Tinnitus Help - Stop the Ringing in Your Ears

The short answer is yes, tinnitus is a common symptom of Ménière’s disease . In fact, it is one of the most common symptoms experienced by those with the condition.  According to the American Tinnitus Association, up to 90% of people with Ménière’s disease also experience tinnitus. The exact cause of tinnitus in Ménière’s disease is not well understood, but it is believed to be related to changes in pressure within the inner ear. What Is Ménière’s Disease? Ménière’s disease is a debilitating condition that affects the inner ear in terms of balance and hearing, and is characterized by symptoms such as vertigo, hearing loss, and tinnitus. The inner ear is responsible for sending messages to the brain about our body’s position and movement in space. It is also responsible for transmitting sound signals to the brain. Ménière’s disease occurs when there is a buildup of fluid in the inner ear, which can cause pressure to build up and disrupt the normal functioning of the inner ear. When the

If you or someone you know is experiencing hearing loss, you may have heard about cochlear implants as a possible treatment option. But what exactly are cochlear implants, and can they provide relief for tinnitus?  What are Cochlear Implants? Cochlear implants are electronic devices that are designed to replace the function of damaged or missing parts of the inner ear. Unlike hearing aids, which amplify sound, cochlear implants bypass the damaged portion of the ear and directly stimulate the auditory nerve. Cochlear implants consist of two main components: The internal component : This is surgically implanted beneath the skin behind the ear, with a small wire that goes directly into the cochlea, the spiral-shaped part of the inner ear responsible for sending sound signals to the brain. The external component : This includes a microphone, speech processor, and transmitter, which is worn behind the ear, similar to a hearing aid. How do Cochlear Implants Work? When sound enters the microp

One technique that can help control your tinnitus is melatonin, a hormone that regulates sleep-wake cycles. Melatonin is a hormone produced by the pineal gland in the brain. It is often used as a supplement to improve sleep quality and duration, especially in cases of insomnia. In recent years, melatonin has also been investigated for its potential benefits in managing tinnitus symptoms. Melatonin has been found to have antioxidant properties, which means it can help protect the delicate hair cells in the inner ear from damage caused by free radicals. Free radicals are unstable molecules that can damage healthy cells and contribute to various health problems. The delicate hair cells in the inner ear are responsible for converting sound waves into electrical signals that are transmitted to the brain. When these hair cells become damaged, they can no longer function properly, leading to tinnitus. In addition to its antioxidant properties, melatonin has also been found to have anti-inflam

Stress can cause tinnitus or certainly exacerbate tinnitus symptoms.  When we experience stress, our bodies release hormones like adrenaline and cortisol that cause changes in our auditory system. These changes can lead to an increase in tinnitus perception or make existing tinnitus more bothersome. The relationship between stress and tinnitus can differ depending on age, the type of stress, and the duration of stress.  Different Ages and Tinnitus Tinnitus can affect people of all ages, but studies have shown that it is more prevalent in older adults. However, younger people may also experience tinnitus, especially if they are exposed to loud noises regularly. Good Stress vs. Bad Stress Stress can be both good and bad. Positive stress, also known as eustress, is the type of stress that we experience when we are excited or motivated. Examples of eustress include starting a new job or getting married.  In contrast, negative stress, or distress, is the type of stress that we experience wh

Tinnitus, hyperacusis, and sound sensitivity are distinct conditions, but they are all related to how the brain processes sound and can affect a person's quality of life. Treatment may involve a combination of therapies tailored to the individual's specific needs. What is Hyperacusis? Hyperacusis is a condition characterized by an increased sensitivity to everyday sounds that would not bother most people. People with hyperacusis experience discomfort or even pain from sounds that are considered normal, such as a running faucet, a car engine, or a conversation in a quiet room. Hyperacusis is believed to be caused by changes in the way the brain processes sound, rather than by any problem in the ear itself. It can occur as a result of a variety of factors, including head trauma, exposure to loud noises, viral infections, and certain medications. The symptoms of hyperacusis can include ear pain, discomfort, or a feeling of fullness in the ears, as well as headaches, anxiety, and

Living with tinnitus can be challenging, especially if it affects your ability to sleep or concentrate.  While behavior therapy and masking are commonly used coping strategies, there are other techniques that can be effective in managing tinnitus symptoms. Here are some of the most effective coping strategies for tinnitus that you might not have tried yet: Mindfulness meditation : Mindfulness meditation involves paying attention to your thoughts, feelings, and sensations without judgment. By practicing mindfulness meditation regularly, you can learn to focus on the present moment and reduce stress and anxiety, which can exacerbate tinnitus symptoms. Acupuncture : Acupuncture is a traditional Chinese medicine technique that involves inserting needles into specific points on the body to alleviate pain and promote healing. Some studies have suggested that acupuncture may be effective in reducing tinnitus symptoms. Yoga : Yoga is a physical and mental practice that involves breathing exerc

