Tinnitus can be successfully managed through treatment, limiting its debilitating effect on your life.
Seek medical advice – It is important to consult with your general practitioner, an Audiologist, or an Ear Nose and Throat Surgeon to exclude any underlying medical pathology.
- Medication – Some prescription or non-prescription drugs may either cause or worsen tinnitus. Check with your doctor if your medications could be interfering with your tinnitus, since it is important to never stop the use of a medication without medical opinion, and there may also be an alternative medication.
- Dental examination – Have a dental examination to confirm that there are no temporomandibular joint (TMJ) problems as these can cause up to 5% of tinnitus.
Assessment – Consult with an Audiologist for a full diagnostic assessment
- Hearing Assessment – If you possess hearing loss, wearing a hearing aid may minimise the effects on your tinnitus by reducing the perception of your tinnitus through improved hearing.
- Tinnitus Assessment – Measurements need to be made to identify characteristics of your tinnitus in order to recommend appropriate treatment since symptoms such as the tinnitus loudness levels, including the disturbance level, need to be identified as they vary between individuals.
- Neuromonics Assessment and Treatment – A customised device is designed to cater your individual tinnitus treatment prescription by delivering a pleasant acoustic signal embedded in music. Designed to reduce tinnitus disturbance over a 26 week period by stimulating a wide range of auditory pathways, engaging the emotional (limbic) system and autonomic nervous system of the brain.
Lifestyle Changes – Avoidance of the following may reduce the severity of your tinnitus
- Stop Smoking – Includes cigarettes and marijuana. Smoking causes the narrowing of blood vessels, limiting the supply of oxygen to sensory hair cells in the ear.
- Reduce exposure to loud noise – Wear earmuffs or other hearing protection devices during noisy activities as exposure to loud noises can damage hair cells in the cochlear.
- Exercise – Helps manage and reduce stress levels.
- Learn deep relaxation techniques – Performed daily, various therapies such as yoga, tai-chi, massage or hydro-therapy may be beneficial.
- Transcendental meditation will help
- Get sunlight Everday
Changes to diet
- Reduce caffeine intake - Includes coffee, tea, chocolate and soft drinks as these can exacerbate tinnitus if consumed either in excess or limited quantities depending on the individual.
- Reduce alcohol intake – Alcohol (particularly red wine) can exacerbate tinnitus if consumed in excess.
- Reduce or avoid tonic water intake – (quinine)
- Reduce salt intake – High salt diets can exacerbate tinnitus.
- Avoid spicy foods – May cause a temporary increase in tinnitus levels.
Relaxation Techniques
- Nature – Watching nature tapes including those with rain, waterfalls, running streams and the ocean may help with relaxation and stress levels.
- Positivity – Counter negative thoughts with thoughts of positivity.
- Clock radio – If tinnitus is affecting your sleep cycle try a clock radio with a 30 minute sleep button to help you get to sleep.
- Cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT) – Consult with a clinical psychologist to help change your perception on your tinnitus and learn to cope more effectively to the sounds in your head.
Try chiropractic treatment as this loosens tension in the neck and may help the functioning of the nerves and blood vessels suppling the ears. Acupuncture for tinnitus may also be helpful as it may clear energy blockages to the ears.
Centrally located in Perth’s Northern suburb of Joondalup; Lakeside Chiropractic also cater to a wide range of visitors from various suburbs, such as: Lancelin; Ashby, Sinagra, Hocking, Darch; Carine, Sorrento, Hillarys, North Beach; Clarkson, Quinns Rocks, Merriwa, Ridgewood. HICAPS for all Major Health Insurance providers e.g. HCF, HBF, BUPA, NIB, SGIO and Medibank Preferred and apart of the BUPA member’s first network. Please feel free to contact us on 08 9300 0095 if you wish to discuss any of our services or to book an appointment; you can also visit our website www.lakesidechiro.com.au to book an appointment or for any further information.
