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The 7 best ways to relieve stress tinnitus
The 7 best ways to relieve stress tinnitus
15 min
Publication Date: 1 December 2024
The 7 best ways to relieve stress tinnitus
If you suffer from tinnitus, otherwise known as ringing in the ear, you are probably eager to find a way to eliminate the annoying sounds. While there is no cure for tinnitus there are effective ways to help alleviate your symptoms. However, keep in mind that treatment depends on the cause of tinnitus, which can be numerous. For instance, research has linked tinnitus to stress and anxiety. Not only can tinnitus cause stress, but stress can also induce tinnitus. While it is easy to understand how constant ringing in the ear can increase someone's stress level, chronic stress may well be the root cause of developing tinnitus.
What is tinnitus, and how common is it?
Although it is difficult to know precisely how many people are affected by tinnitus around the world, overall prevalence rates reported by one review article were between 5.1 and 42.7 percent. The hallmark symptom of tinnitus is ringing in the ear, but it can also be swooshing, buzzing, clicking, or some other high-pitched or low-pitched sound. The most frustrating part of the condition is that others cannot hear the sounds you hear, leading to confusion and even depression.
What does the research say about stress and tinnitus?
According to Tinnitus Australia, approximately 1 in 3 Australians have experienced tinnitus at some point in their life and 1 in 6 live with constant tinnitus. People with tinnitus can find their symptoms stressful with approximately 2% of all Australians finding their tinnitus very distressing.Below you will find seven effective ways to alleviate your stress-related tinnitus.
1. Reduce your stress level
This advice should not come as a surprise, considering that we are talking about finding relief from a condition triggered or worsened by stress. Logically, if you focus on finding ways to reduce your stress level, your tinnitus should improve as well. Consider incorporating mindfulness practices into your daily routine. Daily mindfulness can help reduce the stress and worries that come with life.2. Try to distract your attention
Having a constant buzzing or ringing in the ear can be very impairing. By making a conscious effort to distract your attention from the sound can be incredibly helpful in finding temporary relief. Spending more time on activities you enjoy - art, sports, or other recreational activities - can go a long way. When your attention is focused on other things, your tinnitus-related symptoms should improve.3. Use background sounds
Listening to music or other sounds, such as radio or TV, can be very helpful. When you play external sounds at low volume, it can block out any internal sounds you may be hearing. Sound masking can cover tinnitus-related sounds, while more advanced therapies can provide more robust relief.Sound therapies
Sound therapy uses external noise to change a patient's perception of tinnitus. While sound therapies do not cure the condition, they can reduce the intensity. Many devices provide different levels of sound therapy and generic background noise.
Sound-masking devices
For instance, sound-masking devices give out white noise, pink noise, nature sounds, or other ambient sounds. Unfortunately, these devices are typically only effective while using them or immediately after use and offer limited long-term improvement in tinnitus perception.
Hearing aids
You might find that getting a hearing aid provides even greater relief. Since hearing aids augment external sounds, they help divert your attention from the internal sounds.
Notched-music devices
Unlike regular white noise machines, you only need to wear notched-music devices intermittently, such as during therapy sessions, before bedtime, or immediately upon waking. The main advantage of these devices is that they provide a longer-lasting benefit.
Combination devices
Hearing aids equipped with integrated sound generation technology are called combination devices. They produce continuous white noise or other tailored sounds for tinnitus patients. Such devices are excellent options for tinnitus sufferers with measurable hearing loss. Also, because these specialized hearing aids are portable, they provide consistent benefits all day.
Sleep and sound apps
Sleep apps are an easy and inexpensive way to get some tinnitus relief. Many of these apps can be downloaded for free or usually for a nominal fee. Try to search for apps that are approved by an audiologist.
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