Tinnitus Help - Stop the Ringing in Your Ears

Living with tinnitus can be a daily struggle, a constant buzzing or ringing that disrupts even the quietest moments. For those of us who have dealt with this condition for years, the search for effective relief can feel like an endless journey. However, there's hope on the horizon in the form of neuromodulation – a groundbreaking technology offering new avenues for managing tinnitus. What is Neuromodulation? Neuromodulation, in simple terms, involves the use of electrical or magnetic stimulation to alter nerve activity. While the concept may sound futuristic, it's already making waves in the medical field, offering promising results for various neurological conditions, including chronic pain, epilepsy, and now, tinnitus. And What is Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS)? One of the most exciting developments in neuromodulation for tinnitus relief is transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS). This non-invasive technique involves delivering magnetic pulses to specific areas of th

The New York State Psychiatric Institute has been conducting a study, expected to be finished in 2025, testing the effect of ketamine on tinnitus. The human trial is based on previous studies that found "ketamine, which an antagonist at the NMDA receptor, increases GABA levels in the brain in participants with depression." Researchers theorize that many people with tinnitus also suffer from depression and anxiety. Since ketamine is known to reduce depression, which condition can unmask the symptoms of tinnitus, then perhaps relieving depression with ketamine can lessen the perception of tinnitus. The study's principal investigator, Diana Martinez, MD , Professor of Psychiatry at Columbia University Irving Medical Center, puts it this way: For many, tinnitus has an important affective component to it, with distress and co-morbid symptoms of depression and anxiety. The onset and severity of tinnitus can correlate with stressful events, and it has been posited that stress lo

Exercise can have positive effects on tinnitus, mainly because it's a stress-reliever and stress can worsen tinnitus symptoms. However, all exercise is not created equal. Certain types of exercise, particularly high-impact activities like running or sports involving jarring movements of the head, can actually worsen your tinnitus. According to the  National Exercise & Sports Trainers Association , "the head jarring that typically occurs during high-impact aerobic workouts jars the otoconia, which are calcium crystals in our ears, out of place. The result is inner ear problems. If you have a lingering case of tinnitus, you may need to avoid or limit exercises that include jarring movements of the head like running, basketball, football, and soccer." Weightlifting too can worsen tinnitus.  The NESTA team writes: "Straining while lifting weights and any other kind of heavy exertion causes pressure within the brain, known as intracranial pressure, which also puts pre

Research published Radiology shows that "patients with severe chronic tinnitus who underwent real-time functional MRI neurofeedback therapy showed reduced tinnitus burden 6 months after intervention compared with patients who received group cognitive behavioral therapy." That could be a game-change because right now, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is the standard treatment. If this preliminary is right, then real-time functional MRI (fMRI) neurofeedback therapy may actually be more effective. So what exactly is functional magnetic resonance imaging? Neurofeedback therapy is a form of brain training that utilizes real-time feedback of brain activity as measured by fMRI scans to help individuals learn to regulate their brain function.  Here's how it typically works: fMRI Scanning : The individual undergoing neurofeedback therapy lies inside an fMRI scanner. The scanner monitors changes in blood flow and oxygenation in different regions of the brain, providing real-time

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

Deep brain stimulation (DBS) is a promising treatment to suppress tinnitus. Preclinical and clinical evidence suggests that in multiple regions of the auditory pathway that DBS can have an alleviating effect on tinnitus, according to a study published in Audiology Research.  “A small minority of tinnitus sufferers have a blood vessel or a tumor near the auditory nerve, but in 99% of the cases, there’s no physical reason in the ear that we know of,” explains Jana Devos , a research psychologist and doctoral student in neuroscience.  She adds that sufferers going deaf can still hear their tinnitus. “We can see that sufferers have different brain activities; we’re just not sure of the mechanism and reason.” These findings are based on animal studies, and "the method for DBS is at least not fully translatable to humans." However, “DBS has already been used for the tremors of Parkinson’s disease but this is the first trial focusing on the auditory system,” Devos notes. People wit

Some people with tinnitus find it really difficult to get to sleep because the noise in their head is so loud and disturbing. And if they wake up in the middle of the night for any reason, getting back to sleep can be a nightmare. What to do?  Try these strategies and techniques that can help you manage tinnitus-related sleep disturbances and improve your overall sleep quality. Create a Relaxing Bedtime Routine : Establishing a calming bedtime routine can signal to your body that it's time to wind down and prepare for sleep. This routine may include activities such as taking a warm bath, practicing relaxation techniques like deep breathing or meditation, or reading a book. Engaging in soothing activities before bed can help reduce stress and anxiety, making it easier to fall asleep despite the presence of tinnitus. Mask the Noise : Many people with tinnitus find relief by using white noise machines or sound generators to mask the ringing or buzzing sounds associated with their cond

You’ve probably heard about habituation, especially if you’re dealing with tinnitus. But what exactly is it, and does it really work? Let’s dive in and break it down. What is Habituation? First off, what is habituation? It simple means a word for the process of getting used to something. In the case of tinnitus, it’s about training your brain to not focus on the ringing or buzzing sound in your ears. You know how when you first move into a new place, and you notice every little creak and noise, but after a while, you stop paying attention to them? That’s habituation in action. Now, does it actually help with tinnitus? The short answer: yes, it can. Here’s why. How Can Habituation Help with Tinnitus? When you have tinnitus, that constant noise can be super annoying and distracting. It can really mess with your concentration and make it hard to relax or sleep. But here’s the thing: the more you focus on it, the louder it seems to get. It’s like when you’re trying to fall asleep, and sudd

The causes of tinnitus vary, but one potential factor that is gaining attention is allergies. Allergies, whether seasonal or year-round, have been linked to exacerbating tinnitus symptoms in some individuals . Understanding this connection and exploring potential solutions can offer relief to those grappling with both conditions. Tinnitus is not a condition itself but rather a symptom of an underlying issue. It can be caused by a range of factors, including exposure to loud noises, ear infections, and even stress. Allergies, on the other hand, occur when the immune system overreacts to substances like pollen, dust mites, or pet dander. While allergies primarily manifest as respiratory or skin reactions, they can also affect the ears and contribute to tinnitus symptoms. Research suggests that the inflammation triggered by allergic reactions may play a role in the development or exacerbation of tinnitus. When the body perceives an allergen as a threat, it releases histamines and other ch

Tinnitus, often described as a persistent ringing or buzzing in the ears, affects millions of people worldwide. Similarly, migraines , characterized by severe throbbing headaches often accompanied by nausea, vomiting, and sensitivity to light and sound, are prevalent and debilitating.  While these conditions may seem unrelated at first glance, there exists a significant overlap between them, with migraines often exacerbating tinnitus symptoms. Understanding this relationship is crucial for individuals dealing with both conditions, as it can guide them in managing their symptoms effectively. The Connection Between Migraines and Tinnitus Research suggests a strong association between migraines and tinnitus, indicating that individuals who experience migraines are more likely to also suffer from tinnitus, and vice versa. While the exact mechanism underlying this relationship is not fully understood, several theories have been proposed: 1. Shared Pathophysiology : Both migraines and tinnit