Skip to main content

Hypersensitivity Makes Tinnitus Worse - Here's What You Can Do

girl plugging her ears; hypersensitivity and tinnitus concept
Hypersensitivity can significantly affect someone with tinnitus, often worsening their symptoms or making it more challenging to manage. Here's how it might manifest:

Sound Sensitivity (Hyperacusis): Many individuals with tinnitus also experience hyperacusis, a heightened sensitivity to everyday sounds. This can make normal environmental sounds, which most people find tolerable, seem unbearably loud or painful. Hyperacusis often increases the perception of tinnitus, amplifying its impact.

Emotional Sensitivity: Hypersensitivity in the emotional sense can lead to heightened stress, anxiety, or frustration, all of which can exacerbate tinnitus. Stress and anxiety are known triggers for making tinnitus louder or more noticeable, creating a vicious cycle of worsening symptoms.

Heightened Awareness: Sensory hypersensitivity may cause the individual to focus more on their tinnitus. Being hyper-aware of the sound can make it seem louder or more constant, even when distractions or treatments could otherwise help mitigate its effects.

Social Impact: Hypersensitivity to sound may lead to social isolation, as noisy environments can become unbearable. This can increase feelings of loneliness or depression, both of which are common in people with tinnitus and can make the condition harder to cope with.

Treatment approaches, like sound therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), or mindfulness, are often used to help reduce the impact of hypersensitivity on tinnitus symptoms.

Here are five treatments commonly used to manage tinnitus, particularly when hypersensitivity to sound is also a factor:

1. Sound Therapy

How it works: This involves the use of external sounds (white noise, nature sounds, or specialized music) to mask or diminish the perception of tinnitus. Sound therapy can help reduce sensitivity to internal noises and retrain the brain to focus less on the tinnitus.

Examples: White noise machines, hearing aids with masking features, or environmental sound generators.

2. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy

How it works: CBT is a form of talk therapy that helps patients reframe their thoughts about tinnitus, reducing the emotional distress and anxiety it causes. It doesn't eliminate tinnitus but can reduce its psychological impact, including managing hypersensitivity.

Example: Sessions with a trained therapist to address negative thought patterns related to tinnitus and improve coping mechanisms.

3. Tinnitus Retraining Therapy

How it works: TRT combines sound therapy with counseling. The goal is to help the brain become accustomed to tinnitus, so the person becomes less aware of the sound over time. This method also helps reduce sound hypersensitivity by desensitizing the auditory system.

Example: Wearing devices that emit low-level noise while undergoing therapy sessions to address the emotional impact of tinnitus.

4. Medications

How it works: Although no medication can cure tinnitus, certain drugs can help manage the emotional or physical symptoms associated with it, such as anxiety, depression, or insomnia, which can worsen hypersensitivity and tinnitus perception.

Examples: Antidepressants (like amitriptyline or nortriptyline) and anti-anxiety medications (like alprazolam) are sometimes prescribed.

5. Mindfulness and Relaxation Techniques

How it works: Mindfulness meditation and relaxation exercises can help reduce the stress and anxiety that often accompany tinnitus. By practicing mindfulness, individuals can learn to live with the sound without letting it dominate their attention.

Examples: Guided meditation, deep breathing exercises, or yoga can help relax the nervous system and reduce the perceived intensity of tinnitus.

Each of these treatments can be tailored to suit the severity of tinnitus and the level of hypersensitivity experienced. Many people benefit from a combination of these therapies.



Try Eargasm Earplus

Comments

Popular posts from this blog

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...

10-Minute Daily Yoga Routine: Ease Tinnitus Symptoms and Promote Relaxation

Living with tinnitus can be incredibly challenging, but incorporating a short, targeted yoga routine into your daily life can make a significant difference. This 10-minute practice is designed to help you find moments of peace, reduce stress, and potentially alleviate some of your tinnitus symptoms.  Consistency is key – even on your toughest days, try to carve out these few minutes for yourself. Setting the Stage for Success Before we dive into the routine, let's create an environment that supports your practice: • Choose a quiet space: While silence might amplify tinnitus for some, a quiet room allows you to focus on your breath and movements without external distractions. • Dim the lights: Soft lighting can help calm your nervous system and reduce visual stimuli that might compete with your tinnitus. • Use a non-slip mat: Safety first – ensure you have a stable surface for your practice. • Wear comfortable clothing: Loose, breathable fabrics allow for easier movement and help yo...

Can Allergies Cause Tinnitus?

The short answer is: Yes, allergies can cause tinnitus. Hearing loss, too.  Allergy-related tinnitus is typically due to the congestion that allergies cause. Anything from allergic rhinitis (hay fever) to sinus infections increases the risk of developing tinnitus.  Basically anything that affects the nasal and sinus passages can lead to tinnitus. That's because when allergies affect the nasal passages and sinuses, they can cause inflammation and swelling, leading to congestion and pressure changes in the ear. This pressure change can lead to tinnitus. Allergy meds can be a problem too Tinnitus can also be a side effect of certain medications used to treat allergies, such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like aspirin. These medications can potentially cause tinnitus as a side effect, especially when taken in high doses. Other causes of tinnitus In addition to allergies, there are several other causes of tinnitus. In some cases, tinnitus can be a symptom of an u...