An illustration of a woman suffering from ringing in her ears called tinnitus

Q&A: Does Tinnitus Go Away?

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That Ringing or Buzzing Isn’t Always Permanent. Get the Facts Here.

Q: I’ve been experiencing high-pitched sounds in my head for as long as I can remember. They’re infrequent but kind of disruptive — I might be in the middle of a conversation, and suddenly this sonic whine erupts in my ear before fading out soon afterward. Do annoying tinnitus sounds like these ever go away?

A: The short answer: Sometimes. In certain cases, tinnitus can eventually resolve on its own over time or with treatment of the underlying condition that caused it. For many, the problem could be permanent but potentially manageable with specific therapies.

Let’s look at factors that influence tinnitus, the likelihood of the condition resolving, and what you can do.

 

Some Tinnitus Basics

Before diving into the question of whether tinnitus goes away, it’s important to understand what the condition is — and isn’t. Tinnitus isn’t a disease. Instead it’s a sign or symptom of a more primary medical issue — for example, head or neck injury, medication reaction, ear infection, temporomandibular joint issues, ear-canal blockage, or hearing loss.

One of the most commonly described tinnitus symptoms involves ringing in the ears or head. Other sounds, however, can include buzzing, clicking, whooshing, hissing, humming, high-pitched sonic sensations, or even musical notes. They can be intermittent or continuous, with frequency and intensity varying from person to person.

Most of the time, the sound is audible only to the person experiencing the symptoms. Known as “subjective tinnitus,” this more common occurrence relates to issues within the auditory system, such as age-related hearing loss, earwax blockages, or inner-ear damage from excess exposure to loud noise.

With objective tinnitus, however, both the affected person and others — for example, a health care provider using a stethoscope or listening close to the ear, can hear the sounds. Though rare, this occurrence is more possible with pulsatile tinnitus and is usually linked to physical issues such as blood vessel disorders or muscle contractions near the ear.

Tinnitus can occur in one or both ears and generally comes in two forms. Determining which type of tinnitus you’re dealing with can play a role in uncovering the cause:

  • Pulsatile tinnitus is characterized by ear-ringing that seems to pulse in sync with the person’s heartbeat. It typically originates from issues such as heightened blood pressure, artery problems near the ear, or blockages in the ear canal.
  • Nonpulsatile tinnitus is characterized by a ringing, humming, or other sound unrelated to any pulsing or rhythm. It’s more common and typically arises, for example, from earwax blockage, noise exposure, or age-related hearing loss.

 

Tinnitus Resolution — Influencing Factors

As many as 1 in 4 people may have tinnitus, which can be temporary or permanent. And just as each person’s tinnitus symptoms can prove quite different from another’s, resolution can also vary and may depend on factors including underlying cause, overall health, lifestyle factors, and other elements that can come into play.

Here are some key influencers on whether tinnitus goes away:

 

Reversible Root Cause

If the tinnitus resulted from a potentially reversible issue, such as an earwax blockage, an ear infection, or a medication side effect, addressing the cause may lead to resolution. In these cases, the tinnitus may lessen or potentially disappear altogether.

 

Age-Related Hearing Decline

With aging can come a decrease in the ear’s functioning hair cells, which in turn could lead to hearing loss-related tinnitus. The tinnitus may not entirely disappear, but hearing aids or treatments specific to tinnitus can help address it and the hearing difficulties.

 

Noise-Related Hearing Problems

From music concerts to power tools, motorcycle engines, heavy machinery, and even some everyday appliances, exposure to sounds at or above the danger threshold of 85 decibels can lead to hearing loss and tinnitus, which can be temporary or permanent.

 

Lifestyle Factors

In addition to avoiding exposure to loud noises, discussed above, other actions such as reducing stress, getting restful sleep, eating a balanced diet, eschewing tobacco, and engaging in regular exercise may also help reduce or in some cases eliminate symptoms.

 

Individual Sensitivity

As mentioned earlier, some people may find that their tinnitus gradually fades over time. Others may experience a persistent perception of sound. Factors such as genetics and individual sensitivity to tinnitus symptoms could contribute to these variations.

 

Common Tinnitus Treatments

Tinnitus can be effectively managed. Depending on the underlying cause, addressing the problem may include approaches ranging from earwax removal, hearing aids, cochlear implants, or sound devices to medication adjustments, lifestyle changes, or interventions such as tinnitus retraining therapy.

Other types of counseling, such as sleep, cognitive behavioral therapy, or relaxation methods, can also play an important role in helping you or a loved one manage tinnitus symptoms by reducing the stress, anxiety, and sleeplessness often associated with the condition.

Relief might also involve habituation, in which the brain adapts to tinnitus such that symptoms are significantly less bothersome. Sound therapy, using external sounds to reduce the perceived intensity of tinnitus noise and make it less noticeable, can play a role in that approach.

In certain situations, surgery recommended to correct an underlying issue — an acoustic neuroma or benign tumor along a hearing nerve, for example — may help relieve tinnitus symptoms for some patients.

As you can see, a range of factors help determine tinnitus resolution. Though the symptoms may not disappear for everyone, they can be significantly reduced and controlled. You don’t have to put up with tinnitus!

 

Tinnitus at a Glance: 7 Quick Facts

  1. Tinnitus — the perception of ringing, buzzing, clicking, or other head or ear noises usually with no external source — is not a disease but often instead a sign or symptom of an underlying issue.
  2. Up to 25% of the global population may have tinnitus, which can affect people of nearly every age but appears to be most common among those between 40 and 80.
  3. Various conditions can lead to tinnitus, including exposure to loud noise, earwax blockages, head or neck trauma, ear infection, age-related hearing loss, or other conditions such as Ménière’s disease.
  4. Tinnitus can significantly impact a person’s quality of life, disturbing the ability to concentrate or sleep; interfering with everyday activities; and even, in some cases, leading to anxiety, depression, or other mental-health challenges.
  5. Though most tinnitus doesn’t self-resolve, various treatments such as sound therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, hearing aids, and even some lifestyle changes can significantly limit its symptoms, intensity, and impact.
  6. Research into tinnitus is always ongoing, with science working to better understand how it develops, explore future treatments, and improve quality of life for those experiencing symptoms.
  7. Prevention plays a big role, making it especially important to limit exposure to loud noises (including wearing hearing protection) and schedule regular hearing evaluations to catch and address potential issues early.

Are you or a loved one experiencing tinnitus? It’s essential to consult a professional to determine the underlying cause and develop an appropriate plan tailored to your individual needs. If you have questions about the condition or want to learn what management options might be available, don’t wait. Contact our knowledgeable team today!

An illustration of a woman covering her ear due to strange noises she hears

Encouraging Tinnitus Research

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Hope for Tomorrow, Solutions Today

About 14% of the world’s adults experience tinnitus: a persistent ringing in the ear (some people hear screeching, hissing, static, whooshing, roaring, or even sounds like ocean waves).

For many, the condition becomes debilitating. As of right now, there’s no known cure.

But science is always working on new ways to fight back. First, a quick refresher on tinnitus. Then we’ll dive in and check out some exciting developments in tinnitus research.

Now, off we go!

 

Tinnitus Basics

What is tinnitus?

Tinnitus sounds like a disease, but it’s not. That phantom noise only you can hear? It’s a symptom.

It means something else is going on, an underlying health problem. Tinnitus has been linked to many other health issues, and it can be hard to determine the exact cause, but the general consensus is tinnitus results from some sort of damage to your auditory system.

To explain:

When you hear, you are actually experiencing the result of a complex process of translation that begins with your outer ear and ends with your brain. It involves:

  • Three distinct regions in your ear (which are filled with tiny, delicate structures)
  • A very sophisticated bundle of nerves
  • The hearing region of your brain

Each of these pieces of the process has their own complicated job to perform. It’s when something goes wrong at one of these steps that we experience issues like hearing loss — and tinnitus.

 

Is It “TIN-uh-tis” or “tin-EYE-tus”?

The internet offers plenty of answers to that question. You’ll discover that dictionaries disagree, language experts disagree, and medical experts disagree. Each with a more passionate, well-reasoned defense than the last.

How is anyone supposed to know the right answer?

As far as we’re concerned, you can pronounce “tinnitus” however you’d like. We just want to provide you with information what will help you get relief from your tinnitus.

 

Are there different kinds of tinnitus?

Tinnitus used to be classified as subjective or objective.

Subjective tinnitus was a sound that only you could hear. Objective tinnitus was a much rarer type of tinnitus — your provider could hear the sound in question.

But a growing number of providers have embraced a new approach:

  • An internal sound arising from your auditory system is tinnitus
  • An internal sound that doesn’t arise from your auditory system is a somatosound

A somatosound is a noise coming from inside your body, such as your heartbeat or a clicking jaw joint. In some cases, your provider can hear these noises when they examine your ear.

For example, if you hear a ringing noise, it’s probably due to damage in your auditory system, so it’s tinnitus.

If you hear a clicking noise, it probably arises from a jaw joint disorder (or something similar), so it’s a somatosound, not tinnitus.

 

How is tinnitus diagnosed?

Tinnitus is generally self-reported. In other words, your doctor or hearing professional has no way of knowing you have tinnitus unless you tell them — so it’s important to speak up if you think you may be experiencing it.

Your provider will try to determine an auditory cause, such as:

  • Excessive noise exposure
  • Medications harmful to the inner ear
  • Wax buildup

They may also do an audiological evaluation. All of this helps them understand the situation and circumstances so hopefully they can treat it.

