Roller coasters, deep sea diving and other activities can cause tinnitus.
Planning on trying out some new roller coasters this summer? Maybe you’re looking forward to going scuba diving by some remote coral reef this summer. If you suffer from tinnitus, you might want to check your vacation itinerary again.
What is ear barotrauma?
A common cause of tinnitus is ear barotrauma, otherwise known as inner ear discomfort caused by extreme air pressure changes around the eardrum. Barotrauma occurs when the air pressure inside the middle ear is not equal to the air pressure outside the body.
Everybody has experienced minor barotrauma at one time or another; anybody who has ever driven up a steep mountain trail has experienced inner ear comfort known as “ear popping.” Sometimes barotrauma is caused by allergies or sinus infections. Other activities, if done frequently, can cause severe barotrauma and tinnitus symptoms; these include roller coaster rides, scuba diving, air travel and exposure to loud explosives.
It’s no myth that chewing gum relieves the effects of changes in air pressure. Some other good methods are yawning, holding your breath, sucking on candy and, for infants, nursing or sucking on a bottle. If on an airplane, avoid falling asleep during landing.
Why roller coasters are a red light for tinnitus sufferers
As pointed out in a study by Kathleen L. Yaremchuk, MD, at Henry Ford Hospital, you have no opportunity to utilize any prevention tactics for avoiding severe ear damage while on a roller coaster; taking into consideration the velocity of the average thrill ride and its jerky movements, there is simply no time to yawn, chew gum or even hold your breath between screaming and whooping. In her study, Dr. Yaremchuk notes a case of particularly harmful ear damage which was caused when a young roller coaster rider turned his head as the speed increased to 120 mph.
Symptoms of barotrauma are:
- Dizziness
- Slight hearing loss
- Tinnitus
- Feeling of fullness in the ears
- Ear pain
- Ear pressure likened to the feeling one gets underwater
- Nosebleeds
If you think you have ear damage, please see an ENT doctor.
A physician can tell you if your tinnitus symptoms are being caused by barotrauma; a quick examination of the ear drum will indicate if there is any lasting damage.
Also read:
5 Mistakes Tinnitus Sufferers Make
Sources:
Tinnitus sufferers know these symptoms all too well: constant buzzing, even in a “quiet” room, recurring crackling or clicking sounds in the head, anxiety, depression and difficulty relaxing and sleeping.
Often tinnitus is caused by ear damage due to exposure to loud sounds, frequent iPod earbud usage and in many cases, old age.
Below are some homeopathic remedies which are used to treat tinnitus:
- Ginkgo Biloba- Researchers have proven that ginkgo biloba leaf is beneficial for the treatment of tinnitus and other hearing-related illnesses. Scientists explain that the extract taken from the leaf of the ancient ginkgo biloba tree enhances blood flow to the ears, thus reducing some of the irritating buzzing sounds and clicks which accompany tinnitus. Ginkgo biloba extract is also used to treat attention deficit, depression, anxiety, dizziness and headaches.
- Lipoic acid- The antioxidant power of lipoic acid is known by medical practitioners who treat patients for cancer; its ability to enhance the free-radical-killing attributes in other antioxidants such as grape seed extract, making it a viable choice for warding off ear infections.
- Zinc- Otology and Neurotology published a report, The Role of Zinc in the Treatment of Tinnitus, which reveals a correlation between tinnitus symptoms and low zinc levels. Of the tinnitus who received zinc tablets, 82% reported a noticeable decrease in their symptoms.
- Black Cohosh- It is believed that tinnitus is sometimes caused by low serotonin; according to a University of Illinois study, chemicals found in this North American herb are beneficial for improving serotonin receptors.
- Ginger- Chinese healers used ginger extract for boosting the immune system; its powerful properties include improving circulation, decreasing nausea and destroying harmful bacteria and viruses which might damage hearing.
- Garlic- The antiseptic qualities in garlic are beneficial for generating circulation, killing harmful bacteria and boosting the immunity. Sufferers of tinnitus who experience frequent respiratory problems have found the severity of their symptoms reduced through supplementation of odorless garlic.
Sources:
Livestrong, National Institute of Health, Healing.About.com, American Cancer Society, Otology and Neurotology
Find your inner sanctum.
Tranquility with Tinnitus? Sounds like an oxymoron if there ever was one, but it’s no joke. Finding peace of mind with a constant ringing in your ear or some of the various other sounds associated with tinnitus might seem like a distant dream. Whooshing, clicks, cricket sounds- it seems like more than you can handle.
There might not be any outright cures for tinnitus in this day and age, but there are coping mechanisms to help you find peace of mind: meditation, homeopathic remedies…and faith.
Part I of Tranquility with Tinnitus will help you find your inner sanctuary from tinnitus using three relaxation techniques recommended by the Mayo Clinic.
Setting the Scenario
Begin by finding a nice warm, quiet room free of disturbances. If there is a telephone, disconnect it. Cover the television or computer with a small throw. Soften the lights, set up some soothing “white noise” like a gentle fan or relaxation CD. Take off your shoes, lay down on a mat or soft rug and begin…
1) Autogenic relaxation
Autogenic relaxation means looking inwards with your “third eye,” as it’s referred to in transcendental meditation.
