Tinnitus and Kids

A surprising amount of children have tinnitus.

The Boston Children's Hospital says about 15% have chronic tinnitus, while the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) says "one-third of children experience it at some point."

It's hard to know exactly how many children have tinnitus.

"In some cases," notes the staff at CHOP, "the child is too young to describe what they are hearing, has come to think of it as normal, or is not troubled by the experience enough to mention it."

The good thing about pediatric tinnitus is that most kids "have otherwise normal hearing and outgrow the symptoms before adulthood," according to the team at Children'sHealth.

If a child is adversely affected by tinnitus (and only about 0.5% of children have troublesome cases) parents usually see behavior issues like anxiety, depression and problems sleeping. School age kids can have difficult concentrating. Unfortunately, young children don't know to complain about the noise in their heads, or even how to describe those noises.

Parents who suspect tinnitus in their child should ask their pediatrician to perform a hearing test or refer them to an audiologist who can conduct other diagnostic tests to rule out tinnitus.

Before you think the worst, remember that one possible cause of tinnitus is wax build-up in the ear canal, which is easily remedied. If it's a medication that causes the tinnitus, that medication can be changed or discontinued. According to CHOP, "in most medication-induced cases, the tinnitus resolves over time."

Try Eargasm Earplus

Comments

Masking and Tinnitus: What Is It and Does It Help?

Tinnitus, often described as ringing or buzzing in the ears, affects millions of people worldwide. For some, it's a minor annoyance, but for others, it can significantly impact their quality of life. One potential treatment for tinnitus is masking. But what exactly is masking, and does it help? Let's delve into the details. Understanding Tinnitus Tinnitus is the perception of noise or ringing in the ears when no external sound is present. It can manifest as buzzing, ringing, hissing, or other sounds. Tinnitus can be temporary or chronic and may vary in intensity. While it's often associated with hearing loss, it can also occur in individuals with normal hearing. What is Masking? Masking is a technique used to manage tinnitus by introducing external sounds to "mask" or cover up the perception of the ringing or buzzing noises. These external sounds can range from white noise and nature sounds to music or specific tinnitus masking devices. How Does Masking Work? Mas...

3 Highly Effective Stress Management Methods Every Tinnitus Sufferer Can Master

The constant noise of tinnitus can make it difficult to concentrate, sleep, or relax, which in turn, amplifies stress and anxiety. Stress management, then, plays a key role in mitigating the impact of tinnitus. Here are three highly effective methods that every tinnitus sufferer can master to manage stress and improve overall well-being. Mindfulness Meditation Mindfulness meditation is a simple yet powerful tool for reducing stress and anxiety, especially for those with tinnitus. The goal is to train your mind to stay in the present moment rather than fixating on the internal noise or the stress it causes. Research has shown that regular mindfulness practice can lower stress levels, increase focus, and reduce the perceived intensity of tinnitus sounds. How to Get Started Begin by setting aside 10-15 minutes each day to sit in a quiet space. Close your eyes and focus on your breath, paying attention to the sensation of air entering and leaving your body. If your mind dr...

Retraining the Brain to Reduce the Impact of Tinnitus

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...

Tinnitus Help - Stop the Ringing in Your Ears

Search This Blog