Tinnitus therapies What helps against ringing ear whistles?

Many people in the world suffer from chronic noises in their ears
The term tinnitus is a disease in which people hear a constant, disturbing noise in their ears. In the United States alone, at least one in ten adults suffers from so-called chronic tinnitus. Researchers found that tinnitus is more common in people who are regularly exposed to noisy environments. In their study, the experts also explained the right way to deal with the disease and effective ways to minimize its effects.

Researchers from the University of California have now found in a new study that at least ten percent of people over the age of 18 in the US have had tinnitus in the last 12 months. The physicians published the results of their new study in the English-language journal "JAMA Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery".

A constant ringing or noise in the ears can be agony for sufferers. It is precisely those symptoms that affect people with tinnitus. What are the most effective ways to reduce the effects of the disease? (Image: Daniel Ernst / fotolia.com)

In Germany, about 15 percent of the elderly suffer from tinnitus
Tinnitus can occur as an independent monosymptomatic disease, but often the disease is a symptom of another disease. Alone in Germany, about 15 percent of older people hear a constant and long-lasting noise in their ears. Many sufferers describe the sound as a kind of ringing in the ears, roaring, humming, beating, hissing or whistling, explain the experts. Earlier research had already revealed that as many as eight to 25.3 percent of all people in the US could suffer from tinnitus.

Tinnitus interferes with concentration and sleep
A tinnitus disorder is not only very annoying, it can also have a devastating effect on the quality of life of the affected person, says author. Harrison Lin of the University of California. The disturbed processing of thoughts, emotions and auditory signals disturbs both sleep and concentration, explain the researchers. For their new study, the physicians analyzed the data collected from various older studies.

27 percent of respondents have been suffering from tinnitus for more than 15 years
During the investigations, people were asked questions about the annoying nature of the ears, how often the noises occurred, how long they lasted, and how pronounced the volume of the sounds was. Lin. In addition, the experts wanted to know if those affected had visited a doctor and possibly treatments were initiated. The data showed that 36 percent of people with tinnitus have nearly constant symptoms. About 56 percent of men and women reported having lived with the ear noise for more than five years. 27 percent of respondents have been suffering from the disease for more than 15 years.

Avoid noise
Excessive noise is often the cause of tinnitus. When people are regularly exposed to loud noises at work, their likelihood of having tinnitus increases. The same is true of people whose personal pursuits included frequent concerts, motorcycling, or the use of noisy tools or machines, says Drs. Lin.

Many sufferers have trouble sleeping
Nearly forty percent of adults with tinnitus also stated that they had noticed problems at bedtime. The rest before bedtime can bring the sound of tinnitus to the fore. This can then lead to insomnia, anxiety and anger Lin.

How to sleep better with tinnitus?
However, there are some tricks on how bedtime becomes easier for people with tinnitus. Those affected can use a device that, for example, mimics the sounds of nature. This could be the sounds of a waterfall, ocean waves, or the song of birds. Lin. Alternatively, sufferers could also hire a fan or ventilator to drown out the annoying auditory noise. In the process, the perception of tinnitus fades into the background, whereby the affected person can finally relax and fall asleep.

Hearing aids reduce the sounds of tinnitus
There are two types of treatment that have been recommended for some time by guidelines. One of these is the routine use of hearing aids, as the vast majority of people with chronic tinnitus have some degree of hearing loss. Lin. A hearing aid can not only relieve deafness but also improve tinnitus symptoms.

Cognitive behavioral therapy can help with tinnitus
The second recommended treatment includes cognitive-behavioral therapy. This form of psychotherapy can improve the tolerance of persistent tinnitus, explains author Dr. Lin. Cognitive-behavioral therapy can transform negative emotions and thoughts associated with tinnitus into positive and constructive emotions.

Be sure to visit a specialist if you notice tinnitus
Whether tinnitus is just an occasional complaint or a chronic annoyance, individuals should try to minimize all loud noises at work and at home. People who suffer from regular ear noises should have their hearing test performed and, if necessary, seek help from an ear, nose and throat specialist. (As)