Over 25-million Americans experience some form of tinnitus. Meanwhile, around 55% of the population experience high stress levels. While there’s no conclusive evidence that stress causes tinnitus, research continues to show a strong link between the two. But how are stress and tinnitus connected, and what does that mean for you moving forward?
What is Tinnitus?
Tinnitus refers to the internal sounds within the ear that lack an external origin. Although individuals often associate tinnitus with a ringing sensation in the inner ear, this symptom of an underlying can manifest as various sounds, including hissing, buzzing or humming, among others. The exact cause of tinnitus isn’t yet fully understood, but some causes are thought to include:
Hearing loss
- Ear conditions and infections
- Exposure to loud noise
- Excessive wax buildup
Emotional stress
Signs of Stress
Stress can be characterized as a state of worry or mental tension. This may be directly related to a difficult or overwhelming problem or may be a more generalized mental state. Over time, stress, which can be both physical and mental, can exacerbate a wide range of medical problems, including high blood pressure, insomnia and tinnitus. Signs that an individual is stressed might include:
Depression or Difficulty sleeping
- Excessive feelings of worry
- Pounding heart rate
Are Stress and Tinnitus Connected?
There’s no conclusive evidence that stress can cause tinnitus, but research continually reveals a link between the two. Many people find that tinnitus follows or coincides with high-stress levels. In some cases, stress has also appeared to worsen tinnitus symptoms, or make tinnitus more noticeable. Ongoing tinnitus can be incredibly difficult to deal with, which has led to questions as to whether tinnitus causes stress itself. But, in either case, one thing is clear – stress and tinnitus can undeniably exacerbate one another.
How can an Audiologist Help?
While there’s no cure for tinnitus, there are different therapies and techniques that can lessen the symptoms, and those may also reduce an individual’s stress levels. When you contact an audiologist about your tinnitus and stress, they may offer therapies or other devices that include:
- Hearing aids: Tinnitus commonly accompanies hearing loss and can seem louder when you struggle to hear your surroundings. Hearing aids can help to enhance outside noise and make tinnitus less noticeable.
- Sound enrichment: Sound enrichment uses sound to change your reaction to and perception of tinnitus, which can lessen the symptoms of both tinnitus and stress.
- Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT): An audiologist can refer you for CBT, a talking therapy that’s useful for both stress management and tinnitus by teaching you to control negative reactions and lessen long-term symptoms.
- Tinnitus retraining therapy (TRT): Is an approach that combines counseling and sound therapy to help individuals manage tinnitus. Counseling sessions help individuals understand the psychological aspects of tinnitus and develop coping strategies to alleviate stress and anxiety associated with tinnitus.
