STRESS and Tinnitus
What is the link between STRESS and Tinnitus?
It’s unlikely that stress can actually cause t…innitus, but research has shown that there is a strong link between them. All sources of stress can sometimes be a trigger for tinnitus, or make it worse.
Meanwhile, some people – though not all – find that tinnitus makes them feel stressed, tense, anxious and depressed. These feelings are not always caused by tinnitus, but they can be made worse by it.
It’s known that worrying about tinnitus, and thereby focusing attention on it, can make it worse. When this happens, a vicious cycle develops: stress makes tinnitus worse, which, in turn, leads to greater stress and anxiety. However, if you find yourself in this cycle, don’t worry, there are many things you can do to break out of it and minimise the impact that tinnitus has on your life. A good place to start is to learn how to relax and control your responses to stress.
If you want to learn more about tinnitus, check out our resources:
What is Tinnitus Retraining Therapy?
Tinnitus Retraining Therapy (TRT) is a method designed to help the body adjust to its reactions and perceptions of tinnitus. Developed by Dr. Pavel Jastreboff (PhD, ScD), TRT allows patients to identify the background noise of tinnitus and retrain their auditory reflexes to block the signal for this noise.
TRT consists of two basic components: one-on-one counselling about your auditory retraining and regular sound therapy, via sound generators.
Neuromonics
Neuromonics is another form of Tinnitus therapy which also involves using a sound generator. These are available in off the shelf form for those who require less help.
Sound Generators
Sound generators are off the shelf devices designed to induce a better nights sleep and tinnitus relief. Designed by leading sleep and sound experts.