Tinnitus, the continuous sensation of ringing or other noise in your ears when no outside noise is present, impacts more than 50 million American adults, according to the American Tinnitus Association. Unfortunately, only half of the people who have this annoying, sometimes overwhelming condition actually report it to a medical professional—as today’s hearing fact points out.
Whether the tinnitus feels like a minor distraction or an undermining condition, many people are overlooking treatment and going about their lives. “Life could be worse,” they may be thinking, while not realizing that leaving tinnitus untreated can be detrimental to not only their ability to hear, but also to their overall quality of life.
How does tinnitus happen? As it stands, hearing loss is one of the most common causes of the condition. This hearing loss may develop with, among other factors, aging or exposure to loud noise. Both of these can also increase your risk of developing tinnitus.
Presently, there is no cure for tinnitus—however, there is treatment available to relieve symptoms, which we’ll discuss shortly. But before we do, let’s explore today’s hearing fact, and why it is important to treat tinnitus if we have it.
Tinnitus data examined from major U.S. health survey
Researchers examined data from the Integrated Health Interview Series survey, a supplement to the U.S. Census Bureau’s and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s National Health Interview survey (“the largest source of health information in the U.S. civilian population,” according to the study).
This supplementary survey asked participants questions about both their tinnitus symptoms and any “treatment strategies” offered by their healthcare professionals.
The researchers then compared and contrasted the data with the American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery Foundation clinical practice guidelines (AAO-HNSF), which provide “evidence-based recommendations” for healthcare professionals seeing patients who have tinnitus. And get this: These guidelines included the recommendation that tinnitus patients be evaluated for hearing aids.
Based on this cross-examination of the survey and AAO-HNSF guidelines, only 49.4% of people with tinnitus had discussed their condition with a physician.
With this surprising discovery, let’s talk about why it’s recommended to address tinnitus if we think we have it—and how hearing aids can help with this potentially damaging condition.
Tinnitus linked to stress-related health issues
Let’s get straight to the point: A study by researchers from the University of California, Irvine, and Harvard Medical School found tinnitus to be associated with a greater likelihood of:
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Sleep deprivation
- Missed workdays
Other unfortunate health problems linked to tinnitus include headaches, difficulty concentrating, and memory issues, according to the Mayo Clinic.
None of these conditions are good for us in any way, right? Fortunately, there’s a proven treatment that can help reduce tinnitus symptoms and ultimately, the health issues that may occur as a result: hearing aids.
How hearing aids can help with tinnitus
Did you know that hearing aids not only can help improve your hearing but also alleviate tinnitus symptoms in the process? Hearing technology does this by augmenting outside noise and increasing auditory stimulation received by the brain.
In this way, hearing aids can:
- Redirect focus to actual sound and voices present
Clinical evidence has shown that the amplification power of hearing aids can help you become less mindful of your tinnitus and more focused on actual sounds around you—everything from leaves rustling in the wind to the voice of the dining companion sitting next to you.
And let’s face it, hearing voices without frustration certainly has its benefits. These include the ability to participate in conversations, so you feel less socially isolated and more engaged in daily life.
Additionally, being able to hear environmental sounds through hearing aids can help tone down or mask tinnitus sounds, so you’ll feel less bothered by them.
And how’s this for handy: Many of the latest hearing aids feature built-in tinnitus technology that creates a comforting sound stimulus to soothe tinnitus sounds. You can even work with a hearing care professional to customize the technology for your individual tinnitus.
- Help with depression and anxiety
Besides assisting you in managing tinnitus, hearing aids are directly linked to a reduced risk of depression and anxiety (it’s worth noting that these conditions have also been associated with headaches, fatigue, and difficulties with memory and concentration).
So, whether you are contending with tinnitus or hearing loss by itself, hearing aids can make a significant difference in terms of your overall wellness.
Think you may have tinnitus? See a hearing care professional
Hearing aids are one of several treatments that can help with tinnitus (and the potential for other health issues that may come with it). So, if you think you may have tinnitus, severe or otherwise, one of your best first steps is to see a licensed hearing care professional.
A hearing care professional can evaluate your tinnitus along with your hearing, and help you find the best solution for your individual needs.
Simply reach out to find a provider near you.