Managing tinnitus – Spalding Today

Here’s the latest Health Matters column from the Lincolnshire Clinical Commissioning Group…

Tinnitus is the name for hearing noises that are not caused by an outside source. Usually not a sign of any serious conditions, as well as being something that generally improves over time, there are treatments that can help with tinnitus.

It’s often described as “ringing in the ears”, although several sounds can be heard, including buzzing, humming, grinding, hissing or whistling. Some people may hear sounds similar to music or singing. You may hear these sounds in one or both ears, or in your head. They may come and go, or you might hear them all the time.

Tinnitus is very common and is reported in all age groups, even young children. About 30% of people will experience tinnitus at some point in their lives, but the number of people who live with persistent tinnitus is approximately 13% of UK adults — so more than 1 in 8. Of those people who have persistent tinnitus, around 1 in 10 will find it has a significant impact on their quality of life.

Tinnitus treatment

Tinnitus is more common in people who have hearing loss (usually caused by ageing, or exposure to loud noise) or other ear problems, but it can also be found in people with normal hearing. Although there is currently no cure for tinnitus, there are several strategies that can be very helpful in learning to manage the condition. These include deep breathing and yoga. You may also find it helpful if you try to find ways to improve your sleep, such as sticking to a bedtime routine or cutting down on caffeine.

It’s not always clear what causes tinnitus, but it’s often linked with:

• Some form of hearing loss;
• Meniere’s disease;
• Conditions such as diabetes, thyroid disorders or multiple sclerosis;
• Anxiety or depression;
• Taking certain medication – tinnitus can be a side effect of some chemotherapy medicines, antibiotics, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and aspirin. If you are concerned you may be developing hearing loss or tinnitus, you should contact your GP practice.

For many, hearing loss can be life changing and have a profound effect on their mental health. Research shows 1 in 2 people with hearing loss will struggle with their mental health during their lifetime, compared to 1 in 4 of the general public.

Often, it is not the condition itself but societal and cultural factors, such as communication and stigmatised …….

Source: https://www.spaldingtoday.co.uk/news/managing-tinnitus-9236355/