Tinnitus

'What’s that noise I can hear? 

Actually, the noise is not really a noise. It’s more a sensation that comes and goes inside my head. But it is not in my head. Or is it?

These are questions that my husband has asked himself over the years he has suffered with tinnitus.  He doesn't remember it being triggered by any event he just remembers noticing it and on seeing the Doctor he confirmed it was indeed Tinnitus.

Sometimes the noise is quite distinct and he says 'if I allow it to take my full attention it becomes distracting. Sometimes it  completely overwhelms me, and I find that what is happening around me can be pushed into the background as the Tinnitus comes to the fore. I have learnt over the years to deal with it, by concentrating hard on something. It is not like a persistent pain or even a dull ache that completely distracts me from all that I try to do, and there are days when there’s no noise at all.'

I had no idea that it is such a common condition that affects around one in every 10 UK adults, this increases to 25-30% of over 70 years-old and that for some sufferers it is extremely debilitating. 

What you need to know about tinnitus 

Natural ways to treat tinnitus

Eliminate that ringing in your ears

There’s no magic wand when it comes to treating tinnitus, but there are techniques you can employ to help manage and reduce symptoms.

Tinnitus occurs when the brain is trying to compensate for a lack of sound and often presents itself as a persistent ringing or buzzing in the ear.

Symptoms vary, with some people only hearing a mild ringing when it’s quiet and those with more severe cases reporting a constant jackhammer-like noise.

As there is no medical treatment for tinnitus, audiologists recommend natural methods to help drown out the sounds of tinnitus and train the brain to ignore symptoms.

Get moving

It sounds simple, but exercise can be an effective way to help treat and manage tinnitus. Many people find their tinnitus symptoms most bothersome when they’re lying in bed at night and this is exacerbated if you’ve been in a sedentary state for most of the day.

Exercising for at least 30 minutes a day can help tire the body and mind and make it easier to fall asleep at night. 

Get your hands dirty

Grab the watering can and head out into the garden! The soothing sounds of running water help mask tinnitus by flooding the brain with low-level sound, which is one of the most effective way to treat the condition. The simple act of watering the garden helps relax the mind and offers respite to any persistent ringing or buzzing in the ears.

Wind down at night

Establishing a nighttime routine to help you relax at the end of the day and ease yourself into sleep. Simple steps such as going to sleep at the same time every night and avoiding screen time an hour before bed allow the mind begin to relax. Additionally, listening to low-level sounds or music while lying in bed helps cut through the silence that triggers tinnitus.

If you choose to listen to music while in bed, It has been suggested that something slow and without lyrics is best, if that’s not your cup of tea, the hum of a fan or air-conditioning unit are also effective.

Earwax removal

Tinnitus can be triggered by a build up of earwax, which blocks the auditory system from reaching a signal. This causes the brain to strain for sound and results in that all-too-familiar ringing or buzzing in the ears. Your GP can remove the excess wax for you .  

Click here for a home remedy that my husband uses and has done it this way for many years

Tinnitus - NHS Choices

Ann July 2017

Next up  Hearing Loss