Have you ever heard a high-pitched ringing or buzzing but not been able to pinpoint its source? This sensation is called tinnitus. Tinnitus is one of the most common health conditions in the United States, with approximately 10% of U.S. adults experiencing some form of internal ringing. Often a symptom of underlying conditions, tinnitus varies from person to person. Some may only experience one five-minute burst of ringing in their life, while others find it debilitating.
Let’s explore temporary and chronic tinnitus, its impact on daily life and how to manage it.
The Impact of Tinnitus on Daily Life
Short-term or temporary tinnitus, while annoying, is easily brushed off. Chronic tinnitus, however, can severely affect your quality of life, leading to sleep disturbances, difficulty concentrating, emotional strain, irritability and social isolation. Understanding whether tinnitus is temporary or chronic is key to finding the right management strategies to offset the potential side effects.
Causes of Chronic Tinnitus
Tinnitus is considered chronic when it lasts for three months or longer. Two common causes of chronic tinnitus include hearing loss and ototoxicity.
Hearing loss, which can occur due to aging, prolonged noise exposure or other factors, may prompt the ear to generate noise in response to disruptions in sound transmission. Temporary tinnitus often results from short-term exposure to loud noises and typically resolves within a few days. Chronic tinnitus can arise from long-term exposure to loud noises or progressive damage to the cochlea’s hair cells, leading to lasting symptoms.
Ototoxicity refers to inner ear damage that develops as a result of taking certain medications—known as ototoxic medications. There are currently more than 200 ototoxic medications, including those used to treat cancer, heart disease and serious infections. Ototoxicity can cause symptoms up to five years after you start taking the medications, so it can be difficult to determine if your tinnitus or hearing loss is chronic. In some cases, tinnitus caused by short-term use of these medications may subside once the medication is discontinued, but prolonged use can result in irreversible ear damage and chronic tinnitus.
Causes of Temporary Tinnitus
Several minor conditions, including ear infections, Eustachian tube blockages and earwax buildup, can cause temporary tinnitus. In most cases, treating these underlying issues will make the tinnitus go away.
Managing Tinnitus
If you’re living with temporary or chronic tinnitus, seeking professional help is crucial. An audiologist can offer management strategies including sound therapy with hearing aids or white noise machines, counseling and addressing the underlying causes. Mindfulness practices and stress reduction techniques like taking classes at Yoga Okoboji may further alleviate the distress associated with this condition.
Tinnitus doesn’t need to take over your life. Contact Nelson Hearing Clinics today to discuss symptom management with one of our specialists.