What is Tinnitus?
- Tinnitus is a noise which can be heard when there is no external sound present.
- Tinnitus can be many different sounds including buzzing, ringing, humming, whooshing, pulsing or even music.
- Tinnitus can be constant or intermittent.
- Tinnitus can be in one ear, both ears or heard in the head.
What can trigger Tinnitus?
These are the most common causes:
- Hearing loss
- Stress
- Impacted ear wax
- Ear Infections
- Otoscelerosis
- Noise Exposure
- Ototoxic drugs
- Menieres
- Temporomandibular joint dysfunction (Jaw condition)
Understanding Tinnitus and the vicious cycle
Tinnitus management
- Sound Enrichment
Hearing aids, general background noise, relaxing music - Distraction
Exercising puzzles, reading, taking a shower - Relaxation
Breathing exercises, walking, and talking to someone or anything that makes you feel good
Sleep
DO
- Schedule bed time, go to bed when tired and get up at the same time every day
- Write down concerns and worries so you are not taking them to bed
- If after 20 minutes you cannot sleep, get up and go and do something. Try moving to another room
- Do something relaxing
DON’T
- Too many stimulants such as coffee, alcohol or a large meal at or near bedtime
- Don’t nap during the day
- Don’t do any physical activity too close to bedtime
- Don’t use anything too stimulating at bedtime especially using blue screens like phones or tablets
Under pillow speakers and Bluetooth head bands are useful to connect to your smart phones without wires or disturbing anyone.
Sounds of Tinnitus
Useful Links
There are various free Apps for tinnitus on Google play & Apple App store and on the internet:
Useful Contacts
British Tinnitus Association
Freephone Helpline 0800 018 0527
Email: info@tinnitus.org.uk
Other numbers:
Phone 0114 250 9933
Textphone 01142585694
Connevans
Assistive equipment.
Phone 01737 247571
Email: info@connevans.co.uk
Website www.connevans.co.uk
If there are any further help needed, please contact your GP for a referral to us.