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Tinnitus is a ringing or buzzing sound that only you can hear. This sound may come and go, or it may be with you all the time. You’re the only one who can hear this sound, but you’re not alone. Millions of Americans struggle with tinnitus daily. Here are a few tips for managing tinnitus.
What is Tinnitus?
Do you think you have tinnitus? Everyone experiences tinnitus in different ways. Some common tinnitus sounds include:
- Buzzing
- Ringing
- Whooshing
- Squealing
- Roaring
- Whizzing
- Whistling
If you hear any of these sounds, but can’t find the source of the noise, you may be experiencing tinnitus. Tinnitus can range from mildly annoying to very debilitating. Tinnitus can cause increased stress, insomnia, irritability, difficulty focusing, and more.
Tips for Managing Tinnitus
Have you tried managing your tinnitus? Tinnitus can interfere with many areas of your life. And when you feel tired and frustrated, tinnitus sounds will appear worse. Managing tinnitus can decrease stress and further decrease the symptoms of tinnitus.
Sound Masking
One very effective way to manage tinnitus is with sound masking. If you’ve ever turned on a fan to block out distracting noise, you have used sound masking. When it comes to tinnitus, sound masking can take a few forms. Depending on your tinnitus, you may be able to turn on a fan, turn the TV on low in the background, or plugin a white noise machine. These sounds can mask the tinnitus sound, so your tinnitus fades into the background sound. It may still be there, but you’ll stop hearing it.
Hearing Aids with Tinnitus Management Programs
If your tinnitus isn’t fading into the background with sound masking, you step it up a notch. Hearing aids with tinnitus management programs use sound masking techniques to bring your relief. What makes hearing aids tinnitus programs different is that they’re calibrated to match your unique tinnitus. The tinnitus management program will perfectly match the pitch and volume of your tinnitus so that the sounds will mask your tinnitus. Most programs allow you to choose between white noise, pink noise, your music, nature sounds, or any other audio you want to use.
Prioritize Relaxation
Tinnitus and stress go hand in hand. When you experience tinnitus, your stress levels often go up. Then the more stressed you feel, the more you’ll notice tinnitus! Decreasing your experience of tinnitus can lower your stress. But decreasing your stress can also reduce your tinnitus! Prioritizing relaxation can help you manage your stress and decrease tinnitus. Relaxation techniques can include breathing exercises, gentle yoga or stretching, mindfulness, or even simple things like having a bubble bath after a stressful day.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
Another way to manage tinnitus is with cognitive-behavioral therapy. This can give you some tools to rethink your relationship with tinnitus. You can learn coping skills to keep your stress low. Reducing irritation and stress can decrease tinnitus. With CBT you can also process other mental health concerns, such as depression or anxiety, that may have been aggravated by tinnitus.
Treating Hearing Loss
Did you know that treating hearing loss can also help manage tinnitus? Hearing loss and tinnitus can both be caused by damage to the cells in the ear. Sometimes tinnitus is more prominent when you can’t hear other sounds around you. When you treat your hearing loss and give your ears and brain more to listen to in your environment, you’ll experience less tinnitus.
Finding Your Next Hearing Aids
Are you ready to find hearing aids to treat hearing loss and manage tinnitus? Book a hearing test and find out more about your hearing needs. We’ll show you exactly what sounds you can’t hear, and we will also help you discover more about your tinnitus. Together we’ll explore your hearing aid options to find the perfect pair.
We work with the world’s top hearing aids manufacturers to bring you a wide selection of hearing aids. We have small behind-the-ear devices as well as nearly invisible-in-the-canal hearing aids. This means that whatever your hearing needs or budget, you’ll find a device that’s right for you. Once you have your new devices, we’ll calibrate your hearing aids to match your hearing needs and your tinnitus.