Tinnitus, the perception of ringing or buzzing in the ears, is a prevalent issue affecting approximately 50 million people in the United States. While some may experience it infrequently and without much bother, it can become a constant companion for others.
Tinnitus is not a static condition. While you may have previously experienced it in short bouts after loud noise exposure, it may grow into a more constant presence over time. Because the persistent ringing can result in unpleasant side effects like disrupted sleep, irritability, anxiety, depression and difficulty concentrating, learning how to manage your tinnitus is crucial to an improved quality of life. Let’s look at a few reasons your tinnitus symptoms may increase in frequency and what you can do to manage them.
Understanding the Causes and Triggers of Worsening Tinnitus
Common causes of worsening tinnitus include hearing loss, loud noise exposure and stress.
Hearing Loss
It’s estimated that around 90% of tinnitus cases occur alongside some form of hearing loss. When the auditory signal transmission from the inner ear to the brain is compromised, the brain may generate its own noise, perceived as tinnitus. As hearing loss progresses, so too can the intensity of tinnitus.
Loud Noise Exposure
Exposure to loud noises can damage the inner ear’s delicate structures, leading to hearing loss and tinnitus. While this ringing may initially appear temporary, repeated exposure to unsafe noise levels can exacerbate tinnitus over time. Wearing earplugs or earmuffs when exposed to loud noise can help prevent worsening tinnitus.
Stress
Stress is another significant factor contributing to worsening tinnitus. Research from one 2023 study suggests that psycho-social stress can have a comparable impact on developing tinnitus as occupational noise exposure. Moreover, the relationship between stress and tinnitus often creates a vicious cycle, where tinnitus increases stress levels, and heightened stress worsens tinnitus symptoms.
Managing Worsening Tinnitus
Sound masking is one of the most common forms of tinnitus management. The technique involves introducing external sounds to mask the internal ringing of tinnitus. Many people find relief through white noise machines or special hearing aids, which provide a soothing background noise that diminishes the perception of tinnitus.
Given the intricate relationship between stress and tinnitus, incorporating stress reduction practices into your daily routine can be invaluable. Activities like taking a Pure Bliss Yoga class, reading a good book, and exercising can help alleviate stress levels and break the tinnitus exacerbation cycle.
It’s essential to remember that while there’s no definitive cure for tinnitus, sound masking and stress reduction can significantly improve your quality of life. If you find your tinnitus worsening over time, contact Speech & Hearing Associates today to schedule an appointment with one of our specialists.