Manage Your Tinnitus, Train Your Brain

Every day, we experience and make decisions about things that go together. From football games on Sunday to turkey at Thanksgiving, pairings are common. In reflecting on routine combinations in your life, are patterns recognized?

By analogy, you should know how hearing loss relates to common medical conditions via various pairings and interconnections. As examples, when one has diabetes, hearing loss is twice as likely, whereas those with hearing loss have increased risk of falling or in combination with vision loss, greater difficulty in safely navigating daily surroundings. Or, do you realize that low-frequency hearing loss may be a cardiovascular risk factor?

Learning about comorbidities, how one medical condition occurs with another, is essential to making well-informed decisions about whole-person care.

While ears collect sounds, it is how our brains process auditory stimulus which may influence our safety, cognitive abilities, social experiences and overall quality of life. This context is particularly important when we learn about tinnitus, or “head noise,” which is the perception of sound in one or both ears when no external sound is present.

In the U.S., it is estimated that 30-35 million Americans struggle with Tinnitus and for approximately 2 million people it can be severe or even debilitating. tinnitus is not a disease in and of itself, but rather a symptom of some underlying health condition.

Did you know? People with tinnitus may hear sounds similar to…

For perspective, consider how our brain interprets sound and typical behavioral or emotional results. When driving and suddenly hearing an ambulance siren, we instantly pull over. When the national anthem plays at sporting events, we immediately stand up. The point is, our brain training triggers learned reactions to what we hear.

Sometimes, happiness is elicited when we hear a loved one’s voice or favorite song from long ago. Isn’t it amazing how we can remember song soundtracks from teenage or college years? In mental preparation for these moments, positive feelings are anticipated.

In stark contrast, clearly unpleasant “head noise” intrudes on peace and quiet, often in unpredictable ways, which negatively impact our daily lives and moods. For those suffering from tinnitus, since eliminating unwanted sounds is not possible, discovering various methods of healthier brain processing can provide acutely needed hope and relief.

Like fingerprints, each individual’s unique tinnitus profile requires personalized treatment options which may reduce negative impacts and improve quality of life. With expert guidance and healthy habits, those suffering in a lack of silence can make healthy choices.

Most people with tinnitus also have hearing loss. In addition to improving communication, hearing aids may reduce tinnitus symptoms by ensuring external sound sources provide alternative auditory stimulus. When the brain’s attention is diverted and internal “head noise” is not alone, blended perceptions may be less noticeable and harmful.

While we take your hearing care seriously, a little laughter goes a long way.

Good Humor, Healthy Hearing

When reputable research speaks volumes, we should listen up. To the point, “In contrast to diabetic retinopathy, hearing impairment is not a well-documented complication of diabetes mellitus. Therefore, it would be preferable to perform audiometry, as part of the routine annual evaluations of glycemic control undertaken by all diabetic patients.” 6

Do you have diabetes or a family history that increases risks of diabetes-related hearing loss? With daily challenges of having diabetes or caring for loved ones who do, effective communication is crucial. As patients typically learn about this systemic disease’s impact from primary care providers, endocrinologists, eye doctors or podiatrists, more should benefit from sound advice that in the know hearing care experts provide.

As dedicated Whole Person Care practitioners, we encourage you to make well-informed decisions about how diabetes may negatively affect you or loved ones. While excess blood sugars are harmful, treat yourself to proactive evaluations that ensure Joys of Hearing this holiday season and beyond. Altogether, let’s Give Thanks for precious sounds!

• Sound maskers
• Tinnitus retraining therapy
• Nutritious diet and consistent exercise
• Counseling

While each method can be helpful, our well-trained specialists will compassionately diagnose and manage this challenging condition in tailored ways that fit well.

If you or a loved one face tinnitus challenges, now is the time to take control. In close coordination with your other healthcare providers, we will prescribe personalized treatment plans that, with continuity of care, may lessen its negative impact on daily living. You deserve to know about therapeutic options and mindful methods to reduce symptom severity, along with psychological stress.

Earlier intervention is crucial and our trusted advice will provide a renewed sense of hope that more daily sounds can be precious, not bothersome. Please see us soon to hear the facts about reputable treatment options. While there are no magic cures, better hearing and healthy choices will be favorable influences.