If you hear a sound even when there is no music being played, you could be experiencing Tinnitus.
The causes of Tinnitus can be due to aging, earwax blockage and taking certain medication classified as ototoxic. If your inner hair cells have been damaged, you can also suffer from Tinnitus.
Not everyone with tinnitus has received proper treatment. The consequences of untreated tinnitus cannot be ignored. As much as possible, you should gain tinnitus remedies and knowledge to prevent worsening the symptoms.
It is also possible for tinnitus to be the symptom of other health conditions. Underlying issues like tumors, circulation disorders, Meniere’s disease, ear infection, impacted earwax, or hearing loss are considered conditions related to tinnitus as a symptom.
Consequences of Untreated Tinnitus
It is essential to seek help from the doctor to prevent worsening the consequences of untreated tinnitus. Aside from the physical effects of untreated tinnitus, your income level can also be affected because of the difficulty communicating. Your productivity will also be affected because you cannot carry out the task at hand.
Higher rates of hospitalizations and falls because of issues with directionality and balance are also common. Individuals with tinnitus age-related symptoms are also at risk of developing depression, stress, anxiety, and dementia. Untreated tinnitus can also lead to memory and concentration problems, sleep deprivation, and increased levels of anxiety and stress.
Ways To Treat Tinnitus
Tinnitus is a condition which is perceived to be life-altering, especially if it is chronic tinnitus. There are many types of tinnitus. While there is no sure-fire cure for tinnitus, there are practices you can follow that can alleviate the symptoms. Tinnitus may be accompanied by hearing loss.
One way to treat tinnitus is by wearing a hearing aid. It can mask or reduce the sounds. There are also hearing aid manufacturers with therapy features for tinnitus. These features can improve your ability to hear by reducing the background noise, masking distracting sounds and improving speech recognition.
If you have been experiencing ringing in your ears for a long time, you need to act right away as there is a great possibility that you are experiencing tinnitus. There are many reasons you can suffer from tinnitus such as noise exposure, tumors, head or neck trauma, fibromyalgia, and other conditions.
Tinnitus is considered a symptom, not a medical condition. There is a great difference when you consider undergoing treatment. You can improve your life once the effects are reduced.
Mental
Upon discovering that you have tinnitus, you need to seek immediate treatment because it can also affect your well-being, especially if it is age related tinnitus.
The thought of dealing with the persistent ringing in your ear can have a serious impact on your mental health. The effects can also be debilitating.
By considering tinnitus treatment therapy, you will be able to know the coping techniques that will help you manage stress caused by this condition.
The therapist will share with you some best practices that can help relieve tinnitus. The techniques can reduce the effects of tinnitus on your mental health by restoring your ability to focus on family, friends, and school.
Physical
Tinnitus if left untreated can also affect you physically. The effects can be severe.
There are instances when the person suffering from tinnitus does not know its cause. When you seek a doctor, you will be able to determine if tinnitus is caused by another condition that needs attention.
There are instances when tinnitus can be a sign of a heart disease, which can lead to a heart attack or worse, death. Lyme disease is another reason you are experiencing tinnitus.
The disease can lead to infection in your nervous system, heart, and joints. If you have high cholesterol, there are also serious consequences that you will need to face if the condition is not managed properly.
Emotional
Aside from the physical and mental impact of tinnitus, you can also experience depression due to losing your ability to concentrate and the feeling of helplessness.
Without a doubt, your emotional health can also be affected by tinnitus. Some may even find it difficult to get back on track, especially when you delay treatment.
As the symptom progresses, your condition also gets worse. Tinnitus is a manageable condition and potentially curable. All you need is support from your friends and family.
There are also advocacy groups that you can seek help from. They can help you cope with tinnitus so you can live a normal life.
Economic
Tinnitus can also affect you financially. This is because your inability to hear clearly also reduces your productivity level.
You will also have to undergo a series of treatment to ensure that tinnitus is treated properly. The healthcare services are much higher if it took a long time for you to seek medical help from an audiologist.
The loss of earnings and health expenses cannot be underestimated.
What are the treatment options to consider
There are therapies you can consider when you are struggling with tinnitus. When you embrace tools that will treat the condition, you can be sure that the burden and impact of the symptom will be minimized.
The treatment is unique to every patient as no two cases are considered alike. There are some factors that will be taken into consideration to determine what the best treatment is. Some layers of treatment may also be required to ensure the success of the treatment.
Identifying and implementing the treatment strategy are also important in fulfilling your particular needs.
Healthy Diet
Aside from taking medications, you can also improve the symptoms of tinnitus by being mindful of what you eat. A healthy diet does not only lessen the effects of tinnitus but also promote overall wellness.
It can reduce hypertension, increase energy levels, improve blood flow and emotional well-being. All of these can definitely benefit tinnitus. Individuals who have Meniere’s Disease and tinnitus should embark on a low-salt diet as there is a link between Meniere’s symptoms and salt consumption.
Regular Exercise
Regardless of your condition, integrating exercise into your daily routine can have a positive effect on your health. Aside from its good effects on your physical body, your emotional well-being can also benefit from it. You can also reduce the symptoms of tinnitus. The causes of tinnitus in one ear only should not be taken for granted.
Social Activity
Social isolation is a common practice that a person with tinnitus follows. The reason for the isolation is irritability, difficulties with communication and sensitivity. When you decide to withdraw yourself from social situations, you will also experience a series of negative reinforcements, which can cause a bigger problem.
Social experiences with family, peers, and friends can help the patient relieve the symptoms of tinnitus. Without social activity, you become too focused on the symptoms of tinnitus making it difficult for you to cope.
Recreational Activities
Many patients with tinnitus tend to give up their activities because of the symptoms. Instead of focusing on the symptoms, you need to search for positive activities and hobbies that will distract you.
Outdoor activities like biking can divert your attention away from tinnitus. It is also necessary to make some adjustments or take precautions before engaging in any type of recreational activities.
You should also consult with a hearing professional so you will know how to protect your ears when taking part in various types of recreational activities. Being aware of the consequences of untreated tinnitus will help reduce the symptoms effectively.