Tinnitus Affects 1 in 10 Adults in the US

Tinnitus is a common condition that affects millions of adults in the United States. It is characterized by a persistent ringing, buzzing, or humming sound in the ears, even when there is no external noise source. Tinnitus can be extremely frustrating and bothersome, making concentrating or hearing difficulties.

About one in ten US adults said they had tinnitus at some point, and 16 million said they had it often in the past year. The number of people who had frequent tinnitus went up with age, reaching a peak of 14.3% between 60 and 69 years old, according to figures from The American Journal of Medicine. 

Causes of tinnitus

One of the most common causes of tinnitus is hearing loss. As we age, our ability to hear clearly can start declining, leading to hearing loss. This can cause the brain to become less sensitive to sound, leading to tinnitus. Studies have shown that most adults with tinnitus also have some degree of hearing loss.

However, hearing loss is not the only cause of tinnitus. Other factors that can increase the risk of tinnitus include exposure to loud noises, head or neck injuries, ear infections, and certain medications. Additionally, people over the age of 60 are more likely to develop tinnitus, as do those with a family history of the condition.

Types of tinnitus

There are several different types of tinnitus, and the type of tinnitus you have can affect your treatment options. The two most common types of tinnitus are subjective and objective tinnitus. Subjective tinnitus is the most common type, characterized by a ringing or buzzing sound that only the person with tinnitus can hear. Objective tinnitus, on the other hand, is a rarer type of tinnitus that can be heard by both the person with tinnitus and a healthcare provider.

How to manage tinnitus

There are several different ways to manage tinnitus and reduce its symptoms. One of the most effective ways to manage tinnitus is to treat the underlying cause if it is known. For example, if tinnitus is caused by hearing loss, hearing aids or other assistive devices can help improve your hearing and reduce tinnitus symptoms.

Sound therapy

Another way to manage tinnitus is to use sound therapy. This involves using external sounds, such as white noise or nature sounds, to mask the tinnitus and make it less noticeable. Sound therapy can help make concentrating and hearing easier, even when tinnitus is present.

Reduce stress 

Reducing stress and anxiety can help relieve tinnitus symptoms. Relaxation techniques like meditation or deep breathing can help reduce stress and improve your overall well-being. Additionally, avoiding loud noises and excessive alcohol consumption can also help protect your hearing and reduce tinnitus symptoms.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy

The usage of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), a subset of psychological therapy, has evolved beyond its initial application in the treatment of depression to include the treatment of insomnia, chronic pain, tinnitus, and many other diseases.

Understanding any underlying unfavorable or irrational ideas, beliefs, or attitudes influencing your moods and behaviors is the foundation of how it operates. Knowing what you think and believe about tinnitus can help identify unproductive thinking patterns. Your reaction to and perception of tinnitus may significantly change as a result.

The UK-based research organization Cochrane evaluated the available scientific data to determine if CBT is effective for treating tinnitus. The study concluded that CBT improves the quality of life while reducing the adverse effects of tinnitus and its negative effects on mental health. Even if additional research is desirable, there is now sufficient data analyzing CBT’s efficacy to declare it the most effective and secure therapy for tinnitus.

See a hearing specialist today.

You must talk to a hearing specialist if you are struggling with tinnitus. A hearing specialist can help determine the cause of your tinnitus and recommend the best treatment. Treatment options may include hearing aids, sound therapy, CBT, medication, or other assistive devices.

So if you are dealing with tinnitus, don’t hesitate to schedule a consultation with a hearing specialist. A hearing specialist can help you find the proper treatment for your tinnitus and make it easier to hear and concentrate, even in tinnitus. Don’t let tinnitus control your life – schedule a consultation and get your hearing tested today.