In many cases, tinnitus can be interpreted as a well-meaning admonition from the body. In addition to physical causes, ringing in the ears can also be a warning signal that we have overtaken ourselves physically or mentally. Therefore, you should track down the causes and correct them if possible. A visit to an ear, nose and throat specialist should be the first step. Depending on the trigger, he or she can decide with you on further treatment or give tips on how to help yourself. What treatment options are available for tinnitus? How severe is your tinnitus?
Treatment of the different forms
In general, a healthy lifestyle, a positive attitude to life and relaxation exercises are helpful. Likewise, the exchange of experiences with peers in self-help groups can be helpful. All further therapy steps must be individually tailored to you. The distinction between a subjective and an objective tinnitus plays an important role in the correct treatment.
Treatment of objective tinnitus
An objective tinnitus occurs rather rarely. In this case, the ear noise can be heard not only by the affected person himself, but also by others, or at least measured by appropriate devices. The trigger of the noise is of a physical nature. Vascular constrictions or disorders, muscle contractions or problems with the jaw or cervical spine are all possible causes. Once the cause has been clarified by the ENT specialist, it can be treated, for example with medication, physiotherapy or surgery. If the trigger is eliminated, the tinnitus usually disappears as well.
Treatment of subjective tinnitus
Subjective tinnitus can only be perceived by the affected person. It occurs much more frequently compared to objective tinnitus. Here, too, the physician will first perform an examination with regard to possible physical causes. Triggers for subjective tinnitus can be, for example, extreme noise, a blast trauma, ear diseases or circulatory disorders in the ear. If the ENT specialist cannot find any causes, he may refer the affected person to a neurologist or psychologist. In particular, a strong psychological stress situation, such as stress, anxiety or depression, can trigger and also intensify a tinnitus. If the tinnitus persists for longer than three months, it is called chronic tinnitus. The chances of a cure are then slim. Nevertheless, there are ways to make life with tinnitus easier and more positive and thus avoid possible secondary complaints, such as psychological problems, concentration or difficulty falling asleep.
Cognitive behavioral therapy
Even if your tinnitus persists, don’t give up hope. In the vast majority of cases, tinnitus that is initially perceived as distressing progressively loses intensity. In the case of persistent ringing in the ears, the primary therapy goal is not to pay attention to the tinnitus. You can learn to ignore it. Humans always initially react to an unfamiliar sound with increased attention. Try to turn your attention to the important things in life. And not to the unimportant tinnitus. Many sufferers manage to do this within the first year. Allow yourself time and patience for this. Cognitive behavioral therapy has proven to be an effective measure that can help sufferers live with tinnitus. In addition to treating possible psychological causes, such as stress or anxiety, cognitive behavioral therapy aims to change attitudes toward tinnitus. Scientific studies show that cognitive behavioral therapy can improve the quality of life as well as alleviate depressive moods. Only the loudness of the tinnitus was not influenced by the therapy. In the meantime, there are digital options for cognitive behavioral therapy for tinnitus in addition to therapy with a psychologist. The ear, nose and throat specialist can provide information about possible offers here.
Tinnitus clinics
For all sufferers with high levels of suffering, there is a unique network of tinnitus clinics in Germany. All of them follow a psychosomatic therapy approach. Here, there is a good chance of significantly improving the quality of life and ability to work.
Medication for tinnitus
There are no effective medications for the treatment of tinnitus. Exceptions apply when, for example, medication is used to treat muscle twitching in objective tinnitus.The doctor may also prescribe medication to relieve symptoms of severe psychological distress.
Other treatment options
In addition to the above-mentioned therapies, there are other treatment options that can relieve discomfort from tinnitus, depending on the cause and form. These include, for example, acupuncture, HBO therapy (hyperbaric oxygen therapy), or music therapy. However, scientific evidence for the effectiveness of these therapies is still pending. So-called “tinnitus masker” or “tinnitus noiser” can also be used as a means of self-help for tinnitus. These are used like a hearing aid or are integrated into one. They can mask the tinnitus by making a rushing noise. “Noisers” are usually used as part of tinnitus retraining therapy, which is designed to help sufferers block out the ringing in their ears. Meanwhile, tinnitus retraining therapy and cognitive behavioral therapy are often combined.
12 Tips for self-help with tinnitus
To treat chronic tinnitus, it is usually up to the sufferer. A few tips can help you eliminate possible causes or make your life with tinnitus better:
- Find a trusted doctor, but do not abdicate your responsibility to the doctor.
- Do not be afraid to seek psychotherapeutic help as well.
- Avoid any stress in the acute phase. A sick leave in the first one to two weeks is very helpful here.
- Deal with nicotine and alcohol sensibly. Both can increase the tinnitus through effects on the central nervous system.
- Avoid noise and loud music. Or protect yourself with hearing protection.
- Check with your doctor and pharmacist to see if your medications are harmful to your ears.
- Apply relaxation exercises.
- Make an effort to turn your thoughts in a positive direction and focus less on the tinnitus.
- Educate yourself thoroughly about your condition.
- Physical exercise can do good in terms of stress reduction.
- Do not withdraw. Social isolation and extreme silence can aggravate tinnitus.
- Use a hearing aid as soon as possible if a more severe hearing loss is detected.
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