Smoking is bad for your health, and it's bad for your hearing too. Studies have shown that smokers are more likely to experience tinnitus than non-smokers. And the more you smoke, the higher your risk of developing tinnitus. In this blog post, we'll take a closer look at how smoking and vaping can affect tinnitus and why quitting can help alleviate the symptoms. How Smoking and Vaping Affect Tinnitus When you smoke or vape, the nicotine in the tobacco or e-liquid causes the blood vessels to narrow. This, in turn, reduces blood flow to the ears, which can cause damage to the delicate hair cells in the inner ear that are responsible for hearing. The damage to these hair cells can lead to tinnitus. In addition to reducing blood flow, smoking and vaping can also cause an increase in blood pressure and heart rate, both of which can exacerbate tinnitus. Furthermore, smoking and vaping can lead to the buildup of earwax, which can also worsen the symptoms of tinnitus. Quitting Smoking

Tinnitus is a condition where a person hears ringing, buzzing, or other sounds in their ears without any external sound source. It can be caused by a variety of factors, such as exposure to loud noise, certain medications, or even stress.  However, one factor that is often overlooked is lack of sleep. Sleep is essential for our bodies to repair and regenerate, and it plays a crucial role in maintaining our overall health. When we don't get enough sleep, our bodies can't function properly, and this can have a negative impact on our tinnitus. Increases Intensity One of the ways that lack of sleep can affect tinnitus is by increasing its intensity. When we are sleep-deprived, our brains become more sensitive to sounds, and this can make the ringing or buzzing in our ears seem louder and more prominent. This can be especially true when we are in a quiet environment, such as when we are trying to fall asleep at night. Harder to Concentrate In addition to increasing the intensity of

Don't move yet, but researchers have found a link between traffic noise and the risk of developing tinnitus (or worsening the condition). A February 2023 Science Daily release from the  University of Southern Denmark Faculty of Health Sciences says that "there is a need for more focus on the importance of traffic noise for health. It is alarming that noise seems to increase the risk of tinnitus, cardiovascular diseases and dementia, among other diseases." Tinnitus is associated with stress and poor sleep. Traffic noise is also associated with stress and poor sleep. Traffic noise can make us stressed and leads to us sleeping poorly, which starts a cycle of continued high stress and lack of sleep. The new study is based on 3.5 million people in Demark. Researchers found that the more traffic noise Danish residents are exposed to in their homes, the more they are at risk of developing tinnitus. They also found that for every 10 decibels of more noise in your home, the risk

Tinnitus is a common condition characterized by the perception of sound in the absence of any external noise source. For many people with tinnitus, spikes in their symptoms can be triggered by certain sounds or environments.  Below we explore whether earplugs can help reduce tinnitus spikes and provide tips on how to best use them. What are tinnitus spikes? Tinnitus spikes refer to an increase in the intensity or frequency of tinnitus symptoms. They can be triggered by a variety of factors, including exposure to loud noise, stress, lack of sleep, and certain medications. Tinnitus spikes can be very distressing and can interfere with a person's ability to concentrate, sleep, and perform daily activities. Can earplugs help reduce tinnitus spikes? The answer is yes, earplugs can help reduce tinnitus spikes by reducing exposure to loud or aggravating sounds. However, not all earplugs are created equal, and some may actually make tinnitus worse.  Here are some tips on how to choose and

Tinnitus can be an annoying and persistent condition. But it's a subjective experience. While some people barely notice it, others find the sounds to be bothersome and even debilitating.  The good news is that the brain has the ability to shift tinnitus from bothersome to non-bothersome, but it's not always easy. The brain plays a crucial role in the perception of tinnitus. It's not just the ears that are involved, but the entire auditory system, including the brain. This means that the brain can have a significant impact on how someone perceives their tinnitus. One study found that people with tinnitus who had higher levels of distress also had greater activity in the amygdala, a part of the brain associated with emotional processing. Can You Retrain the Brain? So, how can you shift tinnitus from bothersome to non-bothersome? The answer lies in retraining the brain. This is based on the idea of neuroplasticity, which is the brain's ability to change and adapt in respon

There are many factors that can contribute to tinnitus, including obesity.  Tinnitus is a common condition that affects millions of people around the world. It is characterized by a persistent ringing or buzzing sound in the ears, which can be frustrating and debilitating.  In this blog post, we'll explore some of the most effective treatments for tinnitus in people who are obese. Understanding tinnitus and obesity Before we dive into the treatments, let's first explore the link between tinnitus and obesity. Studies have shown that there is a strong correlation between the two. Obesity can cause inflammation, which can damage the cells in the inner ear and lead to tinnitus. Additionally, obesity can increase blood pressure, which can also contribute to tinnitus. Treatments for tinnitus in people who are obese Fortunately, there are several treatments available that can help alleviate the symptoms of tinnitus in people who are obese. Here are some of the most effective ones: Wei

There is some evidence to suggest that there may be an association between body mass index (BMI) and tinnitus , although the strength of the association varies depending on the study. A 2015 study published in the journal PLoS One found that higher BMI was associated with an increased risk of tinnitus in women. However, this association was not found in men. Another study published in 2019 in the journal Nutrients found a positive association between BMI and tinnitus severity in both men and women. And it's not just higher BMIs that indicate a link. A study published in 2018 in Scientific Reports showed that "underweight premenopausal women exhibited a higher odds ratio for tinnitus compared with women of normal weight." It's important to note that while these studies suggest an association between BMI and tinnitus, they do not establish causality. The mechanisms underlying the association between BMI and tinnitus are not fully understood, and more research is needed