TINNITUS

What Causes Tinnitus?

There are several possible causes of tinnitus, including:

• Loud noise exposure – Common among musicians, construction workers, and those frequently exposed to loud music or machinery.
• Hearing loss – Age-related or noise-induced damage to the inner ear can lead to tinnitus.
• Ear infections or blockages – Excess earwax, infections, or fluid buildup can trigger tinnitus.
• Head or neck injuries – Trauma to these areas can affect the auditory system.
• Medications – Some prescription drugs, such as certain antibiotics and pain relievers, may cause or worsen tinnitus.
• Stress and anxiety – High-stress levels can contribute to tinnitus perception.

How is Tinnitus Diagnosed?

If you experience tinnitus, an audiologist (hearing specialist) can perform tests to evaluate your hearing and determine possible causes. Common assessments include:

• Hearing tests – To check for hearing loss.
• Otoscopy – Examining the ear canal for blockages.
• Tinnitus questionnaires – Assessing how much tinnitus affects your daily life.
• Pitch and loudness matching – Identifying the specific frequency and intensity of the tinnitus sound.

Common complaints: (by tinnitus patients)

• Ringing, buzzing, hissing, or roaring sounds in the ears
• Difficulty concentrating
• Trouble sleeping
• Stress
• Anxiety
• Irritability
• Sensitivity to loud sounds (hyperacusis)
• Understanding speech, especially in noisy environments
• Feelings of frustration, helplessness, or depression
• Ear discomfort
• Annoyance

Conditions associated with tinnitus.

Cardiovascular Disease
Glomus tumors
Hypertension
Patent Eustachian tube
Middle ear muscle myoclonus
Temporal mandibular joint abnormalities (TMJ)
Ear wax
Otitis media
Sensorineural hearing loss
Meniere’s disease
Acoustic neuroma
Surgery

Treatment and Management Options

While there is no single cure for tinnitus, several strategies can help manage the symptoms:

1. Hearing aids – These can amplify external sounds, making tinnitus less noticeable.
2. Sound therapy – Devices like white noise machines, smartphone apps, and hearing aids with sound generators can mask tinnitus.
3. Tinnitus Retraining Therapy (TRT) – A combination of sound therapy and counseling to help the brain ignore tinnitus sounds.
4. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) – A psychological approach to reduce the emotional distress caused by tinnitus.
5. Mindfulness and relaxation techniques – Deep breathing, meditation, and yoga can help lower stress levels, making tinnitus less bothersome.
6. Medical treatments – In some cases, medication may be recommended to manage underlying conditions like anxiety or depression that worsen tinnitus.

How to Prevent Tinnitus

Preventing tinnitus or reducing its severity can be achieved through:

• Protecting your ears from loud noise using earplugs or noise-canceling headphones.
• Keeping your ears clean and free from excessive earwax buildup.
• Managing stress through relaxation techniques.
• Limiting caffeine and alcohol, which can sometimes worsen symptoms.
• Seeking medical advice if you experience sudden or worsening tinnitus.

Living with Tinnitus

Tinnitus can be challenging, but with the right approach, it can become manageable. Seeking help from an audiologist, using sound therapy, and practicing relaxation techniques can all make a significant difference. Remember, you’re not alone—support groups and professional help are available to guide you through the process of managing tinnitus effectively.

If you need support, reach out to a healthcare provider or visit www.tinnitushelpline.com or call: 1300 309 400 / 0402820868 for more resources and assistance.

For more information or to book a consultation, visit www.TinnitusHelpline.com.

1 on 1 consultation for Tinnitus Assessment & Management

Personalized Coaching Sessions with Abhay Kumar | Clinical Audiologist & Tinnitus, Hyperacusis and Misophonia expert.

Abhay Kumar offers personalized coaching for individuals affected by Tinnitus, including pre-teens, teens, adults, and their families. These coaching sessions are designed to provide psychoeducation, coping strategies, and practical skills-building. Choose from flexible packages that can be booked per session or as part of a structured program.

Pricing:

• Assessment & Test result discussion : $350 AUD
• 6 Sessions: AUD 900
• 10 Sessions (Structured Program): $1500 AUD
• Cost of sound generator or hearing aids are not included

Note: All coaching sessions are available online via Zoom, Google Meet, Microsoft Teams, WhatsApp, face-time.