There are thousands of Australians suffering from tinnitus. In addition to being painful, frustrating and confusing, tinnitus can make daily life a real challenge with feelings of anxiety and defeat in trying to find a solution.
What complicates things further is the number of myths surrounding tinnitus. Sufferers might be put off trying to get professional treatment, so Starts at 60 has compiled five of the most common myths about tinnitus that should be put to bed once and for all.
Myth 1: There is nothing you can do about tinnitus
While a lot of people might see their doctor with a complaint about ringing or buzzing in their ears they are sometimes told: “Tinnitus is just something you will have to deal with” or “Try to ignore it”.
As our friends at We’re All Ears confirm, there is a lot you can do to lessen the effects of the condition. You could seek counselling, wear ear protection, participate in tinnitus sound therapy and even wear a tinnitus management device.
A recent study suggests that patients with chronic tinnitus can experience great relief when fitted with an extended wear device. Click here to sign up for a 30-day trial and find out if it’s the right step for you.
Myth 2: Tinnitus is temporary; it will go away on its own
Some forms of tinnitus are temporary, caused by recent exposure to loud noise. However, others are more long-lasting or consist of recurring episodes. Tinnitus affects people in many ways and there are several ‘sounds of tinnitus’ including: mild tinnitus, high-pitched tinnitus, low-frequency tinnitus and musical hallucinations.
Unfortunately, tinnitus just doesn’t ‘disappear’, which means the sooner you seek professional help the better your chances of significant improvement.
Myth 3: Tinnitus is a disease
Wrong! Tinnitus is a condition caused by a broad range of causes such as the build-up of earwax, certain medications, otosclerosis, Ménière’s Disease or exposure to excessive noise.
Myth 4: Tinnitus only affects those who have been exposed to loud noises
While exposure to loud music can be one cause, it is actually just one of the many possible causes of the condition. It can happen to people of any age, gender, background or profession.
Myth 5: Tinnitus makes you deaf
Tinnitus does not make you deaf, but it might start as the same time as hearing loss. Often as your ability to hear outside sounds decreases because of a hearing loss, your brain will focus more on the internal noises and you might become increasingly aware of tinnitus.
In some people, tinnitus can be an indication of something more serious, so it’s important to visit your health care professional to eliminate any underlying problem.
Are there any other myths about tinnitus you know of? Share them in the comments below.
This post is sponsored by Connect Hearing and written independently by the Starts at 60 team. For more information, please click here.