 

What are the options for treating tinnitus?

As already mentioned, there’s no cure for chronic tinnitus. But some people have successfully minimized its debilitating effects through a variety of methods, including:

  • Sound therapy, which uses a tone or a pleasant sound, like ocean waves, to mask your tinnitus
  • Habituation, in which a sound is matched to your unique tinnitus and played at a low level to help change your reaction to your tinnitus
  • Hearing aids, which help with the hearing loss that most likely accompanies your tinnitus
  • A combination of these — many hearing aids now have built-in tinnitus-treatment functionality

Though these methods only mitigate the effects of tinnitus, it’s good to remember that science is still on the case.

 

Exciting Tinnitus Developments

Is this the real cause of tinnitus?

There is currently no known origin for tinnitus, but the long-held assumption is it’s an issue with the auditory system.

Steven W. Cheung, M.D., and a team of University of California San Francisco researchers, however, are using advanced neuroimaging to better understand what drives the condition.

Dr. Cheung’s work over the last decade has led him to focus on one area that might be the culprit — the caudate nucleus, an area of the brain that isn’t part of the auditory system.

 

What is the caudate nucleus?

Among its other jobs, it serves as the logistics center for your senses.

It’s like a gate, blocking certain sensory perceptions from entering your brain’s neural network. It also allows other sensory perceptions through, processes them, and integrates them with the other information your brain takes in.

The caudate nucleus is supposed to block out phantom noises. Dr. Cheung suspects it isn’t doing that in people with tinnitus.

His 2020 study testing this hypothesis was encouraging. He used deep brain stimulation of the caudate nucleus and significantly reduced tinnitus symptoms in most of the study participants.

But why the differences? Why did some participants see relief, while others didn’t?

Follow-up studies helped Dr. Cheung realize that treatment efficacy depended on the neural networks around a person’s caudate nucleus.

In other words, the neural network around a person’s caudate nucleus is personalized to that person and responds differently — uniquely — to treatment such as the one provided by Dr. Cheung.

Cheung and his colleagues are at work on a study to further improve diagnostic methods and, hopefully, develop a less invasive tinnitus treatment.

 

Tinnitus and clinical trials

When standard treatments don’t work, cutting-edge research often presents the best hope. So why do so few tinnitus patients enroll in them? Relatedly, why do so many withdraw mid-trial?

A potential study by Power Life Sciences Inc., a company trying to remove barriers to successfully accessing clinical trials, will explore reasons people with tinnitus do or don’t participate in clinical trials, possibly yielding insights that might aid future investigations.

 

Virtual reality and tinnitus

There may also be help on the technological front. A 2016 study suggested that a virtual reality-based tinnitus treatment can be at least as effective as standard care.

An interesting French study slated to finish in spring 2024 looks to further validate those results.

Study participants each receive a “tinnitus avatar,” a sound closely matching their unique tinnitus sound.

During eight different sessions, the participant spends time freely wandering in a variety of 3D virtual environments that include environmental sounds.

They can hear their tinnitus avatar, but they can also see it as a sparkling spot. Using a wand, they can control their tinnitus avatar in the virtual environment, including masking it by moving closer to other sounds.

The researchers hope to show that by interacting with the tinnitus avatar as if it were a standard sound, patients can recalibrate their perception of tinnitus, decreasing its intrusiveness.

 

Plenty to Be Excited About

There is a lot to be hopeful about, between the studies, the integration of technology, and even just the basic understanding of how it functions.

And though science is hard at work on these developments, there are effective options for management available now.

If you have questions about tinnitus, or what management options might be available to you, drop us a line on our contact page.

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Some Use CBD for Tinnitus, but Is It a Good Idea?

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CBD for Tinnitus: What’s the Buzz About?

Some see the cannabis compound as a key to tinnitus relief, but not so fast!

Hissing, clicking, roaring, or ringing in ears. Head noises that can interfere with everyday activities. Tinnitus, which as a chronic issue affects an estimated 8% to 25% of the global population, can take a toll on quality of life. Whether mildly annoying, somewhat burdensome, or — for a significant subset of people — downright debilitating, the condition can bring an unwelcome dimension to daily life.

But is cannabidiol (CBD) the answer some people think it is? The natural chemical, one of more than 100 compounds within the cannabis plant, has been touted as a possible medical solution or aid for a gamut of conditions and most commonly has been used for issues such as pain. The health claims, however, aren’t always backed by the facts.

Unlike the cannabis compound tetrahydrocannabinol or THC, CBD doesn’t create a psychoactive sensation or high. Selected CBD or products containing CBD are legalized in Canada and parts of the U.S. as of this writing, but there are regulations and restrictions. Read on for a closer look at tinnitus and the hype around using CBD to address it.

