Tinnitus, often described as a persistent ringing, buzzing or humming sound in the ears, can be an incredibly frustrating condition to live with. What adds to the challenge for many is that tinnitus often worsens over time. Understanding why this happens and exploring effective management strategies can provide much-needed relief and support for those affected by this condition. Three common causes of worsening tinnitus include hearing loss progression, increasing stress and exposure to loud noise.
Hearing Loss Progression
Approximately 90% of tinnitus cases present with an underlying hearing loss. With hearing loss, the lack of sound input may cause the brain to create its own noise in the form of tinnitus. As hearing loss progresses, whether because of aging, noise exposure or other causes, your tinnitus may worsen with it.
Increasing Stress
The constant ringing of tinnitus can lead to stress and anxiety. Unfortunately, heightened stress levels can, in turn, exacerbate tinnitus symptoms, creating a vicious cycle of worsening tinnitus over time.
Exposure to Loud Noise
Prolonged exposure to loud noises can damage the inner ear’s delicate structures, leading to hearing loss and worsening tinnitus. Worsening tinnitus is particularly likely in environments where noise exposure is frequent or unavoidable, such as workplaces with high noise levels or during action movies at the Dakota Cinema.
Strategies for Managing Worsening Tinnitus
While tinnitus may worsen over time, there are several strategies you can employ to manage your symptoms:
- Consult a specialist. Consulting with an audiologist is crucial. They can conduct assessments to determine the underlying causes of tinnitus and recommend personalized management plans tailored to your individual needs.
- Hearing aids and sound therapy. Sound therapy techniques, such as white noise machines or tinnitus masking hearing aids, can provide relief by masking or distracting from the perception of tinnitus sounds.
- Stress management techniques. Stress management techniques like mindfulness meditation, deep breathing exercises or engaging in relaxing activities like yoga or tai chi can help reduce stress levels and tinnitus symptoms.
- Protective measures. Taking proactive steps to protect the ears from further damage is essential. This includes using earplugs or noise-canceling headphones in noisy environments, limiting exposure to loud noises and maintaining ear hygiene to prevent infections or other ear-related complications.
- Emotional support. Tinnitus can feel stressful and worrisome. Seeking support from friends and family can provide emotional support and reassurance while coping with worsening tinnitus.
By seeking professional guidance and adopting personalized symptom management plans, you can better cope with the challenges posed by persistent tinnitus. For more information on managing your tinnitus, contact Ear, Nose & Throat Consultants today to make an appointment with one of our specialists.