Have you ever experienced a buzzing, whistling or ringing sound in your ears that has no obvious source? If this sounds familiar then it’s likely that you had symptoms of tinnitus.
The definition of tinnitus is a sensation of noise such as a ringing that is caused by a disturbance in the auditory system and can usually only be heard by the person hearing the sounds.
Tinnitus is a fairly common problem, and for many people, it can be nothing more than mildly annoying or irritating and they are able to ignore it. But for other people, tinnitus can impact on every aspect of their lives. When symptoms are more severe, tinnitus can cause frustration, stress, confusion, depression, problems with memory, difficulty concentrating, fatigue and sleep problems.
However, while the effects can be devastating, tinnitus isn’t necessarily a sign of anything more serious. While it’s common for tinnitus to get worse as you get older, there are treatments available that can minimise your symptoms and help you learn to live with tinnitus so it doesn’t stop you enjoying your life.
In some rare cases, a blood vessel disorder can lead to tinnitus, known as pulsatile tinnitus. Pulsatile tinnitus causes include:
The emergence of tinnitus in pregnancy is often linked to elevated blood pressure and hormonal changes, especially an upswing in the progesterone hormone.
For expectant mothers experiencing tinnitus symptoms, it is essential to cultivate a tranquil mindset to avoid exposing the developing fetus to unnecessary stress. Emphasizing the significance of maintaining composure is grounded in the awareness that hormonal shifts, a key factor in triggering tinnitus during pregnancy, are likely to normalize after childbirth. The subsequent paragraphs explore various causes of tinnitus during pregnancy:
Unusual ear sounds such as tinnitus can often be worsened by stress and anxiety. Your auditory system has neural connections to the part of your brain that deals with emotions. When this limbic system is very active the brain can struggle to shut down tinnitus. As the tinnitus continues it can create a vicious cycle of causing your anxiety to rise which then, in turn, increases your tinnitus symptoms.
The complex interrelation between tinnitus, TMJ disorder, and bruxism is multifaceted, with each condition influencing and exacerbating the others. Tinnitus, the perception of hearing sounds like ringing or buzzing in the ears without an external stimulus, is closely linked to both temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder and bruxism. TMJ disorder affects the joint connecting the jaw to the skull, while bruxism involves involuntary teeth grinding and jaw clenching. These conditions often occur together with tinnitus, presenting a complex set of challenges for both patients and healthcare professionals.
When it comes to how to treat tinnitus, your first step should be visiting your doctor or hearing care professional. They will be able to assess your symptoms and determine the best tinnitus treatment for you. Some treatments for tinnitus include:
If you are experiencing unusual sounds in your ears or you have any concerns about your hearing, schedule a consultation with a hearing care professional who will be able to assess you, and discuss your options.
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