Exploring Tinnitus: Causes, Management, and Finding Relief

Tinnitus is a situation in which a person hears sounds even when there are no outside sounds to hear. It is often called “ringing in the ears,” but it can also sound like buzzing, hissing, or clicking. Tinnitus brings a few unknowns, such as its longevity, but one thing is for certain. Whether the condition is short or long-term, it can significantly impact your life. If you are diagnosed with tinnitus, it’s essential to learn as much as possible about what causes it, how to treat it, and how to get rid of it. This starts with basic education, provided in this blog, but also seeking out experienced professionals to help decrease additional concerns. At El Dorado Hearing, our skilled team can help you manage your tinnitus and answer any questions you might have. 

What Causes Tinnitus?

A wide range of things can cause tinnitus, making it hard to determine the exact trigger. Some common thoughts that it might be caused by one or more of the following issues:

• Noise Exposure: Being around loud noises for an extended period, whether at work around industrial machinery or in construction or enjoying a concert or sporting event. This extended exposure can damage sensitive hair cells in the inner ear and cause tinnitus.
• Age-Related Hearing Loss: As people get older, their inner ear structures naturally break down, which can cause hearing loss and sometimes tinnitus.
• Earwax Buildup: Too much earwax can block the ear canal and worsen tinnitus symptoms. At Eldorado Hearing, our team can safely remove earwax and provide tips for future ear cleaning.
• Medical Conditions: Meniere’s disease, which causes dizziness and hearing loss, might trigger tinnitus. Other medical conditions that could contribute to its existence include Otosclerosis, abnormal growth of bone in the middle ear, and Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ). We can assess your hearing health, including exploring these conditions to create a customized hearing plan for you.
• Medication: Tinnitus can be a side effect of some medicines, especially those that are ototoxic or bad for the ears. Talking with us and your medical team can help assess if you are at risk due to prescribed medication.
• Stress and Anxiety: Feeling upset or stressed out can make tinnitus symptoms worse or make them stand out more. Learning how to manage your stress and anxiety helps.

Management and Relief

Even though there is no one-size-fits-all fix for tinnitus, many ways exist to deal with its effects on daily life. At Eldorado Hearing, we have extensive experience working with individuals who suffer from tinnitus. We can help you create a customized plan to fit your needs, as well as support you through any other changes you might face with your hearing. In addition, you might benefit from the following methods of management and relief.

• Hearing Aids: If you have trouble hearing, hearing aids can help cover up tinnitus by making outside sounds louder and improving general hearing.
• Sound Therapy: White noise machines, fans, or soothing music can be used as background noise to help mask tinnitus sounds.
• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): CBT can help you process your tinnitus diagnosis, as well as help you develop coping skills for when you’re stressed and frustrated.
• Tinnitus Retraining Treatment (TRT): TRT uses both counseling and sound treatment to help you understand and manage symptoms.
• Lifestyle Changes: Staying away from loud environments, drinking less caffeine and alcohol, dealing with stress in a healthy way, and making healthy choices overall may help reduce tinnitus symptoms.

These are just a few options that might help you manage and find relief from tinnitus. To learn more, contact our team. Like many things, finding the right fit for you might take time. That’s why you need a skilled and supportive team on your side. We offer a unique blend of scientific insights and actionable advice, providing comfort and guidance, ultimately allowing you to regain a sense of control and tranquility in your life.

Eldorado Hearing Can Help You With Tinnitus

Tinnitus can be hard to live with because it affects not only your hearing but also your mental well-being. Even though there is no one fix, there are ways to deal with it and treatments that can help you feel better and improve your quality of life. If you or someone you know has tinnitus, talk to our team. We specialize in hearing issues and take the time to discuss your unique needs to determine the best treatment path. At El Dorado Health, we understand you’re more than just your hearing health. Contact us today to learn more.