Tinnitus, or the presence of ringing, buzzing or other sounds in one or both ears when no sound is present, is common. According to the National Institute of Deafness and Other Communication Disorders, it affects approximately 10% of the U.S. population.
If you live with tinnitus symptoms, you may be wondering how to effectively manage your tinnitus symptoms while staying productive at work.
The impacts of tinnitus can vary from person to person, but there are common side effects to be aware of. These include feelings of depression or anxiety and difficulty sleeping or concentrating. Oftentimes, tinnitus symptoms are perceived to be worse when a person is already stressed.
These symptoms can have a negative impact on overall well-being and can pose challenges in both personal and professional settings.
Managing Tinnitus
There are various options for managing tinnitus symptoms, allowing you to maintain focus and productivity at work. Your doctor can help you determine which symptom management strategies are right for you.
Here are some effective methods for managing tinnitus symptoms:
- Acoustic therapy: Involves using external sounds to cover up, inhibit or alter the perception of tinnitus. Your doctor can help provide a suitable option for you.
- Counseling or cognitive behavioral therapy: These therapies can reduce the stress and emotional burden associated with tinnitus symptoms.
- Stress management techniques: Practices such as yoga or meditation can aid in managing stress, which can, in turn, alleviate the impact of tinnitus symptoms.
- Support groups: Joining support groups or seeking peer support can provide insights and coping strategies.
- Exercise: Regular physical activity has been shown to positively impact overall well-being and may help alleviate tinnitus symptoms. Try a yoga or meditation program at The Yoga Room.
- Music therapy: Listening to music or engaging in musical activities can provide relief and distraction from tinnitus.
- Lifestyle adjustments: Avoiding stimulants like caffeine and nicotine and reducing exposure to loud noise can contribute to better management of tinnitus symptoms. Avoiding complete silence is also recommended.
It’s crucial to find the best management option for your specific case of tinnitus to work to ensure you can remain engaged and productive at work.
If you have questions about tinnitus or would like to get your hearing checked, consider scheduling an appointment with Prescott Ear, Nose, Throat & Allergy.