Many tinnitus sufferers find comfort in playing some pleasing background music or sound effects in their homes; nature CD’s, indoor water fountains and white noise generating machines mask much of the pervasive crackling or rushing sounds which remain with them throughout their days and nights, making it difficult to rest or concentrate on work.
Some expensive hearing aid “masking” systems are available which produce a steady stream of white noise. Not sure if you’re ready for hearing aids or cochlear implants? Here are some popular and inexpensive alternatives:
- The soothing, nondescript sound produced by white noise generators reduces the buzzing, ringing and chirping noises which are typical tinnitus symptoms. Some models to look out for: Simply Noise, which is available as an iPhone or Android app, or Brookstone’s Tranquil Moments Sleep Sound Therapy System. She’ll love the ultra-feminine HoMedics SoundSpa Mini Pink Sound Machine, available at Walmart.
HoMedics SoundSpa Mini Pink Sound Machine
- Animated dolphins leap through lush waterfalls in this animated 3D wall decor; both captivating and calming to watch, features realistic sound and light effects, and volume and lighting control.
- Set your screensaver to an idyllic scene with melodic sound effects; the 3D Fantasy River Screensaver creates the illusion of splashing in a rippling creek with the forest as your backdrop, including realistic water movements and enchanting melody.
- Nothing is more relaxing than the sedate sound of water running over smooth stones. Set up an indoor water fountain in your bedroom for a lulling atmosphere conducive to restful sleep.
- Who says wind chimes are only for the outdoors? Hang one of these exotic bamboo wind chimes by an open window; the soft jingly effects will set a tranquil mood throughout your home. Made from non-endangered wood, hand-crafted in Bali. Choose one of many whimsical designs, such as the Asian bobbing-head crane, cowboy hat mobile or tubes painted with colorful butterflies.
Cohasset Blue Butterfly 13 Inch Wind Chime
- Do you enjoy falling asleep to the sound of rain tapping overhead? No need to wait for the next thunderstorm; download your own custom sound effects onto your iPod or smart phone. Partners in Rhyme lets you choose from a vast library of royalty-free, cost-free ambient sound effects, such as Rain & Thunder, City Sounds and more.
- Unwind while listening to one of these Soothing Sounds of Nature CD’s; listen to tropical waves or the sounds of the forest while driving or relaxing at home.
- Wake up to the Nature Sound 7 Color Changing Light Alarm Clock, featuring 6 different nature sounds, 7 vibrant color-changing lights and snooze control.
Nature Sound 7 Color Changing Light Alarm Clock
- The BBC Planet Earth Collection takes you through mountain forests, bubbling rivers, arid deserts, polar ice floes and balmy jungles- all to the hauntingly dramatic soundtrack composed by George Fenton and the BBC Orchestra.
- Various You Tube videos are available to set the mood for tranquility; this Gentle Rain video features rushing waterfalls and soft narration:
Image Credits:
HoMedics SoundSpa Mini Pink Sound Machine
Music legend Phil Collins, renowned former lead singer of Genesis and accomplished musical choreographer, is stepping off the stage of his career. The 60-year-old performer has announced that health problems, including hearing loss, have made it impossible for him to continue as a musician.
Phil Collins on the cover of Rolling Stone
Did chronic noise exposure make the music die?
Your ears can only handle so much stimulation; hearing loss and tinnitus, a condition where sufferers hear a constant ringing or buzzing in the ears, are common ailments of musicians, as exposure to unhealthy levels of decibels is one of their occupational hazards. Jam sessions, never-ending concert line-ups and frequent iPod ear bud usage all account for irreversible damage to the cochlea in the inner ear.
Celebrities raise tinnitus awareness
How much is too much?
The National Institutes of Health define noise induced hearing loss as damage done to the ears as a result of constant exposure to loud noises greater than 75 decibels. Comparatively, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) sets a safety standard of no more than 110 decibels. Musicians, stunt men and individuals who have served in the army or the air force are constantly exposed to decibels much greater than the amount advised by health experts; as a result they are most likely to suffer from irreversible hearing loss and tinnitus.
How can we protect our hearing and avoid the symptoms of tinnitus?
- If you work in an setting which requires constant exposure to loud noises, be vigilant about wearing protective earplugs.
- Avoid wearing iPod ear buds; opt instead for volume-controlled safe headphones which can be purchased on the internet.
- Listen to music on a moderate setting.
- Turn off the television or radio when not engaged; don’t be tempted to keep them on as “background noise.”
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
America’s Baby Boomers are getting older starting to need the sort of services attributed to the elderly: retirement facilities, retirement plans and old age medical care, including the rising need for improved hearing aid technology.
Are physicians responding to the escalating need for senior health care?
Not according to The National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, who published a study on hearing loss in 715 elderly citizens who were given hearing tests.
