Tinnitus is not a disease. It is actually a symptom. It is the sound you hear in your ears when there is no external noise causing it. Usually, it sounds like buzzing, humming, or whistling. Some people describe it as ringing, while others say it is more like hissing, whooshing, or clicking. It can also be a once-in-a-while thing or a daily struggle and can happen in one ear or both. So, the big question is, can tinnitus be cured? Let’s take a look at everything you need to know, including what causes it, how to manage it, and what we at London Hearing Specialist can do to help.
What Causes Tinnitus?
Hearing Loss
As we get older, our hearing naturally gets weaker, causing age-related hearing loss. The tiny hair cells in our inner ear, which help us hear sounds, start to wear out over time. Once these hair cells are damaged, they don’t grow back. This can cause tinnitus because the brain tries to make up for the missing sounds by creating a ringing or buzzing noise.
Loud Noises
Being around loud noises for too long can damage your hearing and cause tinnitus. This could be from working in a noisy job, going to concerts, or listening to music at high volumes, especially through headphones. Even a single loud noise, like an explosion or a firecracker going off near your ear, can trigger tinnitus. If you often expose your ears to loud sounds without protection, the damage can build up over time and lead to permanent tinnitus.
Ear Infections or Blockages
Sometimes, tinnitus happens because something is blocking your ear. This could be too much earwax, an ear infection, or even water trapped in your ear, causing a ringing or buzzing sound. When your ear is blocked, sound does not travel as well, and your brain might create phantom noises to fill the silence. Clearing the blockage or treating the infection can sometimes make the tinnitus go away.
Medication Side Effects
Certain medications can cause tinnitus as a side effect. These are called ototoxic drugs, meaning they can harm your hearing. Some common ones include;
- Aspirin, especially when taken in high doses
- Some antibiotics, such as gentamicin
- Diuretics used to treat high blood pressure
- Cancer drugs, such as chemotherapy medications
- Antidepressants (some of these can make tinnitus worse)
If you suspect that your medication is causing tinnitus, talk to your doctor. They might be able to switch you to a different drug that does not affect your hearing.
Health Conditions
Tinnitus is not always just about your ears. Other health problems can also trigger or worsen it. Some of these include;
- High blood pressure - When blood pressure is too high, it can affect blood flow to the ears, making tinnitus louder.
- Stress and anxiety - When you are stressed, your body goes into fight-or-flight mode. This means your nervous system becomes more sensitive, which can amplify the ringing, buzzing, or hissing sounds, making tinnitus more noticeable.
- Jaw problems (TMJ disorder) - The jaw and ear are closely connected, so jaw issues can sometimes cause tinnitus.
- Neck or head injuries - A blow to the head or neck can damage nerves or affect blood flow to the ears, leading to tinnitus.
- Meniere’s disease - This is a condition that affects the inner ear and can cause dizziness, hearing loss, and tinnitus.
Can Tinnitus Be Cured?
Now, onto the big question. Is there a cure for tinnitus? The short answer is that there is not a single cure that works for everyone. Tinnitus is not a one-size-fits-all condition. Because it has so many different causes, there is not a single treatment that works for everyone. Instead, treatment has to be tailored to each individual’s situation.
While it often starts in the ears, it is also important to note that the brain plays a huge role in it. This is because when the brain does not receive normal sound signals due to hearing loss or damage, it sometimes creates its own noise (tinnitus). This makes it much more complex to treat because we are not just dealing with the ear but also dealing with how the brain processes sound.
There is still ongoing research to find better treatments, and while there is no magic pill yet, it doesn’t mean that you are stuck with it forever. There are many ways to manage tinnitus and reduce its impact on daily life, and we are here to help you find the right solution.
How We Can Help You Manage Tinnitus
Professional Earwax Removal
If earwax build-up is the cause of your tinnitus, professional earwax removal can help bring relief. Cleaning your ears may seem simple, but using cotton swabs or ear candles may not help or, worse, may cause more damage. This is because these methods can push wax deeper into the ear, creating even bigger problems.
At London Hearing Specialist, we use safe and effective methods that gently remove wax without causing damage to the ear. Our treatments are quick and painless and can significantly improve hearing and reduce tinnitus symptoms.
Hearing Aids
If your tinnitus has a connection to hearing loss, using hearing aids can be a game changer. They work by making external sounds louder, helping to mask the ringing or buzzing in your ears. Many modern hearing aids also come with built-in tinnitus masking features that generate soft background noise to make tinnitus less noticeable. Our team will help you choose the right hearing aids based on your specific needs and preferences.
Sound Therapy
Sound therapy works by introducing background noise to reduce the contrast between tinnitus and silence. This could be done using white noise machines, nature sounds, or even calming music. Some people find that simply having a fan on at night can make a big difference. We can help you explore different sound therapy options, including;
- White noise machines that produce soothing sounds like rain, ocean waves, or static to help mask tinnitus.
- Hearing aids with sound therapy features provide continuous relief.
- Smartphone tinnitus relief apps that provide customisable background noise for different environments.
Finding the right sound therapy depends on personal preference, and we are here to guide you through the available options.
How Stress Management and Lifestyle Changes Can Help
When we are stressed, our bodies produce hormones that heighten our senses, making tinnitus seem louder and more intrusive. Managing stress can help reduce its impact and make it feel less overwhelming.
One of the most effective ways to do this is through mindfulness and meditation. These practices help calm the mind and shift focus away from the ringing or buzzing in your ears. Even just a few minutes a day of mindful breathing or guided meditation can help you feel more in control and less bothered by tinnitus.
Breathing exercises are another simple, effective tool that can greatly help. Taking slow, deep breaths can help lower stress levels and improve sleep quality. Structured breathing techniques, for example, inhaling for four seconds, holding for four, and exhaling for four, can quickly bring a sense of calm and relaxation.
Regular physical activity can also be a great tool in managing tinnitus. Exercise releases endorphins, the body’s natural feel-good chemicals, which can help improve mood and reduce stress. Activities like walking, yoga, or even light stretching can make a noticeable difference in how you feel. Exercise also promotes better sleep, which is essential as tiredness can make tinnitus worse.
Speaking of sleep, having good sleep is crucial. Poor sleep can make tinnitus more annoying or unbearable, while a well-rested body can cope with it more effectively. To improve your sleep, try to avoid screens before bed, as blue light can disrupt sleep patterns. Creating a relaxing bedtime routine, like reading a book, listening to soft music, or using a white noise machine, can also make falling and staying asleep easier.
Diet can also influence tinnitus. Cut down on caffeine and alcohol, as both substances can sometimes increase sensitivity to sound, making tinnitus worse. Reducing salty or processed foods can also make a difference, as well as staying hydrated and eating a balanced diet full of whole foods. These contribute to overall ear health and well-being.
These might seem small, but are effective lifestyle changes that can help reduce the effects of tinnitus. While they won’t make it disappear completely, they can make tinnitus much easier to live with and less disruptive to daily life.