughts and reactions, you can improve your quality of life.
Relaxation Techniques: Stress reduction can be a powerful tool in managing tinnitus. Practices like meditation, yoga, or mindfulness calm your mind and reduce the physical tension that can exacerbate symptoms. Even a few minutes daily can make a noticeable difference.
You Deserve Peace and Quiet
Tinnitus Awareness Week is a great time to take that first step toward getting some help. You don’t have to suffer. If you or a loved one is experiencing tinnitus, schedule a hearing assessment with us today. Together, we can help you find the peace and quiet you deserve.