Below are some of the results of the 2005-2006 investigation on hearing loss in the elderly:
- 63% of senior citizens over the age of 70 suffered hearing loss to the extent that they were unable to carry a regular conversation.
- More men than women exhibited symptoms of hearing impairment.
- Hearing loss in the elderly is more prevalent among Caucasians- 64% of white subjects in the study were hearing impaired, compared to 43% of black individuals who had hearing problems.
- Despite the overwhelming majority of senior citizens who suffer hearing loss, most do not wear hearing aids.
Most elderly patients who require hearing aids are not urged by their doctors to to get fitted for appropriate hearing aids or hearing implants.
According to Frank R. Lin, an assistant professor of otology at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, “There’s a general perception that hearing loss in older adults is not very important.”
Is it ageism?
Maybe.
That’s all likely to change, though, as America’s Baby Boomer gets ready to trade in his San Francisco area flat for an assisted-living condo in Miami. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the Baby Boomer generation currently accounts for 25% of the US population- a dwindling number, but one that still carries a lot of weight and influence on trends, government spending and to some degree, technology.
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Nearly 36 million Americans suffer from tinnitus, a constant buzzing, roaring or chirping sound in the inner or outer ear. While some head noise is normal, individuals with severe tinnitus are plagued with incessant babble throughout their day. Routine activities such as checking one’s email and driving to the market become unbearably difficult and full of distractions. Many patients of this incurable disease fall into bouts of anxiety and depression.
What causes tinnitus?
Tinnitus is often caused by exposure to loud noises; musicians and army soldiers make up for a large percentage of its patients. Health experts predict an increase in tinnitus and other hearing-related diseases as a result of the popularity of noise-cancelling iPod earbuds which produce unhealthy levels of noise waves and may cause permanent ear damage.
Musicians warn teens to lower the volume
Most people are unaware of this affliction; many probably have it and didn’t realize they were not alone. Celebrities such as Wil.i.am of the Black Eyed Peas and William Shatner are trying to change all that.
Wil.i.am told the Sun that music is his only escape from the constant ringing of tinnitus; much of his success can be attributed to his inability to slow down.
Music is his only escape
“I don’t know what silence sounds like any more. Music is the only thing which eases my pain,” says the singer for the Black Eyed Peas.
Jack Black, famous for his rowdy rocker persona, also warns teens to protect their hearing in this YouTube video:
Heavy metal drummer Lars Ulrich of Metallica, who also suffers from tinnitus, delivers his speech on hearing loss in this video funded by H.E.A.R:
The Tinnitus Foundation released this montage of famous people with tinnitus, including Pete Townshend, David Letterman, Barbra Streisand and Ronald Reagan.
William Shatner and co-star Leonard Nimoy were often exposed to loud eruptions on the sets of the Star Trek films. In his video for the American Tinnitus Association, William Shatner describes an explosion during filming which forever altered his hearing ability.
There are many people who have experienced hearing loss and tinnitus and are not aware of it. Top five signs of hearing loss include:
- You find that you are missing out on parts of conversations when people talk
- You need to ask people to repeat things
- Your friends or relatives complain that your television/radio is too loud
- When you speak on the telephone, you can’t hear the person clearly
- You find yourself participating in group conversations less often because you won’t be able to follow them
If any of the above applies to you, it is recommended that you see an audiologist to assess your hearing.
If you hear noises in your ears that don’t exist, then you are also suffering from tinnitus. It may be a ringing, hissing, or whooshing sound.
Both hearing loss and tinnitus can be prevented by using hearing protection when exposed to loud noises, as well as lowering the volume of music generating devices. Both noises from construction equipment and music have been clinically proven to cause hearing loss and tinnitus.
If you are exposed to a loud noise and has no hearing protection on hand, you should move as far away from the source as possible. The further away you move, the less likely the sound will damage your ears.
It is also advised that you should not insert foreign objects into your ears, such as toothpicks, when trying to clean the ears. This can accidentally destroy the lining of the ear canal or perforate the eardrum, which will cause hearing loss.
If you suffer from tinnitus, you may want to try Tinnitus DX, a homeopathic remedy for tinnitus.
In the United Kingdom, they know how to treat their soldiers. According to an article in The Times (United Kingdom; 8/11/2009), Charles Bradlaugh was awarded the equivalent of $538,300 from the Ministry of Defence. While a soldier, he lost all hearing in one ear following a firing exercise in 2004. The Ministry of Defense had failed to provide hearing protection.
The soldier also suffers from tinnitus in the left ear as a result.
Imagine if the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs had to pay out amounts similar to this one for hearing loss and tinnitus. Surely, then, they would provide high-tech ear plugs to all its members and instruct them in their usage. Veterans of the armed forces would be able to lead better lives following their service in the armed forces, and would not be kept up at night by phantom whooshing or whistling sounds from tinnitus.