 

Tinnitus 101

What is tinnitus? Most people have never even heard of it, but tinnitus is more common than many realize. It’s not a disease. Rather, it’s a medical condition generally characterized by noises in the ear or head that usually can be heard only by the person experiencing the sounds. Ringing, buzzing, humming, clicking, or swooshing might be described, and, more rarely, some may even perceive musical notes.

In some cases, the ringing in the ears can be heard by an impartial observer — the person’s doctor, for example. This is referred to as “objective tinnitus” and is much less common than the more typical “subjective” version, in which only the person with the condition can perceive the sounds. Most people don’t experience objective tinnitus, which reportedly comprises under 1% of tinnitus cases.

Tinnitus appears to be most common in people between 40 and 80 but can affect all ages. It can eventually resolve on its own or at least lessen in intensity. For many, however, it’s chronic — lasting three or more months. The condition can affect the ability to think and focus and can impact mood and mental health, at times potentially resulting in anxiety or depression.

 

Tinnitus Types

Tinnitus may occur in one or both ears and generally comes in two forms, pulsatile and nonpulsatile:

  • Pulsatile tinnitus is caused when sounds are generated through the movement of muscles close to the ear. It can result from other reasons as well, such as changes in blood flow.
  • Nonpulsatile tinnitus often results from problems with the structures in the inner ear, associated with hearing.

Determining the type of tinnitus involved can play a role in uncovering the cause.

 

Tinnitus Causes

Tinnitus can have a number of different causes. It’s typically considered a symptom or sign of another issue, making it all the more important to seek an evaluation.

Some potential causes include:

  • Hearing loss
  • Effects of excess noise exposure
  • Wax buildup in the ear
  • Medications such as antibiotics
  • Ear infections
  • Head injuries
  • Dental problems
  • Barotrauma
  • Blood vessel disorders

A comprehensive exam can help shed light on any underlying issues, inform a treatment plan, and include potential referral to a specialist if needed to address a medical matter contributing to the tinnitus.

 

Stress Factor

Stress could also be a factor in tinnitus. Whether stress can lead to the condition or the other way around may not be entirely conclusive. What is clear, however, is that stress may be a risk factor that warrants greater attention when diagnosing and treating tinnitus — with as early an intervention as possible.

In one study of 180 men and women living with chronic subjective tinnitus, researchers uncovered interesting findings while assessing the presence of stress and its correlation with tinnitus’s impact on daily life.

Among the outcomes, investigators learned that:

  • A majority of the investigation participants — 65% — had symptoms of stress.
  • Increased stress levels seemed to pair with higher levels of perceived tinnitus difficulty.
  • Tinnitus may serve as an alarm signaling the need to manage contributors to stress.

The study, published in 2018, stopped short of concluding whether tinnitus precedes stress or vice versa. It does, however, point to a close relationship between the two conditions and the potential need for stress evaluation and management strategies attendant with a tinnitus diagnosis.

 

Tinnitus Treatment

Tinnitus can be effectively managed. Depending on the underlying cause, addressing the problem may include approaches ranging from earwax removal, hearing aids, or sound devices to medication adjustments, lifestyle changes, or interventions such as cognitive behavioral therapy.

Other types of counseling, such as sleep, cognitive behavioral therapy, or relaxation methods, can also play an important role in helping someone manage tinnitus symptoms by reducing the stress, anxiety, and sleeplessness often associated with the condition.

Relief might also involve habituation, in which the brain adapts to tinnitus such that symptoms are significantly less bothersome. Sound therapy can play a role in that approach. In certain situations, surgery recommended to correct an underlying issue — an acoustic neuroma or benign tumor along a hearing nerve, for example — may help resolve tinnitus symptoms.

 

CBD Connection

Some have looked to CBD for tinnitus relief. Online search results show an array of CBD products — especially in the form of gummies or oil — promoted as a tinnitus cure or a solution to stop symptoms, but no conclusive evidence at this juncture necessarily supports the claims.

In fact, it’s quite the opposite. A 2020-released study that reviewed several prior investigations found, for example, “no compelling data either from animal or human studies for the use of cannabinoids to alleviate tinnitus.”

Research has even pointed to potentially adverse effects of CBD on tinnitus. A 2015-released report involving rats found that a mix of the cannabinoids CBD and THC might actually exacerbate tinnitus symptoms.

Still, other research, such as the 2020-released report, “Cannabinoids, Inner Ear, Hearing, and Tinnitus: A Neuroimmunological Perspective,” points to the possibility that CBD’s neuroprotective and anti-inflammatory properties might offer therapeutic value in future trials. For now, the jury’s out.

