What is Reverse Tinnitus?

Tinnitus is the perception of phantom sounds like ringing, hissing, or buzzing in one or both ears without actual sound. Approximately 10% of adults in the USA experience tinnitus, and about 1 in 4 have had symptoms for over 15 years.  

If you suffer from tinnitus, you know it can cause complications in life with problems focusing, low energy levels, anxiety, and a lower quality of life. Unfortunately, there currently are no drugs or FDA-approved devices to reverse or improve the condition significantly.  

However, there are cognitive-behavioral therapies that can help overcome the distress of the condition, and hearing aids and other devices can help lessen the sounds of tinnitus. And there are treatments on the horizon that may help reverse tinnitus completely.  

Follow along with the Hearing Associates of Las Vegas as we explain tinnitus, how you can avoid it and how we can help if you have it.  

What is Tinnitus, and How Do You Get it?

Tinnitus is the unmistakable ringing in one or both ears which isn’t perceptible by anyone else but you. While an external sound isn’t currently causing the ringing, the ringing is likely rooted in past exposure to loud sounds. That ringing is more noticeable at night when it’s quiet and can make it challenging to get to sleep for some sufferers.

Older people experience tinnitus more than any other age group. The ringing can make life miserable since you don’t know when it might appear. It’s not just ringing tinnitus. You may experience several different phantom noises like:

• Buzzing
• Roaring
• Clicking
• Hissing
• Humming

What causes tinnitus?

The primary cause of tinnitus is caused by hearing loss, either due to exposure to loud noises or simply because of the aging process. Hearing loss happens when the fragile hair cells of the ear are bent or broken. Once damaged, these hair cells can send arbitrary electrical impulses to the brain resulting in tinnitus.

Other causes of tinnitus.

• Ear infections- This occurs when the ear canal is blocked with fluid, wax, or dirt.   
• Head injuries- Even small head or neck trauma can alter the inner ear.  
• Medications- Various medicines can cause or worsen tinnitus. NSAIDs, antibiotics, cancer drugs, water pills, and antidepressants can impact and exacerbate tinnitus.  
• Meniere’s disease- Tinnitus can be an early indication of the presence of Meniere’s disease.  
• Eustachian tube dysfunction- This occurs when the valve of the eustachian tube remains open or expanded.  
• Ear bone changes- Stiffening bones in the middle ear can cause tinnitus.  
• TMJ- A dysfunction of this sliding hinge that connects the skull to the jawbone can cause tinnitus.
• Neck Tumor- A benign tumor can cause tinnitus.  
• Blood vessel disorder- Atherosclerosis or high blood pressure will increase your chances of developing or worsening tinnitus.  
• Diabetes, thyroid issues, lupus, and autoimmune disorders can trigger tinnitus.

How Can You Avoid Getting Tinnitus or Making it Worse?

Now that you know what causes tinnitus, is there any way to keep it from getting worse or avoid it altogether? While not every suggestion will work for everyone since circumstances can vary wildly, there are a few things you can do to reduce the chances of getting tinnitus or making it worse.

• Do your best to avoid loud noises. This can be tough if your job places you in the presence of some serious decibels like a construction site, aviation, or music industry.
• Use earplugs or other hearing protection. Hearing protection goes a long way to reduce the harmful levels of sound from impacting the delicate hair cells in the ear.
• Avoid headphones and turn the volume down. Headphones or AirPods can wreak havoc on hearing, so avoid them if possible. If this can’t be avoided, turn the volume down.
• Limit your use of alcohol and tobacco products. They have a direct link to tinnitus.
• Watch your weight. Obesity can also be a foothold for tinnitus because being overweight often brings with it poor circulation, high blood pressure, and the potential for diabetes which will exacerbate tinnitus. 
• Avoid medications that can make it worse. 

How Can We Help You if You Have Tinnitus?

If you already have tinnitus and your quality of life is suffering, it’s vital to get help so you can cope with it better. Though there is no FDA-cleared device just yet to reverse tinnitus, there are our hearing professionals can get you back to hearing better and feeling better. 

Sound therapy 

There are various sound therapy options that many of our patients have been successful with, including: 

• The Levo System
• Neuromonics
• Tranquil Tinnitus Sound Generator

You will also receive tinnitus management help along with sound therapy.

Hearing aids    

Hearing loss and tinnitus go hand in hand.  Therefore improving your hearing ability will decrease your tinnitus symptoms. If you have tinnitus, a hearing evaluation by one of our experienced hearing professionals is your best bet. 

Counseling 

It’s mentally draining when suffering from hearing sounds that no one else. We offer counseling and tinnitus management aid to help you cope with the mental issues of living with tinnitus.

Relief studio 

If you need a peaceful place to rest and escape from your tinnitus, we have a one-of-a-kind Tinnitus Relief Studio. Our Summerlin office has a soothing and therapeutic room called the “Tinnitus Relief Studio.” Since tinnitus is exacerbated by anxiety and stress, we designed a space to provide the most relaxing environment possible.

 The soothing decor and our zero gravity massage melt away your stress. As you relax, our hearing instrument specialists will work with you to develop an individualized tinnitus treatment plan.

Exciting New Treatments on the Horizon

Though there are currently no FDA-approved drugs or devices to reverse tinnitus, hope is on the horizon.  We are particularly excited about two new therapies in development. 

Bimodal Neuromodulation

A non-invasive device that combines hearing sounds with zapping the tongue seems to be an effective way to reverse tinnitus. This technique is known as bimodal neuromodulation. Researchers report that electrically stimulating neurons in the face or tongue can activate neurons in the hearing system.  Zapping the tongue with sounds seems to rewire the part of the brain associated with tinnitus. 

This device is currently used in some countries in Europe, and the company is applying for FDA approval as of this writing.  We will keep you updated and informed as more information is released. 

Protein Blocking

Researchers from the University of Arizona have discovered that blocking a specific protein that causes auditory inflammation, tinnitus, and other hearing disorders is reversed in mice. More studies need to be done before human clinical trials can start.  However, this is an excellent discovery, and we will keep you updated on new information. 

 If you are suffering from tinnitus, contact our team today to see how we help you now.  There are things we can do right now to help you get back to living life as normally as possible.