6 Myths about Tinnitus

MYTH #1: “I can’t do anything about tinnitus”

Although many people have the belief that nothing can alleviate the annoying ringing in the ears, the truth is that there is a lot you can do to reduce the effects of tinnitus.

Some tips that are proven to help are as follows:

• Sound therapy – An important element in combating tinnitus is the use of sound. Amplified sound from hearing aids, ambient sounds, music and white noise machines can help to reduce the contrast between the buzz of tinnitus and the everyday sounds that surround us.
  
• Ear protection – Exposure to noise is the main cause of tinnitus. It is therefore important to wear earplugs when you know you are going to be exposed to a noisy environment.
  
• Relaxation exercises – Stress often exacerbates ear tinnitus. In order to control and reduce it, read a book, go for a walk or try yoga, pilates or breathing techniques.

MYTH #2: “Tinnitus is the same for everyone”

Some types of tinnitus are temporary and are caused by some recent exposure to high noise. Others last longer or become more intense over the years. There are different types of tinnitus, some of which include:

• Mild tinnitus – This type of tinnitus is often overlapped by louder sounds. People who experience mild tinnitus may only notice the characteristic ringing in their ears when they are in very quiet environments, such as a library or in bed at night just before going to sleep.
  
• High frequency tinnitus – Most people experience tinnitus as a high frequency buzzing, hissing or ringing in the ears. Sometimes these sounds are also related to posture – you may only hear them when you sit, lie down or turn your head in a certain direction.
  
• Low-frequency tinnitus – It is possible that the tinnitus may sound like a low-frequency sound, such as a purr.
  
• Musical hallucinations – Rarely, tinnitus appears as musical hallucinations that give the person the impression that they are hearing a melody continuously in their head.

MYTH #3: “There are pills to cure tinnitus.”

Some companies may try to sell you a miracle cure for tinnitus, where a few pills will instantly stop all symptoms. Although there has been significant research on the effect of medications and supplements in treating tinnitus, there is no proven cure so far.

MYTH #4: “Hearing aids do not help with tinnitus”

Hearing aids are one of the most effective ways of treating tinnitus as well:

• They provide maximum amplification of sounds in all environments, even the quietest, which results in a reduction in the sensation of tinnitus.
  
• There are hearing aids with a special tinnitus masker setting.

MYTH #5: “Tinnitus and hearing loss are not linked”

Many people with tinnitus experience hearing loss at the same time, and they may not be aware of it. In fact, a recent French study showed that among 123 participants with tinnitus, only one participant did not experience hearing loss. A similar study puts the link between tinnitus and hearing loss at 90%. So check your hearing regularly with an ENT specialist or hearing centre.

MYTH #6: “I never listen to loud music. I am not at risk of tinnitus.”

Exposure to loud noises is a possible cause of tinnitus. Clearly, there are many more causes. Hearing loss, some ear diseases such as Meniere’s disease, and other conditions can also cause tinnitus. Of course, exposure to loud noises (music, machinery, ticking) is harmful to hearing in general.