Tinnitus isn’t something you can see. It doesn’t show up on an X-ray. There’s no cast, no bandage, no visible signs. But for the person living with chronic tinnitus, the constant ringing, buzzing or humming in their ears can feel overwhelming, sometimes even unbearable. It messes with sleep. It can make concentrating nearly impossible and, over time, it can chip away at mental well-being.
Understanding the Emotional Weight
Tinnitus affects over 50 million people in the United States. Many underestimate its emotional impact. It can cause anxiety, depression and somatization (the physical effects of emotional distress, like throwing up or insomnia). When someone you love is dealing with tinnitus, knowing how to be there for them makes a big difference.
How to Help Your Loved One
Tinnitus can make people feel alone, especially when they think no one else understands what they’re going through. Let your loved one know you see their struggle. That alone can help lighten the emotional load.
Small actions go a long way. If you’re looking for ways to offer extra support, here are a few ideas:
- Listen. Sometimes, it’s not about saying the right thing. It’s about showing up. Being there to listen is one of the most powerful forms of support. Let them vent when they need to. Let the frustration come out. Don’t try to fix it. Just hear them.
- Try yoga or meditation classes together. Yoga and meditation classes can provide moments of calm and promote tinnitus relief through stress reduction. Try taking a class at BEND Hot Yoga for a fun, communal form of relaxation.
- Be mindful of background noise. Loud spaces can exacerbate tinnitus. Consider quieter environments when making plans.
- Do research. Understanding tinnitus helps you offer better support. Check out our tinnitus page or visit one of our specialists to learn more about the symptoms.
- Attend hearing aid appointments together. Hearing aids are a standard symptom management option for tinnitus. They provide calming, ambient noise to distract the brain from ringing. Even though they’re helpful, many hesitate to try hearing aids. Offer to attend hearing and tinnitus appointments with your loved one. Your support may be the push they need to seek help.
Why Support Matters
When you show up with compassion and care, you remind your loved ones that they’re not alone in what they’re facing. You create space for calm, comfort and maybe even joy, despite the ringing.
To learn more about tinnitus or to schedule an evaluation, contact Prescott Ear, Nose, Throat & Allergy today.