 

8 Fast Facts About Tinnitus

  • With tinnitus often linked to excess noise, reduced exposure and hearing protection are critical.
  • An overwhelming share of tinnitus cases — 90% — develop in concert with hearing loss.
  • Musicians are at 57% greater risk of tinnitus than the general population.
  • Most instances of tinnitus can be managed so that it’s less of a distraction in everyday life.
  • Science is on the case with continuing research.
  • On a global scale, tinnitus spans all ages, including over 740 million adults.
  • An estimated 16 million people each year reach out for medical help regarding tinnitus.
  • The majority of people who report tinnitus as a major challenge in their lives are 65 or older.

Science will continue exploring the possibilities of CBD in addressing tinnitus and other conditions. In the meantime, it’s important to avoid unproven treatments that could do more harm than good. If you or a loved one is experiencing tinnitus symptoms, relief could be just an appointment away, so don’t wait. Contact our caring team for information today!

an illustration of a woman plugging her ears and blocking out disruptive noise

New Year’s Resolution: Tackle Tinnitus

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Start 2023 Off Right by Telling the Ringing to Take a Hike

Have you heard a bothersome buzzing, ringing, whooshing, or hissing that seems to hang around or come and go in your head or ears? You might have thought it was just your imagination. Or maybe it’s clear that it’s real, and you feel stuck with it.

Millions of people around the world experience tinnitus — as a chronic issue, it might impact 8% to 25% of the global population — but only a fraction of those affected take action. And for some, the problem can be debilitating, interfering with everyday activities.

If you’ve been putting off getting help, here are three reasons to seek relief in the new year.

1. Tinnitus Can Be Successfully Managed

Tinnitus can be addressed in ways that lessen its impact on your life. Effective treatment, which often depends on the underlying cause, can range from earwax removal, hearing technology, or sound devices, to medication adjustments, lifestyle changes, or interventions such as tinnitus rehabilitation or cognitive behavioral therapy.

Relief also could come in the form of habituation, in which the brain adapts to tinnitus such that symptoms don’t negatively affect your life. Sound therapy can be a big help in that approach. In some situations, surgery recommended to correct an underlying issue — an acoustic neuroma or benign tumor along a hearing nerve, for example — may help resolve tinnitus symptoms.

2.  It May Point to a Serious Underlying Issue

Tinnitus is more of a symptom than a condition. It can have a number of causes, including:

  • Earwax blockage
  • Some medications, such as antibiotics
  • Ear infections
  • Head injury
  • Dental problems
  • Barotrauma
  • Excess noise exposure
  • Blood vessel disorders

It also can go hand in hand with problems such as hearing loss or stress. A comprehensive evaluation can help you understand any underlying issues, work with the provider on a treatment plan, and follow up with any potential referral to a specialist if needed to address a medical matter contributing to the tinnitus.

3. You Deserve Good Health

In the bustle of life, it’s not uncommon to put health needs last. And though health-related goals often occupy one or more of the top spots in New Year’s resolutions, only 9% of resolvers follow through on their intentions.

So how can you take that first step toward more control over the sounds you hear? Visualize what freedom from tinnitus symptoms looks like in your life — at home, work, and play — and use that motivation to take action now. You deserve good health.

You don’t have to live with unwanted noises in your head or ears. Make 2023 the year you triumph over tinnitus. Relief can come in many options, but it starts with a professional evaluation. So don’t wait. Contact our caring team for more information today!

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The 4 Different Types of Tinnitus

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Tinnitus: Common, Constant, Treatable, and Manageable

Do you hear a phantom ringing, whooshing, or buzzing noise – but no one else hears it? You’re not alone. It’s a common condition known as tinnitus.

For some people, tinnitus is a simple fact of life. For others, it’s a minor inconvenience. But for many, the condition is debilitating. Currently there is no cure. Thankfully, relief can come from a variety of treatments.

What Causes Tinnitus?

Tinnitus usually indicates an inner ear problem, but the mechanisms involved in tinnitus aren’t clear. There are many things, however, that result in tinnitus, such as hearing loss. Your provider will most likely look for:

  • Hearing loss
  • Damage to your auditory system
  • Jaw joint dysfunction (TMJ)
  • Chronic neck muscle strain
  • Excessive noise exposure
  • Certain medications
  • Wax buildup
  • Cardiovascular issues

Research is ongoing, and the mechanisms that create tinnitus in the brain and inner ear are being more closely studied all the time.

What Are the Different Types of Tinnitus?

Subjective tinnitus

This is the most common form of tinnitus, and exposure to excessive noise is often the culprit. The sound is only heard by the affected person. This type can appear and disappear suddenly. It can last a day or two, several weeks, months, or indefinitely.

Sensory tinnitus

This common type of tinnitus is usually a symptom of a disorder such as Meniere’s disease. These health problems affect the way your brain processes sound.

Somatic tinnitus

This type of tinnitus is related to movement and touch. Muscle spasms, a twist of the neck, and dental issues are all examples of somatic causes of tinnitus.