Until then, those who suffer from tinnitus would benefit from Tinnitus DX, a homeopathic remedy and dietary supplement for tinnitus.
As we now know, the most common cause of tinnitus is exposure to loud sound which damages the ears. This may occur over an extended period of time or after just one particular experience with excessive noise. However, previously excessive noise exposure was a hazard of a few particular jobs, nowadays anyone with a pair of headphones/earphones and a mp3/cd player can become affected by sounds which are too loud for the ear. Although earphone and headphone makers design the items not to damage the physical structure of the ear, they are restricted from controlling the level of sound output, which is often the culprit in emerging tinnitus. Some manufacturers of portable music devices have attempted to introduce safety circuitry that limited output volume or warned the user when dangerous volume was being used, but the concept has been rejected by most of the buying public, which favors the personal choice of high volume. Koss introduced the “Safelite” line of cassette players in 1983 with such a warning light. The line was discontinued two years later for lack of interest
Most commonly tinnitus appears after prolonged and extreme overuse – such as listening to music for 5-8 hours a day at the loudest settings, although for some just a single blast of noise is enough to damage the ear, causing hearing loss and tinnitus symptoms. It is suggested that if earphones are used the time exposed to sound should be limited to 1 hour a day to protect hearing.
Doctors do suggest using headphones instead of earphones when possible as most earphones do not block out background noise, often pompting the user to turn up the volume. Those earphones that insert into the ear cannal can be even worse. “Insert earphones can boost the signal by as much as six to nine decibels. That’s about the difference between the sound of a vacuum cleaner and a motorcycle” – Dean Garstecki
Doctors also suggest that if you expect to visit an area where you will be exposed to prolonged loud sounds, like a concert or a construction site, you should equip yourself accordingly. The best way to do this is with use of earplugs and ear-muffs. There is a wide variety of these available on the market, offering different levels of protection which will block out excessive noise and prevent hearing loss. Protect your ears today so they may serve you well tomorrow.
How is Meniere’s Different From Tinnitus
Meniere’s disease is a disorder of the inner ear that, unlike tinnitus, affects both hearing and balance. It is characterized by episodes of dizziness, buzzing, ringing in the ears (tinnitus) and progressive hearing loss, usually in one ear. It is named after the French physician Prosper Ménière, who first reported that vertigo was caused by inner ear disorders. Meniere’s disease occurs due to an increase in volume and pressure of the endolymph of the inner ear, and is a progressive disorder which often gets worse with time. Although, progression of Meniere’s is unpredictable: symptoms may worsen, remain the same or disappear altogether.
An episode of Meniere’s disease is usually characterized by an attack of vertigo which sometimes lasts more than 24 hours, tinnitus which increases in volume and temporary hearing loss, which can become worse and more permanent with more attacks. Nausea and sweating can also be experienced during an episode.
Meniere’s disease is not known, but it is believed to be related to endolymphatic hydropsor excess fluid in the inner ear. It is thought that endolymphatic fluid bursts from its normal channels in the ear and flows into other areas causing excess pressure and damage. This may be related to swelling of the endolymphatic sac or other tissues in the vestibular system of the inner ear, which is responsible for the body’s sense of balance.
The symptoms may occur in the presence of a middle ear infection, head trauma or an upper respiratory tract infection, or by using aspirin, smoking cigarettes or drinking alcohol, all of which also aggravate the experience of tinnitus. They may be further exacerbated by excessive consumption of salt in some patients. It is most commonly treated with a variety of prescription medications and may even benefit from surgery. However the condition may return even for individuals post surgery, which is why a more permanent and less invasive solutions are currently being researched for the treatment of Meniere’s disease.
Current peer reviewed research explores a correlation between damage caused by neck trauma, such as whiplash, and disorders associated with cranial nerves, like Meniere’s disease and Trigeminal neuralgia. A pinching of nerves between the vertebrae of the spine, called subluxation, can cause pain and symptoms such as dizziness, vertigo and other indicators associated with Meniere’s. This subluxation can be analyzed and adjusted by upper cervical specific chiropractors, which may help relieve some if not many, of the symptoms.
Signs of Impaired Hearing
Hearing problems often come on gradually and unnoticed by the person with the problem. Psychological manifestations may occur before there is a conscious lack of hearing is admitted. Here are some of the symptoms that might make it more evident that sounds are not being heard normally.
- Difficult in following and participating in conversations.
- Poor attention span with distractibility
- Accusations of others not speaking clearly
- changes in quality of voice; speech too loud or too soft
- changes in personality: indifference, social withdrawal, insecurity.
- Difficulty in hearing high-pitched voices of woman and children
If any of these conditions have happened to you or to someone you know, a medical doctor should be contacted for a comprehensive assessment. Audiologists can measure the type and degree of hearing loss. It is much better to know the facts than to guess on the condition of audio perception.
