Anxiety potentially leading to tinnitus?
Anxiety potentially leading to tinnitus?
Stress and anxiety can impact people in various ways, creating feelings of discomfort or leading to sleeping problems. In certain individuals, it may cause a condition known as tinnitus, which translates to ringing, buzzing, hissing, or other noises in the ears that aren't linked to an external source. The intensity of these sounds may differ from person to person, but countless findings indicate that it can be annoying and distracting, impacting the overall quality of life.
Individuals affected by tinnitus might hear sounds that don't originate from an external source, for example, ringing, humming, fluttering, buzzing, hissing, whistling, sizzling, air escaping, or musical notes. These frequent episodes of tinnitus can hinder sleep and focus.
The treatment for tinnitus depends on the underlying cause, with some doctors suggesting medications, stress-reducing activities, or specific types of therapy. The suggested treatments for tinnitus caused by anxiety may include prescribed medications, stress-relieving activities, or technique-based therapy.
Keep reading to discover more about the connection between anxiety and tinnitus, mental health issues that can cause tinnitus, and ways to manage this condition.
Can anxiety lead to tinnitus?
Anxiety is the body's natural reaction to pressure. Pressure originates from a complex relationship between someone's thoughts and their physical manifestations.
As stated by the American Psychological Association, anxiety is characterized by nervous feelings, obsessive thoughts, and physical changes such as elevated blood pressure.
Anxiety has been linked to various medical conditions, including tinnitus. Studies show that individuals with chronic tinnitus often exhibit symptoms of anxiety, and their tinnitus may worsen after experiencing stress.
Some people may not only have tinnitus as a symptom of anxiety but may also be diagnosed with other mental health conditions. These individuals may experience anxiety episodes when they notice their tinnitus, causing them to worry further.
Learn more about how anxiety impacts the body.
Tinnitus and depression
According to studies, around half of all individuals with chronic tinnitus may also struggle with depression. Although the correlation between the two conditions isn't fully understood, researchers have noticed a link between psychological distress and tinnitus progression.
Brain imaging studies show that depression and severe tinnitus share similar alterations in the neural networks. This may make individuals with tinnitus more susceptible to developing depression, and vice versa.
Other symptoms of anxiety
Individuals with anxiety may experience obsessive thoughts or worries that constantly reappear.
They may also experience physical symptoms, including:
- tremors or twitching
- headaches
- sweating
- dry mouth
- muscle tension
- heart palpitations
- dizziness
- exhaustion
- rapid breathing
- sleep difficulties and nightmares
Management and treatment of tinnitus
The factors leading to tinnitus can vary from one person to the next, and symptoms might differ. As a result, the most effective treatment or management approach will differ based on the factors involved.
Currently, there is no known cure for tinnitus. Treatments aim to alleviate its impact and allow the individual to live a more comfortable life, with reduced stress.
Doctors may recommend:
- medications, such as antidepressants
- tinnitus retraining therapy (TRT), which incorporates sound therapy
- hearing aids
- relaxation techniques
Individuals may also benefit from speaking with a skilled counselor or therapist who can help them manage their feelings and emotional responses. TRT is based on cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), which has been recognized as one of the most effective methods in improving the quality of life for people whose tinnitus affects their mental health.
Tinnitus masking is another useful tactic for managing tinnitus. Masking uses external noise to curb the hyperactivity in the auditory cortex, helping to reduce an individual's awareness of the sounds in their ears. This might lessen the level of discomfort and disturbance.
Conclusion
Tinnitus refers to an individual being aware of sounds in their ears when there is no external sound source. A correlation has been observed between anxiety and tinnitus, with people with tinnitus often experiencing significant levels of stress and anxiety.
Persistent tinnitus can negatively impact an individual's quality of life, triggering sleep disturbances and focusing difficulties. Tinnitus may also contribute to worsening episodes of anxiety and depression.
Medications for tinnitus are often used to manage underlying psychological conditions, while alternative treatments like tinnitus masking and counseling aim to reduce an individual's awareness of the sounds in their ears.
In some cases, the intensity of tinnitus symptoms can be exacerbated by anxiety, leading to a predictive pattern where periods of stress might worsen the tinnitus experience. Additionally, anxiety can coexist with depression in individuals suffering from chronic tinnitus, further impacting their overall mental health and well-being.