Objective tinnitus

This is a rare form of tinnitus caused by the circulatory or musculoskeletal system. This is the only form of tinnitus that can be heard by others. If the cause can be treated, the tinnitus usually stops entirely.

Notable Subtypes

  • Musical tinnitus: This type is less common. It’s also called musical hallucinations or auditory imagery. Simple tones or layers of tones join to recreate a melody or composition. Musical tinnitus is more prevalent in those with long-term hearing loss and tinnitus.
  • Pulsatile tinnitus: This is a rhythmic tinnitus that syncs up with the beat of your heart. It usually indicates a change of blood flow near your ear.
  • Low-frequency tinnitus: Perhaps the most confusing type of tinnitus – those with this type can’t tell whether the sound is being produced internally or externally. Often, the tones correspond to the two lowest octaves on a piano and are described as a humming, murmuring, rumbling, or deep droning. This type of noise seems to affect people most strongly.

What Are Some Common Tinnitus Treatments?

There are numerous treatment options, but effectiveness varies depending upon the type of tinnitus. Your provider will usually help you manage your tinnitus with strategies to make it less bothersome.

No single approach works for everyone, and there is no FDA-approved drug treatment, supplement, or herb proven to be any more effective than a placebo.

Behavioral strategies and sound-generating devices offer the best treatment results. Some of the most effective methods are:

  • Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)
  • Tinnitus-retraining therapy
  • Masking
  • Biofeedback
  • Hearing aids

Hearing loss is very often accompanied by tinnitus. In fact, some researchers believe subjective tinnitus can only happen in the presence of hearing damage.

Hearing aids do ease tinnitus symptoms, but they’re not the only method. That’s why it’s essential to see a professional with years of experience creating solutions for tinnitus sufferers.

If you or a loved one experiences tinnitus, contact us today. We’ll be able to help you determine the next steps toward relief.

Tinnitus-Friendly Recipes

Good Nutrition Can Help With Tinnitus – Here Are Our 5 Favorite Recipes

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From sound-based therapies to mindfulness-based exercises, new ways to manage or reduce the sounds associated with tinnitus — a ringing, buzzing, or pulsing that has no external sound source — are being developed every day.

Though there’s no cure, treatment options abound. One promising option: nutrition.

Recipes With Tinnitus-Friendly Ingredients

A growing body of research is linking not food but nutrition with tinnitus. For example, people with Ménière’s disease-related tinnitus should keep their salt intake from fluctuating to control tinnitus symptoms. Some encouraging studies have shown that folate, B12, and certain antioxidants are linked to improved tinnitus symptoms.

In honor of National Nutrition Month, enjoy these recipes bursting with tinnitus-friendly nutrition!

Beef With Broccoli

Whether you serve it over chow mein or skip the noodles for a low-carb option, this hearty and healthy recipe can’t miss. Packed with B12 (flank steak), folate (spinach), and antioxidants (spinach), this is a blast of sweet and savory flavor.

Spaghetti With Tomato and Walnut Pesto

If you saw “pesto” in the name and thought, “Basil? No thanks…,” don’t worry — the basil takes a back seat among the delicious, complex flavors in this recipe. The ingredients are rich in antioxidants (cherry tomatoes, walnuts, basil), hearing-healthy omega-3s (anchovies, basil), and folate (cherry tomatoes).

Herb Garden Potatoes With Fresh Spinach and Lemon

You finally figured out how to get your windowsill herb garden to thrive. Now what? We’ve got just the thing! With this hearty salad, you can mix and match the herbs to suit your palate, while the main ingredients — tinnitus-friendly potatoes and spinach — provide a heapin’ helpin’ of antioxidants and folate.

Sautéed Spinach and Tomatoes

This easy, light, delicious side dish is sure to become a spring and summer staple in your home! The tart sweetness of the cherry tomatoes perfectly complements the earthy punch of the spinach, and both are overflowing with — you guessed it —antioxidants and folate.

Wild Blueberry Banana Spinach Power Smoothie

Looking for a great way to start the day off with a nutrition boost but really don’t like greens? Look no further than this recipe! Nestled among the berries, banana, and your choice of milk (the recipe uses almond milk), you won’t even know the spinach is there. And like the pesto dish above, this smoothie is packed with antioxidants, folate, and hearing-healthy omega-3s.

My Tinnitus Has a Melody — Is That Possible?

My Tinnitus Has a Melody — Is That Possible? | Musical Ear Syndrome

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Musical Ear Syndrome

My Tinnitus Has a Melody — Is That Possible?

You probably know someone who experiences tinnitus — a ringing, buzzing, pulsing, hissing, or humming with no external source. People often call it “ringing in the ears,” and it affects approximately 15% of the U.S. population, according to the American Tinnitus Association.

But did you know some people experience a form of tinnitus in which they hear actual melodies? It’s called musical ear syndrome (or musical tinnitus).