- Slowly breathe in at the count of three;
- Hold the breathe for the count of three;
- Very slowly release your breathe at the count of six, imagining a balloon gently losing air through a pinhole.
- Concentrate on slowing your heartbeat.
- Make a mental checklist of any sensations, sounds or pains which are going through your body; recognize them, accept them and breathe towards them.
- Repeat a soothing mantra; use that mantra throughout the day anytime you feel stressed and feel and need to return to your “safe place.”
2) Progressive muscle relaxation
Progressive relaxation is a great way to give your muscles a massage from the inside. In times of acute anxiety a mini-PMR can be done inconspicuously at your desk or even while dining at a restaurant.
- Lie flat, getting yourself into a relaxed position.
- Will your muscles to let go, release tension.
- Direct your inner eye to your right foot; clench it tightly. Now, let go and feel the warmth as your muscles relax. Repeat with the left foot.
- Slowly and systematically work your way upwards, tightening and releasing your legs, abdominal muscles, chest, back, shoulders and arms.
- Much stress is stored in the head, so don’t neglect this vital area. Focus on your neck, jaws, cheeks, ears, eyes and forehead.
- Many find that PMR, with practice, brings on a deep sensation of euphoria and inner quietude.
3) Visualization
Another common practice is to use your imagination as a tool for relaxation; many meditation CD’s are available which will guide you through various exercises.
- Imagine yourself in your comfort zone; this could be anyplace that makes you feel happy and safe, such as the beach or a rustic woods. See the deep blue ocean, a purplish sunrise or emerald green pastures.
- Focus on all the sounds of your comfort zone; crashing waves, birds winging, etc.
- Now imagine tactile sensations, like the gentle breeze, woolly pine needles, or the warm sun on your face.
- Smell the salty ocean air or the deep incense of the forest.
Many tinnitus sufferers have found their symptoms lessened through practiced meditation. If you have a hectic schedule, try waking up a half-hour early and setting aside that time to meditate. Not only will it get your day off to a good start, it will also give you a sort of mental “home page” to go back to when things seem to be spiraling out of control.
Recommended reading: The Calm Technique: Meditation without Magic or Mysticism, by Paul Wilson
Sources:
Birmingham and District Tinnitus Group
The Journal of Noise & Health (February 2008) lists several causes of ear tinnitus and hearing loss among college students. Some of these are not well known.
One cause of ear tinnitus is occupational noise exposure. In the USA, the most common summer job among males under age 18 is construction. Many are not aware of the dangers of loud noise from electric drills and saws, and do not wear hearing protective devices (HPDs).
A second method of exposure to loud noise is from personal listening devices, such as iPods and car sound systems. Of course, music concerts and nightclubs are also responsible for causing ear tinnitus among this population.
Decibel levels (dBA) are measures of sound intensity. Personal stereo systems can generate noise levels 90 to 120 dBA. Sound levels from cars can be as high as 154 dBA. Sound levels in nightclubs can exceed 106 dBA, which unquestionably would cause tinnitus of the ear.
Rock concerts are able to boast sound levels of 110 to 115 dBA. Heavy metal concerts may reach as high as 125 dBA.
Ironically, health clubs are no safe haven for people trying to avoid ear tinnitus. The noise levels of music at American health clubs can reach as much as 106 dBA. Who would have ever thought that health clubs could be dangerous to your health?
We are the manufacturers of Tinnitus DX, a homeopathic supplement for tinnitus.
Tinnitus, like many conditions, can be prevented or held at bay by making sure you take an extra moment or two to protect yourself.
The most common cause of tinnitus is believed to be exposure to high noise levels. For some this may mean being in a loud environment for many years before symptoms begin, but for others a one time high-decibel blast may irreversibly damage the hearing function.
Thus, limit or avoid exposure to loud noises, such as music, power tools, gunshots, and industrial machinery and be sure to wear protective earplugs or earmuffs if you cannot avoid loud noises. Also be careful when using stereo headphones. If music is so loud that others can hear it clearly or you can’t hear other sounds around you, the volume is too high. Do not use wadded-up tissue or cotton balls. These do not protect adequately against loud noises, especially the more dangerous high frequencies, and they may become lodged in the ear canal.
It is suggested that regular exercise may prevent tinnitus because it improves blood flow to the structures of the ear, flushing away the free radicals and oxygenates the area, making it function in a healthier manner. Maintaining a healthy weight is also important for prevention of tinnitus as studies show it occurs more frequently in obese adults.
In cases of mild ringing of the ears cutting back on drinking alcohol and beverages containing caffeine as well as using tobacco products may be beneficial to stopping the symptoms. Nicotine and alcohol use may cause tinnitus by reducing blood flow to the structures of the ear, whereas caffeine may over-excite the nerves, causing the buzzing sound. A more in depth discussion concerning these sorts of lifestyle changes for the reduction of the buzzing/ringing symptoms will be posted in the future.
