The most important:
- A brief description of ringing in the ears, known in medical circles as tinnitus
- When it occurs and how it affects normal daily life
- Why its intensity varies, what can make it worse and how to successfully cope with it
Ringing, buzzing, whistling, roaring… these are the most common descriptions of tinnitus given by patients. Tinnitus, as this condition is actually called, is a fairly common problem – according to statistics, between 10 and 25% of adults live with some form of noise in the ears. It sometimes even occurs in children.
Over time, the condition can improve with various complex therapies, or even disappear. However, in some cases, tinnitus worsens over time. And once it has been present for three months or more without improvement, the tinnitus is considered chronic.
Science cannot determine the specific causes of tinnitus, although it is sometimes the result of trauma. However, most people suffer from some degree of hearing loss. In rare cases, tinnitus is associated with a serious medical condition (e.g. a concussion) and is not usually severe enough to affect daily activities. However, some people report that the noise in their ears often affects their mood, stress levels and ability to concentrate. Sometimes tinnitus is linked to poor mental health, specifically with the onset of anxiety and even depression.
Types of tinnitus
Subjective tinnitus
This is the most common form of tinnitus. If you suffer from this type, it means you hear sounds that are not connected to any external cause. In many cases, subjective tinnitus occurs after exposure to very loud noise, such as working on a construction site, in a factory, visiting a nightclub or attending a rock concert.
Subjective tinnitus can appear and disappear suddenly, and its duration can vary from a few hours to a year. If you experience recurring symptoms or if the sound is just getting worse, it is advisable to consult an audiologist.
Neurological tinnitus
It is caused by certain neurological conditions of the brain. If tinnitus affects the brain's auditory abilities, it becomes more difficult to hear clearly. An example of such a neurological disorder is Meniere's disease, which affects the health of the inner ear. Symptoms include frequent vertigo, a feeling of light-headedness, nausea, vomiting, hearing loss, and ringing or buzzing in the ears.
Somatic tinnitus
Somatic tinnitus is linked to the sensory system and is often associated with movement and touch. Symptoms of somatic tinnitus are often triggered by muscle spasms or other neurological problems, usually in the head and neck. Possible causes include inflammation of the peripheral nervous system, dental problems (wisdom teeth, pulpitis), mechanical injuries to the head and neck, and even poor posture.
Objective tinnitus
Objective tinnitus is very rare. Unlike subjective tinnitus, where only the person suffering can hear the sound, with objective tinnitus the sound can also be heard by other people. Most cases of objective tinnitus are caused by involuntary muscle contractions or vascular abnormalities. Some people notice that the sounds they hear coincide with their heartbeat.
When does tinnitus occur and what causes it?
- Hearing loss (age-related or caused by exposure to loud noise). Many studies have investigated the link between tinnitus and hearing loss. According to the results, the two conditions are linked in over 90% of cases. It is possible that many people do not even realise they are suffering from both. A correlation has also been found between the type of hearing loss and tinnitus. For example, if you have high-frequency hearing loss, the sound may manifest as a high-pitched tone. With more severe hearing loss, the tinnitus may be more pronounced. And in patients who are only hearing-impaired in one ear, the sound is again heard only in that same ear.
- Earwax or infections. Infections of the outer and middle ear can cause noise, as they often involve swelling or a build-up of fluid. This can cause a blockage and damage the eardrum, which in turn causes an irritating ringing.
- Head and neck injuries. More serious injuries can also damage the auditory pathways. For example, a concussion can cause neck pain and, as a result, ringing in the ears. Fortunately, these symptoms rarely last for more than a month, so this type of tinnitus is not classified as chronic.
- Medication. (Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, antibiotics, diuretics). So-called NSAIDs, which are often used to treat headaches, back pain, period pain or flu symptoms, can also cause tinnitus. The same applies to certain antibiotics, antidepressants, diuretics, anti-malarial drugs, and medicines used to treat cancer patients.
- Stress and anxiety. Research shows that high levels of stress are directly linked to the onset or worsening of tinnitus. For some people, the reverse is true – the tinnitus and the inability to control it cause anxiety. In this case, the person finds themselves in a vicious circle – stress worsens the tinnitus, which in turn makes you feel even more stressed and nervous.
- Chronic illnesses and other conditions (high blood pressure, diabetes). Tinnitus is a common side effect of hypertension, which occurs because the excess pressure affects the network of blood vessels within the auditory system. If you hear sounds that sound like a pulse or heartbeat – in sync with your heart rate – the tinnitus is most likely related to high blood pressure.
