Everything you need to know about 'tinnitus'
Jul 30, 2019, 18:18 IST
Haven’t we all experienced that ringing in the ears every once in blue moon? It feels like a ringing when nothing around actually is. This sound is called Tinnitus. Many of those who experience it, experience it in the night when they are trying to hit the sack. In rare cases, the sound might seem to sync with the heartbeat. There are times when a patient might complain about perception in centre of head or back of the head. Tinnitus can also have adverse effects on their daily lifestyle. The consistency of the condition results in lack of sleep, headache, dizziness, unable to concentrate on work, noise irritation, hyperacusis, depression, etc.
What to do for tinnitus?
There are several treatments available which can make tinnitus less bothersome. Patients need to go through several treatments as one treatment might not work. Trying several combinations of techniques will help in understanding which is better for the patient.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy involves cognitive restructuring and relaxation techniques are used for changing the way patients think and respond to tinnitus. It is a short-term therapy. Tinnitus Retraining Therapy: The main components of therapy include individual counselling and sound therapy.
There are masking devices which are worn like hearing aids and produces low-level white noise. It reduces tinnitus perception and also produces residual inhibition. Depending upon the tinnitus type, symptoms will come and go with time. Factors like diet, stress level and noise exposure can worsen the condition.