Tinnitus, a condition characterised by ringing or buzzing in the ears, can be a frustrating and debilitating condition for those who suffer from it. As a hearing clinic in Swindon, we see many patients who struggle with managing their tinnitus symptoms daily. 

While there’s currently no cure for tinnitus, there are various ways to manage and reduce the severity of symptoms. In this blog post, we will share with you 5 tips for managing tinnitus symptoms that our Swindon clinic recommends to our patients. These tips can help you to reduce the impact tinnitus has on your daily life and improve your quality of life.

What Is Tinnitus?

Tinnitus is a condition characterised by ringing or buzzing sounds in the ears. The noises heard by individuals with tinnitus can be described as high-pitched, low-pitched, pulsating, or constant. Tinnitus isn’t a disease but rather a symptom of an underlying ear health problem, such as hearing loss due to ageing or exposure to loud noise.

The severity and duration of tinnitus vary among individuals. Some people experience mild and temporary tinnitus that goes away on its own after a short while. In contrast, others suffer from chronic tinnitus that affects their quality of life, leading to anxiety, depression, and trouble sleeping.

If you suspect that you may have tinnitus, it’s essential to get your hearing checked by a professional. You can start with an online hearing test to determine if you have hearing loss, which could be the underlying cause of your tinnitus.

Prevalence in the UK

Persistent tinnitus affects approximately one out of every eight adults in the UK, making it a relatively common condition. Additionally, UK GPs see around 1.05 million patients with tinnitus every year.

Tinnitus prevalence increases with age, reaching 14.3% in those aged 60-69. However, it can affect people of all ages. It’s becoming more common among young adults due to exposure to loud noise levels at music concerts and through personal listening devices such as headphones.

Importance of managing tinnitus

Managing tinnitus is essential for several reasons. Firstly, it can significantly affect a person's quality of life. The constant noise can cause stress and make concentrating or sleeping difficult. Secondly, it is essential to identify the underlying cause of tinnitus to provide appropriate treatment if necessary.

If you're unable to visit a hearing specialist in person, you can still take steps toward managing your tinnitus from the comfort of your home. For instance, you can try home hearing tests to check your hearing and identify any potential hearing loss that could be contributing to your tinnitus.

Common Symptoms

Common tinnitus symptoms include ringing, buzzing, hissing, or humming in the ears. These sounds can occur intermittently or persistently and may be heard in one ear or both. Some people also experience a whooshing or pulsating sound that coincides with their heartbeat.

If you're experiencing any of these symptoms, getting your hearing checked as soon as possible is essential. Nowadays, you can take a hearing test at home to determine if you have any hearing loss that could be contributing to your tinnitus.

Causes of Tinnitus

Here are some common causes of tinnitus:

•   Age-related hearing loss, which affects many people over the age of 60
•   Exposure to loud noise
•   Ear infections
•   Underlying health conditions such as Meniere's disease and acoustic neuroma have been known to cause tinnitus symptoms

Top 5 Tips for Managing Tinnitus

1.      Use hearing aids or noise protective products or devices

Hearing aids amplify external sounds and make them louder, which can help mask the ringing or buzzing in the ears caused by tinnitus. Similarly, white noise machines produce a consistent sound that covers up other environmental noises. This can help reduce the perception of tinnitus and make it less bothersome. Some people also find that sound therapy apps or headphones with built-in white noise generators enable manage their symptoms.

2.      Consider tinnitus retraining therapy or support therapy

Tinnitus retraining therapy (TRT) is another option that can help alleviate tinnitus symptoms. TRT is a form of cognitive-behavioural therapy that aims to retrain the brain's response to tinnitus sounds.

Another treatment option for managing tinnitus is support therapy. Support groups provide individuals with a safe space to share their experiences and emotions related to living with tinnitus. This kind of therapy may include talking through feelings, sharing coping strategies, or simply being around others who understand what living with this condition is like.

3.      Find ways to relax

One way to relax is through meditation techniques, such as deep breathing exercises, visualisation, or mindfulness. These activities can reduce stress levels and promote relaxation in individuals. Another way to unwind is by engaging in physical activities like yoga or tai chi. Finally, taking breaks from technology can also be an effective relaxation tool for those with tinnitus.

4.      Wear ear protection

Earplugs or earmuffs can help reduce the decibel levels of sounds that you hear, which can protect your ears from damage and reduce tinnitus symptoms. When choosing ear protection, ensure it fits well and is comfortable. They must also provide adequate noise reduction for the environment you’ll be in—for example, musicians may need different ear protection than someone working with heavy machinery.

5.      Get more sleep

Sleeping well is crucial to managing tinnitus and improving overall health and well-being. Get more restful sleep by establishing a sleeping schedule that allows you to get at least 7-8 hours of uninterrupted sleep every night.

Choose Swindon Hearing Specialists for Quality Hearing Health Care

Tinnitus can be a challenging and frustrating condition to manage, but there are ways to alleviate its symptoms and improve your quality of life. However, if you're still struggling with tinnitus, it's crucial to seek the help of a hearing specialist.

If you’re searching for an audiologist near you or a reliable online hearing test, look no further than Swindon Hearing Specialists. Our team is dedicated to providing top-notch hearing healthcare services. Contact Swindon Hearing Specialists today and take the first step towards improving your hearing health and overall well-being.