1. Tinnitus gets worse with time
A popular myth around tinnitus is that it gets worse over time. This simply isn’t the case. While tinnitus symptoms often vary in their severity, such persistence is usually a result of mood or changes to daily activity, (e.g., limited exercise, extreme loneliness). It is possible for tinnitus to actually get better over time, which is why seeing a hearing health professional as soon as possible is so important.
2. Tinnitus goes away by itself
The reality is that tinnitus usually doesn’t go away by itself, unless brought on by some immediately exciting cause, such as certain medications. Many people suffering with tinnitus tend to hope the ringing in their ears will go away out of fear or embarrassment, which is not a sensible approach. Proper examination is essential – and may even point to earwax build-up as the root cause of the condition,
easily removed and potentially clearing up symptoms completely.
3. Tinnitus can eventually lead to hearing loss
A common misconception, tinnitus and hearing loss are separate conditions. Often connected, one does not trigger the other. However, tinnitus and hearing loss are commonly seen together, which explains why they are so liberally associated with one another. For example, an elderly person suffering from hearing loss may experience tinnitus as a symptom of their particular condition.
4. Certain foods can make tinnitus go away
At the moment, there is no evidence to suggest that incorporating or cutting out certain foods will keep tinnitus symptoms at bay. No food or drink has yet been proven to positively impact tinnitus sufferers, and you may even be doing yourself more harm than good by adhering to strict dietary changes. However, eating a balanced diet – while at the same time quitting smoking and lowering alcohol intake – is definitely key to good health in general and may even reduce tinnitus effects.
5. Tinnitus always manifests as a ringing in the ears
Although commonly referred to as ringing in the ears, tinnitus can present with a whole host of sounds; it’s important to be aware of this to let a hearing health professional know exactly how you’re experiencing the condition, so they can suggest an appropriate treatment plan. Roaring, whooshing, buzzing, or humming are all common tinnitus sounds, and they can vary from person to person – also day to day.
6. Tinnitus only happens after listening to loud music
It’s true that being exposed to loud noises for too long (front row at a concert, standing close to speakers at a nightclub, etc.) can bring on tinnitus, but it actually has various causes – many people develop tinnitus for no clear reason. Tinnitus can also accompany
Ménière's Disease, an inner ear disorder with potentially fatal complications, so be sure to get checked out if you suspect symptoms. It’s also not uncommon for the cause of a person’s tinnitus to never be discovered.
7. Tinnitus is all in your head
This is an unhelpful and potentially destructive message. Because others can’t hear the sounds associated with tinnitus, they may try to downplay its effects, or worse, accuse you of exaggerating, overreacting, and/or imagining things. As such, depression, mood swings and irritability may occur. Having a strong support network while living with tinnitus is crucial to its management and improving your quality of life.
8. Hearing aids can’t help with tinnitus
It has been suggested that tinnitus patients don’t benefit from hearing aids. In fact, because tinnitus is often a hearing loss symptom, people can find significant relief as soon as they’re fitted with hearing aids. Sounds from the outside world being amplified may drown out the noise of tinnitus. When deciding whether to use hearing aids as a means of managing tinnitus, speak to a hearing health professional for more information about your options.
9. Medication can cure tinnitus
There are currently no available prescription medicines to treat tinnitus. Although safe,
home remedies may be an option if you need help managing symptoms related to your condition. Mindfulness techniques such as yoga and meditation may also benefit people with tinnitus because they help reduce stress levels and provide focus beyond distractions like ringing in the ears.
10. There’s no real help for tinnitus
The greatest myth of all; consistent research is leading to better, more effective treatments for tinnitus. Whether you have severe, moderate or mild tinnitus, a doctor or hearing health professional will be able to diagnose and advise you about appropriate treatment. No matter how tinnitus affects you, you’re not alone in your journey to keeping it under wraps and enjoying a better quality of life.
When it comes to tinnitus, you shouldn’t believe everything you hear. Arrange to see your GP or
a qualified audiologist for living with ringing in the ears.
Have tinnitus and want to get your hearing checked? Visit Boots Hearingcare to find out more and view the list of open Hearingcare stores…