What is tinnitus?
Tinnitus is a sound that a person hears, even though there is no outside source. In Québec, an estimated 700,000 people1 (or 10% of the population) have tinnitus. The volume and type of sound vary from person to person. It can sound like a whistling, humming, pulsing, crackling or more.
Causes
Here are some potential causes of tinnitus:
- Earwax buildup
- Otitis
- Hearing loss
- Prolonged exposure to loud noises
- Neck and jaw problems
- Medications
- Head trauma
- And more
Recommendations
Currently, there are no treatments available for tinnitus. However, the condition is not dangerous. That said, it may be uncomfortable, depending on its intensity and the importance we give it. This is why it is recommended to have an audiologist perform a full hearing assessment.
There are many techniques to minimize the effects of tinnitus on your everyday life. They include:
- Using white-noise generators or hearing aids that emit a sound to mask or draw your attention away from the tinnitus
- Relaxation and stress management techniques
- Maintaining healthy life habits (avoiding salty foods, alcohol and cigarettes)
It has also been shown that cognitive behavioural therapy can be helpful for managing tinnitus. This type of therapy, which focuses on relaxation and thought restructuring, helps people reduce the impact of tinnitus on their lives.
Furthermore, some factors—including stress, fatigue and noise exposure—are known to aggravate tinnitus. For that reason, it is important to avoid exposure to excessive noise to prevent or avoid aggravating tinnitus. Additionally, if you work in a noisy area, it is recommended to wear hearing protectors to protect your ears.
Talk to an audiologist to learn more! To find the nearest Lobe clinic, click here.