- Diabetes can also cause tinnitus. The inner ear is linked to blood glucose metabolism, so its health can be affected by high blood sugar. Another thing that can cause tinnitus is high insulin levels.
Why does the noise intensity vary?
Why does tinnitus come and go? The noise usually comes and goes in waves, with days when the symptoms are not so noticeable and others when they are so pronounced that they are difficult to ignore. There are many reasons for this, but the main ones are stress levels, your environment, and the health of your ears.
Anything that can cause unexpected stress to both the body and mind can trigger a worsening of tinnitus. However, it is important to note that everyone has a different perception, and therefore the triggers for the sound may vary. The most common are:
- Lack of sleep or poor sleep quality, overexertion
- Stress, anxiety and depression
- Exposure to loud noises (traffic, renovation and construction work, loud music)
- Other sounds that are affecting/irritating (depending on the person)
- Medication use
- Poor diet (mainly excessive intake of salt and sugar)
- Dehydration
- Caffeine, alcohol
- Air pollution
- Changes in atmospheric pressure
- Air travel
How to identify the causes?
If you suffer from tinnitus, it's a good idea to keep a diary of your symptoms. This can help you not only to understand when you've experienced an increase in tinnitus, but also what else was happening at the time to trigger it. Make it a habit to write down everything you eat or drink throughout the day, what exercises you do, what the weather is like, what medicines or supplements you take, when you go to bed and wake up, how you slept during the night, and anything else that might be bothering you. Each day, also rate the ringing in your ears on a scale of 1 to 10. At
first, you may find it difficult to see a connection between your various daily activities and the intensity of the sound. But if you are patient, over time you will likely discover trends and recurring patterns that will guide you towards the activities that trigger the peaks.
What to do during tinnitus peaks?
Living with tinnitus often requires a multifaceted approach that combines sound therapy, lifestyle changes, and even therapy with a psychologist. Here are some proven strategies to reduce its impact:
Treating the underlying cause
Treatment for tinnitus largely depends on whether it is caused by another, more serious health condition. If this is the case, treating the underlying cause will also help to improve the tinnitus. This includes causes such as ear infections, trauma, hypertension or other blood vessel disorders, hearing damage, and medication use.
Healthy habits
Although it sounds too general, we already know that tinnitus can be linked to increased stress levels, lack of sleep, poor diet, dehydration, excessive caffeine consumption and other factors. Good health habits should not be underestimated in this case either. A diet low in excess salt and sugar, drinking enough water and sleeping for at least 8 hours can not only have a positive effect on tinnitus, but also on one of its causes – stress.
In addition to adopting healthy habits that directly affect tinnitus, supplementary support through specialised products such as Selenogin Super can enhance the positive effect. Selenogin Super helps to reduce tinnitus through a combination of powerful antioxidants and plant extracts. It improves blood circulation in the auditory system, protects nerve cells and reduces oxidative stress – key factors in alleviating tinnitus.
It is suitable for individuals with temporary symptoms related to stress or noise trauma, as well as for those with chronic complaints. For better results, it is recommended to take it in combination with a balanced diet and stress reduction.
Sound therapy
Background noise or 'white noise' can mask the internal sounds of tinnitus, making them less noticeable. Using sound machines, apps, or even fans at night can help you sleep better and reduce the sensation of ringing.
Psychotherapy
Visiting a psychologist is a key starting point for dealing with stress, anxiety and depression. Good results have been achieved with cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), which helps people to change how they react to tinnitus by dealing with the emotional distress it can cause. This therapy can provide coping mechanisms and improve mental resilience.
Other ways to manage stress include relaxation techniques such as deep breathing, meditation or yoga. These can help to reduce the overall intensity of tinnitus symptoms.
In conclusion…
The intensity of the noise varies under the influence of factors such as lack of sleep, stressful situations, diet, and the environment. Managing tinnitus involves a comprehensive approach: treating the underlying condition, healthy habits, sound therapy, and psychological support. Keeping a symptom diary helps to identify triggers, and strategies such as relaxation and a balanced lifestyle can reduce the discomfort. In some cases, the condition improves over time, while in others it can become chronic, requiring long-term management.
FAQ:
- What is tinnitus?
Tinnitus is the sensation of ringing, buzzing, roaring, or other sounds in the ears that do not originate from an external source. It is not a disease, but a symptom that can be caused by various factors such as hearing damage, stress, or blood circulation problems.
- Why is tinnitus sometimes louder and sometimes barely noticeable?
The intensity of tinnitus can vary depending on stress levels, fatigue, ambient noise, caffeine or alcohol consumption, and hormonal fluctuations. It is therefore important to monitor which factors worsen the symptoms and avoid them where possible.
