Why Tinnitus Could Be Dangerous

Tinnitus is a problem that makes a person hear a ringing sound in their ears that isn’t there. The sound could also be hissing, buzzing, whistling, chirping, or other sounds. It can seem quite loud for some people and be persistent. While for many people it is merely annoying, for others, it can be so bad that a recent study says it can cause thoughts of suicide.

Home Care Huntington Beach CA – Why Tinnitus Could Be Dangerous

European researchers conducted a survey of 72,000 people in Sweden. The survey revealed that 9 percent of women and 5.5 percent of men who had severe cases of tinnitus had attempted suicide. They theorized that the link was related to the distress that the sound can cause. The study highlights the need for treating the condition to manage its emotional effects.

More About Tinnitus

According to the Mayo Clinic, tinnitus isn’t really a condition. It’s actually a symptom caused by an underlying problem, such as hearing loss that comes with age, an injury to the ear, or problems with circulation.

People typically describe the phantom noises they hear in one of the following ways:

• Ringing.
• Buzzing.
• Roaring.
• Clicking.
• Hissing.
• Humming.

Many people with tinnitus hear the sound in only one ear. The pitch of the noise can vary as can the perceived volume. Sometimes it is so loud that the person has trouble hearing and may not be able to concentrate on tasks. Tinnitus can also make it difficult to sleep, causing fatigue. It can also lead to depression, anxiety, and irritability.

Living with Tinnitus

There are treatments available for tinnitus that may be successful in lessening tinnitus. In addition, there are things that can be done at home to make living with tinnitus a little easier.

Some things to try include:

Identify Triggers: For some people, eating or drinking certain things can make tinnitus worse. Caffeine, salt, alcohol, and aspirin are all common triggers.

Quit Smoking: Smoking affects circulation, so it can decrease blood flow to the nerve cells involved in hearing. And, because nicotine is a stimulant, it may make the sound seem louder.

Soft Music or White Noise: Playing soothing music or white noise can help to drown out the ringing.

Find a Support Group: If tinnitus is affecting the person’s emotional health, a support group can help them to deal with negative feelings.

If your aging relative suffers from tinnitus, home care can help them to deal with the problem. Home care providers can assist with identifying triggers by asking the senior about their symptoms after they eat or drink and writing them down in a log. A home care provider can also play soft music or turn on a fan or white noise machine when symptoms are particularly troubling. And, if the older adult decides to join a support group, a home care provider can offer transportation to meetings.

Sources:  https://www.webmd.com/a-to-z-guides/news/20190502/tinnitus-may-drive-some-to-the-brink-of-suicide#1
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/tinnitus/symptoms-causes/syc-20350156
https://www.webmd.com/a-to-z-guides/understanding-tinnitus-basics
https://www.webmd.com/a-to-z-guides/living-with-tinnitus#1

If you or an aging loved one are considering Home Care Services in Huntington Beach CA, please contact the caring staff at 1Heart Care Services today.