The constant ringing or buzzing sound those experiencing tinnitus hear – either all of the time, periodically, or on a short term basis – can have an extremely negative impact on a person’s life, and in a number of different ways. Not only may sufferers struggle to sleep at night (which can in itself, cause all manner of physical and mental problems), but they may also struggle to concentrate on day-to-day tasks, be unable to fulfil their role within the workplace to a satisfactory degree, and start isolating themselves from personal and social interactions.
The mental anguish caused by tinnitus often impacts upon their physical life, too, and when you combine stress caused by the condition, with a lack of quality sleep and overall anxiety, you’ve got a very real recipe for disaster. While therapies such as Lenire Tinnitus Treatment in Liverpool can be helpful in reducing symptoms of the condition, stress can also make tinnitus worse.
What are some common signs of stress?
If you’re experiencing a build-up of pressure that you’re struggling to cope with – which can be caused by any number of things but typically involves some changes to your life and having less control over what is taking place – you may well be suffering from stress. Still not sure whether stress is responsible for the way you’re feeling? Check out the list of symptoms below and see if any apply to you:
- Quickened heartbeat
- Disrupted sleep patterns
- Excessive sweating
- Lack of appetite
- Inability to concentrate
- Headaches
- Feelings of anxiety or irritability
- Pain or tension in muscles
- Dizziness
If you suffer from tinnitus, stress may cause the following to happen:
- You become more aware of it
- Find it changing in either sound or volume
- Experience it on a more frequent or constant basis
What is the link between tinnitus and stress?
Over the years, research has shown that in many instances, stress can trigger tinnitus, or heighten symptoms and make it worse. On the other hand, some tinnitus sufferers find that the condition makes them feel anxious and stressed more than usual. Sadly, sufferers of both stress and tinnitus may find themselves stuck in a never-ending cycle in which stress worsens tinnitus symptoms, and those symptoms induce feelings of stress and anxiety.
Fortunately though, there are some things you can do to try and manage your stress levels, while at the same time managing your tinnitus, and below are some helpful tips:
- Find local or online support groups
It’s always good to talk, and it can be even better to talk to someone who is suffering in the same way that you are. As such, local support groups – whether online or in person – can be a great way of helping you share your experiences, find support, and recommend treatments and therapies that may be helpful.
- Seek professional help
If you’re feeling stressed and suffer from tinnitus, seeking help from a medical professional, such as your local GP or registered audiologist is strongly recommended, and they may recommend a new, safe and effective form of treatment known as Lenire Tinnitus Therapy in Liverpool. They may also have other treatments available that you can try.
- Listen to music or sounds
With so many apps available today, you can find ones that play all sorts of sounds and music, and when played softly, they may provide you with a distraction from your tinnitus. There are also mindfulness apps available that can help you control your stress responses and therefore minimize your tinnitus symptoms.
Stress alone can be debilitating, as can tinnitus, but when combined, the two can make you feel as if there’s no way out of your misery. But, by recognising your symptoms and following the guidance outlined above, you can manage your condition and your stress levels, and regain some semblance of normality in your life.
