The Do’s and Don’ts of Living With Tinnitus

Dealing with tinnitus day-in and day-out can be very stressful. Since tinnitus comes in many forms, it is very individualized, but it’s something that affects millions of people every day. While it can seem that this is something you are “stuck with” forever, there are things that can help you on your journey to relief.

Here Are Some Things To Avoid

Complete Silence

Contrary to what you might think, silence can make tinnitus worse, especially in perception. Playing soft music or using a white noise machine may be helpful in taking attention away from your tinnitus.

Triggers

Each person can have their own factors that make tinnitus “flare up.” Taking the time to note what makes your tinnitus worse and avoiding those stressors can make all the difference in your journey. Common triggers may include stress, caffeine, fatigue, etc.

Loud Noises

Loud noises may also exacerbate your tinnitus. Utilizing hearing protection while around excessive noise levels (gunshots, stadiums, or concerts) is always beneficial.

What You Should Do

Visit Hope Hearing & Tinnitus Center

The most important thing to do is to visit an audiologist that specializes in the treatment of tinnitus. For starters, visiting with an audiologist can immediately help you feel better about your tinnitus. Knowing someone who understands what you’re going through and can help you in your journey is immensely relieving. An audiologist may help identify any further issues that may be going on, in addition to intervening with a Tinnitus Retraining Therapy (TRT).

Be Patient

While finding an audiologist is an important first step, the journey does not end there. It is very important to be patient with your treatment plan and not give up on it if symptoms are not reduced immediately. TRT can be extremely effective but can take upwards of 12-24 months to experience long-lasting relief.