Tinnitus is often associated with strong negative thoughts and emotions which can contribute to a distressing and chronic long-term condition. The amygdala, the “feeling and reacting” part of the brain, may play a key role in this process.
Emotional stress is frequently associated with otologic symptoms as tinnitus and dizziness. Stress can contribute to the beginning or worsening of tinnitus.
Many people find relief through listening to comforting sounds, such as music, nature sounds, or white noise. These sounds help to mask the irritating noise of tinnitus, making it less noticeable. Many hearing aids on the market today include sound therapy programs for tinnitus.
First, 10-74% of chronic tinnitus patients suffer from depressive disorder and 28-49% from anxiety symptoms [8]. Another study showed that 48-60% of chronic tinnitus patients suffer from major depressive disorder [9], and the prevalence of those diagnosed with current depressive disorder was 33-74% [10].
Conditions including diabetes, thyroid problems, migraines, anemia, and autoimmune disorders such as rheumatoid arthritis and lupus have all been associated with tinnitus.
Sound Therapy
If one has something in their environment that sounds like their tinnitus, the brain has a source to attribute to the sound and is able to become more relaxed. There are many ways to implement sound therapy. Common at-home methods can include turning a fan on, listening to music or the tv.
Fans, humidifiers, dehumidifiers and air conditioners in the bedroom also produce white noise and may help make tinnitus less noticeable at night. Masking devices. Worn in the ear and similar to hearing aids, these devices produce a continuous, low-level white noise that suppresses tinnitus symptoms.
Relaxation and meditation
It's quite common to feel worried when you first experience tinnitus. Relaxing may help to reduce your stress, making your tinnitus less noticeable. Relaxation techniques include yoga, tai-chi and meditation. You may find that you prefer one type of relaxation over another.
While there is no cure for tinnitus, there are ways to manage symptoms and help break the cycle. Popular solutions include masking techniques such as white noise therapy; counseling; lifestyle modifications and prescription drugs. One of the best solutions might be right at your fingertips.
Anything you eat, drink, or do, that upsets the fluid level in the body can upset the fluid level in the ear and cause tinnitus. Keeping a moderate intake of caffeine, salt, and alcohol. Reducing your use of tobacco. And staying hydrated by drinking water will help reduce the impact of tinnitus.
The habituation-based treatment of tinnitus produces changes in the neural connections of the auditory system and may require some time to take place. Some patients become accustomed quickly, although, by definition, the complete process can occur in up to 18 months.
Especially, stress and emotional trauma in early childhood are observed to increase the symptoms of tinnitus in adulthood. The present study shows that a positive correlation exists between tinnitus and depressive symptoms.
A number of studies demonstrated an association between tinnitus and a variety of psychological and psychiatric disorders, most commonly depression.
Impact on quality of life/level of distress
Patients with tinnitus appear to have poorer quality of life compared with people who do not have tinnitus, notably in those with disabling hearing loss. Reported consequences include anxiety, concentration difficulties, depression, and irritability.
Magnesium. Magnesium is essential in many bodily functions, including hearing. Decreased magnesium levels have been associated with tinnitus, and preliminary studies show that magnesium supplements likely benefit ear functions, suggesting it may help with tinnitus perception, though further research is needed.
There is no cure for the condition, but treatment focuses on managing the symptoms and treating the underlying condition.
Evidence suggests that tinnitus is caused by changes in neural networks in the brain, so many research efforts are aimed at testing the benefit of magnetic or electrical stimulation of the brain.
Tinnitus Can Lead to Anxiety, Depression, Irritability, and Other Mental Health Complications. “For some people, the brain's ability to cope with it or ignore it just isn't there,” Comer says.
Most people experience occasional ringing in their ears, but if the condition is temporary and caused by something specific like loud noise, atmospheric pressure, or an illness, treatment is usually unnecessary.
Tinnitus is inextricably linked to the body's stress response, so periods of stress or anxiety in our lives can be responsible for amplifying tinnitus volume and creating a persistent spike.