What Is Musical Ear Syndrome?

Musical ear syndrome (MES) is when someone hears music that has no external source. Some people hear a single instrument playing a simple melody; others hear several instruments playing a complex piece of music; and still others hear a voice singing, with or without accompaniment. The most common melodies, however, are hymns, Christmas carols, and patriotic music.

How is this different than when you can’t seem to get a piece of music out of your head? In the case of MES, the melody sounds like it’s coming from an obvious and specific direction, so it’s not clear that it’s internal. It sounds self-evidently external. That’s why, for many people, it can take a while to recognize what’s really going on.

What Causes Musical Ear Syndrome?

When you hear something, you’re experiencing a combination of sound input, interpretations by your brain, and predictions by your brain. Strong sound input reduces the amount of predicting required by your brain.

When you don’t get enough sound input, however, your brain has to do more predicting to make sense of the sound input it is receiving. The more severe the hearing loss, the more the auditory deprivation, and the greater the need for the brain to fill in the gaps. The most common hypothesis about what causes MES is, in layman’s terms, that the brain gets bored through sensory deprivation and starts to generate sound by itself.

Is Musical Ear Syndrome Common?

The few studies published in journals suggest only about 20% of those with tinnitus experience musical ear syndrome — that means about 3% of the general population. It’s most likely underreported, however, because those experiencing MES worry that if they tell someone, they’ll seem mentally unstable.

In fact, Dr. Neil Bauman, who coined the term musical ear syndrome and has been raising awareness about the condition for many years, has heard from so many people affected by MES that he suspects the number is higher than 10% of the general population!

Though tinnitus is more prevalent in men, MES appears to be more prevalent in women.

Is There a Cure?

MES is even less understood than tinnitus. But like tinnitus, there are some ways you can minimize its effects.

Awareness.

For many people, a great deal of stress and anxiety is alleviated when they can put a name to what they’re experiencing. Knowing others experience it also provides relief — it’s nice to know you’re not alone in your MES.

Stress management.

Stress has been shown to make symptoms worse, so finding ways to minimize your stress might minimize the severity of your MES. For example, deep breathing can relax your body, but it also pulls your attention away from the MES, allowing it to fade into the background. Some patients have also had success with cognitive behavioral therapy.

Bring more sound to your environment.

MES is a product of sound deprivation — give your brain plenty to listen to! If you don’t have hearing aids, get some. If you have hearing aids, be sure to wear them as much as possible. Get out in nature and socialize more. Natural sounds and conversations are ideal stimulation for a bored brain.

Adjust your medication.

MES has been reported as a side effect for almost 300 medications, both common and little known. Don’t make any changes on your own, though — consult your doctor if you suspect the MES is a side effect of a current medication.

Musical ear syndrome is real, and it’s more common than you realize. If you or someone you love suspects they have tinnitus — musical or otherwise — contact us today for a consultation!

The “Sound” of Silence

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What do William Shatner, Barbara Streisand, Steve Martin, Phil Collins and Ozzy Osbourne all have in common, besides the fact that they are all celebrities? They can no longer experience the solitude of silence. They are all suffering from a hearing related condition called tinnitus – a chronic sound in the ears or head. If you’ve ever experienced ringing in your ears after a rock concert or after a night of dancing at a club, you have experienced transient tinnitus. Imagine what life would be like if you heard that sound all the time? There are many known causes for this condition like high doses of aspirin and a brain tumor; however, the majority of cases of tinnitus are caused by noise damage. Many people think that a noise induced hearing loss will just make things quieter when in fact it often does the opposite … it can result in the perception of chronic noise in their ears or head. At Salus Hearing Centre our focus is on hearing loss prevention through education and the use of hearing protection. We are also a speciality centre for tinnitus sufferers and have a multidisciplinary approach to management. If you hear noises in your ears or head call us to book a hearing test and/or tinnitus consultation today at

905-303-4327.

 

The American Tinnitus Association (ATA) is a great resource for individuals with tinnitus. Enjoy this youtube video of how ATA helped William Shatner cope with his tinnitus.

Confessions of a Qtip User

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Q-Tip

We recently received a referral regarding a patient who was experiencing distress over a ringing sound in his ears. We saw him on an urgent basis at our centre as he was scheduled to fly out the next morning on a business trip. The patient was in his early 40s and came into our office with his wife who took me aside to share her concern over how desperate he had become over the past week. I took the patient into my examination room and learned that the situation started after cleaning his ears with a Q-tip cotton swab one day. At first he noticed that he couldn’t hear well and shortly afterwards he began to hear a ringing sound in his ears. He was worried and had gone to see a doctor who informed him that his ears were plugged with earwax. The doctor attempted to flush the earwax out of his ear canals but was unsuccessful. He recommended that he use drops of oil to soften the earwax. The ringing became louder with each passing day and began affecting his ability to sleep. In desperation he decided to try ear candling, again to no avail. He told me that he was seriously considering flying out to Ottawa to meet a cousin who knew someone who may be able to help.

