Stress has been linked to numerous ailments and according to the American Institute of Stress, it contributes to hypertension, stroke, chronic pain, diabetes, ulcers and other “Diseases of Civilization”. When it comes to tinnitus (ringing or buzzing sounds in the ears/ head) stress plays a major role in the perceived level of severity.
It was originally thought that tinnitus was a disorder centered in the ears. In recent years, studies such as those conducted by Lockwood, et al. from the University at Buffalo, have shown that although it might start with some malfunction of the sensory cells inside the ears, tinnitus is actually a phenomenon that takes place in the hearing and emotional centers of the brain. For most people (approximately 50 million, according to the American Tinnitus Association), although they might perceive some tinnitus now and then, they don’t think much of it and the buzz is pushed into the background. But for approximately 12 million Americans, tinnitus plays a persistent negative role in their lives. Why is it not bothersome for everyone?
If you ask someone suffering from tinnitus when it started for them, many times they can pinpoint the day and what was going on in their lives at the time. Patients describe physical trauma (possibly from loud noise exposure, a concert for example) and/ or emotional trauma (death of a loved one, chronic illness, loss of a job).
Currently, there exist numerous treatments for tinnitus. Some have been studied extensively others are taking advantage of those looking for a quick fix or “cure”. Although a true cure does not yet exist, numerous patients have found success in managing their tinnitus through TRT – Tinnitus Retraining Therapy and Neuromonics Tinnitus Treatment. An underlying concept for both treatments is breaking down the fight-or-flight response. Fight-or-flight is an innate response that prepares us to either run away from or defend ourselves from a perceived threat. In the case of intrusive tinnitus, it is believed that one perceives the constant "ear noises" as a threat. In turn, the emotional centers in the brain are put on high alert.
Both TRT and Neuromonics utilize a method to soften that fight-or-flight response. In the case of TRT, directive counseling is provided to educate the tinnitus sufferer. The philosophy: the more you know about a condition the less threatening it becomes. With Neuromonics, spa-like music is used along with a collaborative counseling approach to elicit the relaxation response.
Although not proven effective if used alone, yoga, meditation and progressive muscle relaxation are very important to help slow the mind and body down and undoubtedly play an important role in controlling the effects of the buzz. As with all other health conditions, it is important that you see your licensed healthcare provider to rule out any medically-treatable causes of your tinnitus. If, after comprehensive evaluation, your physician determines there is no medically-treatable cause, formal tinnitus treatments could then be considered. But for those suffering with tinnitus, a good starting point is to pursue any means to deflate stress.
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