A supportive friend or family member can make anything easier to handle—including tinnitus.
If someone you love is among the 10% of adults in the U.S. with tinnitus, take a look at our list of ways you can support them while they’re dealing with the symptom.[1]
Listen
One of the best ways you can help someone who’s dealing with something frustrating is to listen. Your loved one might need to vent their feelings. Take the time to listen attentively and talk them through their emotions. Remember that they may only need to vent; don’t attempt to solve their issues while you’re listening.
Create a Relaxing Environment
One 2023 study found that psycho-social stress has the same likelihood of developing and worsening tinnitus as occupational noise exposure.[2] Unfortunately, tinnitus can also cause stress, leading to a cycle that’s hard to escape.
If your loved one is feeling overstimulated by the constant noise of tinnitus, try to create a chill environment where they can relax. You could watch a movie together, have a nice dinner in El Paso or take a few chores off their plate if possible.
Purchase a Sound Machine
Sound masking is the practice of covering the internal ringing of tinnitus with a soothing external sound. The practice is especially helpful at night if tinnitus is keeping your loved one from sleep. A white noise machine is an excellent, soothing gift that will help them manage the symptom. If purchasing a sound machine isn’t an option, tinnitus or white noise apps are an excellent alternative.
Attend Their Audiology Appointments
Prolonged tinnitus could signal an underlying hearing loss. If your loved one has had tinnitus for more than three months, they should schedule an appointment with Tinnitus & Hearing Experts for an evaluation and hearing test. Attending their appointment with them will also show your loved one that you’re there to support them every step of the way!
[1] American Tinnitus Association. (n.d.). Why are my ears ringing? https://www.ata.org/about-tinnitus/why-are-my-ears-ringing/
[2] Patil, J. D., Alrashid, M. A., Eltabbakh, A., & Fredericks, S. (2023). The association between stress, emotional states, and tinnitus: a mini-review. Frontiers in aging neuroscience, 15, 1131979. https://doi.org/10.3389/fnagi.2023.1131979