Tinnitus is a frustrating and stressful noise in the ears, often heard as ringing, buzzing or whistling. There are multiple causes of tinnitus, including hearing loss challenges, noise trauma and illness – but for many people with tinnitus, stress is one of the primary reasons they notice that buzzing noise in the first place.
Many people ask us when they come in about their tinnitus: “Is my tinnitus caused by stress?”
It’s a good question – but the answer isn’t quite so black and white.
Associations between Stress and Tinnitus
Tinnitus has many causes, but there’s no concrete answer for a connection between stress, mental illness and tinnitus. Recent studies have connected how the brain and the ears are connected regarding stress response, and tinnitus development comes about in the same space.
However, there is no clear-cut connection between tinnitus and stress. Stress can lead to a heightened awareness of your tinnitus symptoms, which will in turn cause further stress due to the annoying phantom noise, leading to more stress.
Most studies note that “future work” will be needed to gather a more conclusive understanding of tinnitus, as there are many unknowns as to how it comes about and how to treat it, and as of right now, there is no cure.
Stress can lead to tinnitus, and tinnitus can lead to stress; however, there is a way to break out of that negative cycle.
How Do I Treat Tinnitus?
Tinnitus treatment can involve all sorts of different ways to help alleviate your stress from tinnitus symptoms. Our team at The Ear Depot is committed to improving your quality of life with professional audiological hearing care.
No two pairs of ears are the same – no tinnitus treatment plan will be exactly alike. We take a few different approaches to helping alleviate your tinnitus:
Sound therapy
Distracts your brain from the noise of tinnitus and provides natural relief.
Advanced Prescription Hearing Aids
Can prove essential for individuals whose tinnitus was caused by hearing loss by filling in the gaps where tinnitus once buzzed with better hearing.
The Sound Pillow Sleep System
Promotes better sleep and slows down your brain’s rapid-fire thoughts, allowing you to focus on rest and not the phantom noises.
Alternative Therapies
Includes psychological counselling, meditation, relaxation techniques and more to reduce the impact that tinnitus has on your brain.
Dealing with Tinnitus Symptoms?
The Ear Depot can help – simply book in to visit us for a comprehensive hearing assessment, and we’ll work with you to address your tinnitus with a personalized care plan. Say goodbye to that buzzing noise and your excess stress!
Simply request a callback from us, and we’ll get in touch as soon as we can. For a more immediate conversation, find your closest location and give us a call:
