Tinnitus is the perception of sound that arises without any external source. For some, it presents as a faint background hum; for others, it’s a persistent ringing or buzzing that can interfere with concentration, sleep and emotional well-being. Understanding the causes behind tinnitus is an important step towards managing it.
What Contributes to Tinnitus?
Tinnitus can stem from many things, including but not limited to:
- Inner ear damage. One common culprit is hearing loss. When sound from the ear disappears or lessens, the auditory system may attempt to fill in the gaps, often resulting in tinnitus. Permanent hearing loss may arise from aging, noise exposure, ototoxic medications (medications that damage the auditory system), illness or physical trauma.
- Obstructions or infections in the ear. Physical blockages, like impacted earwax or fluid from an ear infection, can temporarily disrupt hearing. These hearing changes may cause tinnitus until you treat the blockage or infection.
- Jaw issues. Issues involving the temporomandibular joint (TMJ), which connects the jawbone to the skull, often present alongside tinnitus. People with TMJ disorders may notice their tinnitus fluctuates with jaw movement or is accompanied by neck and jaw pain and headaches. Addressing jaw alignment using a nightguard and reducing muscle strain can be an effective component of care in these cases.
- Stress. One 2023 study found that psycho-social stress showed the same probability of developing tinnitus as occupational noise exposure. Tinnitus can, in turn, cause more stress, creating an unfortunate loop.
Strategies for Managing Tinnitus
There is no universal cure for tinnitus, but some therapies and technologies have shown success in minimizing its impact and improving quality of life, including but not limited to:
- Sound therapy. If tinnitus disrupts your sleep, ambient sound generators or white noise machines can provide gentle auditory stimulation, helping divert your brain away from the internal ringing.
- Hearing aids. In addition to amplifying important speech and background sounds, some modern hearing aids feature tinnitus-masking functions that introduce soft background tones to lessen the contrast between silence and the internal noise of tinnitus.
- Behavioral therapy. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is often recommended to help reduce the emotional burden of tinnitus. CBT focuses on reshaping thought patterns and improving coping strategies, allowing for better day-to-day functioning.
- Audiological interventions. Tinnitus retraining therapy (TRT) is another common approach. It combines sound therapy with counseling to reduce the brain’s awareness of tinnitus over time.
- Relaxation techniques. Relaxing activities like reading, meditating, yoga or quiet picnics at Memorial Park are great ways to help break the tinnitus/stress loop.
Our hearing specialists can help you get started on the right tinnitus management path. Contact Tinnitus & Hearing Experts today to schedule your appointment.