{"id":2237,"date":"2019-12-20T10:29:50","date_gmt":"2019-12-20T10:29:50","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/albanyentandallergy.fm1.dev\/?p=1566"},"modified":"2019-12-20T10:29:50","modified_gmt":"2019-12-20T10:29:50","slug":"managing-the-mental-burden-of-tinnitus","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/albanyentandallergy.com\/managing-the-mental-burden-of-tinnitus\/","title":{"rendered":"Managing the Mental Burden of Tinnitus"},"content":{"rendered":"

Tinnitus is common in Albany<\/a>, affecting about one in five residents. Characterized by phantom sounds in the ears\u2014most often described as a ringing, though a variety of sounds have been reported\u2014this symptom (it\u2019s not a medical condition itself, but rather, a side effect of another disorder) can be so bothersome it creates mental distress. There is no cure, but help is available for the 50 million people in New York and throughout the U.S. who are affected.<\/p>\n

Tinnitus Affects Everybody Differently<\/h2>\n

\"Bells<\/p>\n

One of the reasons researchers have been unable to find a cure for tinnitus is because it produces such a wide range and degree of symptoms. No two cases are alike; one person\u2019s tinnitus might come and go randomly, while another\u2019s could be a constant presence that interferes with their ability to function normally. It can negatively impact concentration, memory and sleep.<\/p>\n

The Negative Impact of Tinnitus<\/h2>\n

Tinnitus can be so debilitating, a recent Swedish study published in JAMA Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery <\/em>found it is associated with higher suicide rates<\/a>. Another study in the American Journal of Audiology <\/em>identified a link between suicidal and self-harm thoughts in adults who had experienced mental illness such as anxiety, depression and anger during childhood.<\/p>\n

How common is tinnitus?<\/h2>\n

Anxiety, stress and depression are common in people with tinnitus in Albany. It\u2019s estimated that 75 percent<\/a> of individuals with severe tinnitus suffer from these and other behavioral disorders, according to the American Tinnitus Association<\/a>. Yet few medical professionals discuss the mental health burden associated with tinnitus. Addressing these issues can significantly improve the quality of life for tinnitus sufferers in New York. <\/p>\n

Techniques to manage Tinnitus<\/h2>\n

There may not be a cure, but management strategies incorporating sound therapy (such as white noise), hearing aids, counseling, meditation and relaxation exercises and tinnitus meditation therapy<\/a> have all been shown to help reduce symptoms (or at the very least, lower the patient\u2019s perception of his or her symptoms).<\/p>\n

Caroline J. Schmidt, PhD, a clinical psychologist at Yale Medicine in New Haven, CT, says, <\/p>\n

\u201cAudiologists should be aware that patients with tinnitus are potentially fragile emotionally, especially during the early months following onset of tinnitus.\u201d<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

Strategies for Easing the Burden of Tinnitus<\/h3>\n

Your Albany audiologist has some mental health strategies for reducing the burden of tinnitus. These include:<\/p>\n