Don’t Suffer in Silence, Take Control of Tinnitus

December 2023

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• Talking TINNITUS, 5 Ws and How •

Why is tinnitus treatment important?

Because:

A “comprehensive systematic review on the prevalence and incidence of tinnitus suggests that tinnitus affects more than 740 million adults globally and is perceived as a major problem by more than 120 million people, mostly aged 65 years or older.” ¹

The estimated prevalence of tinnitus is that approximately 10% of U.S. adults have experienced it in the past 12 months, 36% with nearly constant symptoms and 27% who had suffered for longer than 15 years.²

Despite commonly held beliefs and opportunistic scam artists promoting “miracle cures,” there are effective treatment options which can reduce negative impacts.

¹Jarach CM, Lugo A, Scala M, et al. Global Prevalence and Incidence of Tinnitus: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis. JAMA Neurol. 2022;79(9):888–900. doi:10.1001/jamaneurol.2022.2189

² Bhatt JM, Lin HW, Bhattacharyya N. Prevalence, Severity, Exposures, and Treatment Patterns of Tinnitus in the United States. JAMA Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg. 2016 Oct 1;142(10):959-965. doi: 10.1001/jamaoto.2016.1700. PMID: 27441392; PMCID: PMC5812683.

What is tinnitus?

Often referred to as “ringing in the ears” or “head noise,” subjective tinnitus is perceived sounds in one or both ears with no external sound present. Tinnitus is not a disease, but a symptom of some underlying health condition. In many cases it is the brain’s sensorineural reaction to damage in the ear and auditory system.

Typical symptoms include:

Who has increased risk?

Individuals with hearing loss, men, older people, smokers and those with:

Acute or chronic exposure to loud noises such as industrial workers, soldiers and musicians
Depression or anxiety
Head & Neck Cancer
Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)
Cardiovascular problems or high blood pressure

Where is the source of tinnitus?

Although various types of tinnitus noises are heard in our ears, they seem to originate in the brain cell network that converts electrical impulses into recognizable sounds. Akin to chronic pain syndrome when pain persists after broken bones heal, tinnitus might result from neural circuits attempted adaptation to sensory hair cell loss by being acutely sensitive to everyday or loud noises.

Tinnitus might also occur due to inner ear damage altering signaling activity in the auditory cortex, which performs hearing function, triggering overactivity in the brain’s emotional center, called the limbic region.

When should those with harmful symptoms seek healthy relief?

Especially for those struggling with bothersome effects, the sooner the better. It is crucial to distinguish hearing loss that inhibits capacity to converse with others, from tinnitus, sounds from within, which are deeply disturbing. While conversations are open for all to hear, a tinnitus sufferer’s head noise evokes acoustic clutter none can hear. Beyond unbearable effects from annoying sensory intrusions, know the psychological consequences. “Who would believe I’m constantly hearing unusual noises and comprehend their profound impact on my ability to function, sleep or experience daily pleasures?” When tinnitus stimulates sound effects and sadness, the empathetic support of loved ones is imperative.

How can those with tinnitus get relief?

Since eliminating unwanted sounds is not possible, applying adaptive methods of healthier brain processing can provide much needed hope and relief. Notably, most people with tinnitus have hearing loss. In addition to improving communication, hearing aids may reduce tinnitus symptoms by ensuring external sound sources provide alternative auditory stimulus. When the brain’s attention is distracted and internal “head noise” is not alone, blended perceptions may be less noticeable and hurtful. In this case, Silence is NOT Golden.

While we take your hearing care seriously, a little laughter goes a long way.

Good Humor, Healthy Hearing

Habituation refers to diminishing physiological or emotional responses to a frequently repeated stimulus. Healthy habits are beneficial in many forms and to reduce mental strain, we Retrain the Brain. To the point, while we cannot eliminate the stimulus (intrusive noises), we can mentally manage conditioned or reflex responses. To learn about the 4 Stages of Habituation, click here.

If you or a loved one face tinnitus challenges, take control now. In close coordination with your other medical providers, our prescribed treatment plans may lessen its negative impact on daily living. You should know about therapeutic options and research-based techniques to reduce symptom severity, psychological stress and functional abilities. Earlier intervention is decisive and our reputable expertise will instill renewed optimism that daily sounds can bring joy not anguish. When others say you must learn to live with it, please know we CAN do something about your tinnitus. Make a Choice, Ask How.

Our Patients Say It Best

“I have been going to Lindsay for about 4 years at the Mason location. She has been so unbelievably helpful and compassionate. Being in my 20s and needing hearing aids was a huge hit to my self-esteem and she was so understanding and literally held my hand when I needed it.

“I have since moved out of state and I still prefer to fly in than to see anyone else.

“Phenomenal services, prices, and customer service.”

—Cindy M.