I looked in his ears with my otoscope and confirmed that his ears were still occluded with wax and explained that the ringing he was hearing was a common side effect in people with ears plugged up with earwax. I reassured him that it would stop once the earwax was removed. I informed him that the earwax looked soft and that I would attempt to remove it using curettes (loop instruments). As soon as I removed a piece of the wax he exclaimed “I can hear!” followed by “but everything sounds so loud”. I explained that the hearing sensitivity to sounds was only temporary and I continued to remove the wax from both ears.

He and his wife were elated that the tinnitus was gone. I counselled them on proper earwax management. I have seen all kinds of objects being used to remove earwax from ear canals like cotton swabs, hair pins, pencils and ear candling. Not only were these methods potentially dangerous and ineffective, they were unnecessary. I explained that the ear canal was a self-cleaning system. The eardrum sheds and earwax naturally migrates out of the ear with it. Our body produces earwax for a reason. Earwax not only protects the ear drum from foreign objects, it also lubricates the ear canal. If you don’t have enough earwax your ears will itch and scratching the inside can lead to abrasions and potentially a very painful outer ear infection. There are some people who need to have their ear canals professionally cleaned due to their small size or bendy canals but the same no cotton swab rule applies. I followed up with the patient a month after the earwax removal and he stated that he was doing well and avoids using cotton swabs to clean his ear canals. He simply wipes what is visible on the outside of the ear canal with a towel. He said he’ll never forget my saying, “Nothing bigger than an elbow” to clean the ears.

Airplane Pressure and Hearing

Travel Can be a Pain – But Not for Your Ears

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Hearing Airplane Pressure
Ear pain or discomfort is a common experience during air travel, especially during landings. Have you ever noticed your water bottle change shape during the flight? That’s what happens to our ears.

The pressure in our middle ear is different from the pressure in the environment. Our eardrum, the membrane in your ear canal that separates your outer ear from your middle ear, changes shape and hurts our ear when the system isn’t working right.

Fortunately, our bodies have a tube that connects our middle ear space to the back of our nose and upper throat, called the Eustachian tube. This tube equalizes the pressure by allowing air to flow in and out of our middle ear space. We can relieve the pressure by manipulating our Eustachian tubes, like slowly opening the cap of the water bottle. You can “pop your ears”, or open the Eustachian tube, by either swallowing or yawning, which moves your jaw forward and down. But sucking on a hard candy, chewing gum or sipping on water may not make up the difference in pressure quickly enough during a flight.

When elevation quickly changes, as it does when flying, scuba diving, or driving in the mountains, it creates a vacuum in the middle ear that pulls the eardrum inward. This can also occur when airflow through our Eustachian tube is restricted, like when we have congestion due to allergies, colds or an inflammation. This is called ear barotrauma. Common symptoms are a sensation of fullness (as if underwater), ear discomfort or pain, slight hearing loss, ringing in the ears and sometimes dizziness when standing up. If the condition is very bad or goes on for a long period of time you may experience nosebleeds, vertigo, or a perforated eardrum; however, these conditions are rare during commercial flights.

If your ears feel congested or blocked due to a cold or other ear condition, it may be better to reschedule your flight. However, you may not want to or even be able to cancel a holiday or business trip just for this reason. There are products, techniques and treatment options that can reduce your chances of getting ear pain during the flight.

One technique you can try is called the Valsalva maneuver. It involves inhaling, then gently exhaling while holding the nostrils closed and the mouth shut. Be careful not to blow too hard, and stop as soon as one ear “pops”. If you blow too hard you can tear your eardrum, become dizzy or even cause auditory damage due to over-pressurization of your middle ears. Taking a decongestant one hour before a flight and/or using a decongestant nasal spray may help with ear pain if you are an adult. Antihistamines may also help if you have allergies. Always speak to your family physician or pharmacist before taking these drugs, as they do have some side effects.

The funniest home remedy I’ve heard of to date involves wetting tissue with hot water and placing one in each coffee cup, which is then placed over your ears. Pressure earplugs are a simpler and dryer solution. They’re special disposable earplugs that have a patented ceramic filter that slows down the pressure change, giving your ears additional time to adjust.

I use a brand called EarPlanes. They also have a noise reduction ratio of 20dB, which protects you from the loud sounds on the airplane. They’re good for two flights and can be found in both adult and children sizes. But make sure you follow the directions on the box! It’s not as simple as just putting them in your ears. The best place to purchase them is from an Audiology clinic, like our clinic at Salus Hearing Centre, where an Audiologist can answer any questions and even demonstrate how to use them properly

Here’s to starting your next land, air or sea journey with less “pressure!”
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