Coping with Tinnitus: Effective Strategies for Relief
This is the third of a three-part series on tinnitus assessment and management. Click for part one here and here for part two before reading this article.
Understanding Tinnitus as a Symptom
Once you’ve had your tinnitus thoroughly assessed, you should have a better idea of what could be causing it. This may help you see tinnitus not as a disease, but as a symptom of something else. You may not have made the connection yet, but the focus now is on managing your tinnitus, as there is currently no ‘cure’ for ringing in the ears. At Victorian Hearing, our tinnitus experts can guide you through the next steps to improve your quality of life as you learn to adapt to tinnitus.
The Role of Hearing Aids in Tinnitus Management
Hearing aids can often help reduce the severity of tinnitus. This is particularly effective when tinnitus is linked to hearing loss or if your assessment shows that tinnitus can be ‘masked’ by other sounds. Stimulating the ear with sound can help the hearing nerve function properly again. Results vary from person to person—some report complete relief, others experience partial relief, while some find no improvement. In rare cases, tinnitus can temporarily become louder with hearing aid use. Additionally, it can take time for hearing aids to influence tinnitus perception and annoyance levels. Trying hearing aids is an important first step in developing an effective tinnitus management plan.
Improving Sleep and Reducing Night-time Tinnitus
Tinnitus can be most bothersome at night when there are fewer external sounds. A healthy bedtime routine can contribute to restful sleep, reducing fatigue and stress. Victorian Hearing’s university-trained audiologists can recommend apps, sleep headphones, tinnitus masking devices, and advanced extended-wear hearing aids such as Lyric. [Lyric Hearing Aids: Invisible Solutions for Active Lifestyles] These devices are designed for continuous wear for months at a time, providing comfort even while sleeping.
Managing Stress and Emotional Well-being
Stress, anxiety, and depression can make tinnitus harder to tolerate. Therapy can help address the underlying emotions and negative associations linked to tinnitus. If you are experiencing severe distress or thoughts of self-harm due to tinnitus, please seek immediate support from your doctor. Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) has been proven to help individuals reframe their experience with tinnitus, making it more manageable. In addition to psychological support, Victorian Hearing offers access to tinnitus therapy apps to complement professional guidance.
Seeking Additional Professional Support
Tinnitus can have multiple underlying causes, and sometimes additional medical support is needed. Victorian Hearing’s qualified audiologists can determine when a referral to another specialist is appropriate. Collaborating with psychologists, doctors, physiotherapists, dietitians, exercise physiologists, and dentists can help develop a holistic, individualised tinnitus management plan.
Take the Next Step
If you or someone you care about is experiencing tinnitus or hearing difficulties, book a comprehensive diagnostic tinnitus assessment with one of Victorian Hearing’s specialists. We will thoroughly investigate the cause of your tinnitus and create a personalised plan to help you feel more like yourself. Victorian Hearing also offers standard hearing tests, wax removal, and invisible hearing aids as part of our broad range of hearing health services.