It’s that time of year when it feels like there’s never a quiet moment. Whether you’re rushing to the store for a few last-minute things, joining in on the caroling or attending an office holiday party, your world is filled with noise. For people with tinnitus, however, there’s one more sound: a persistent ringing or buzzing in the ears.
Why Does Tinnitus Arise?
Tinnitus is a common symptom. Because tinnitus is subjective, pinpointing the exact cause can be tricky. However, it commonly arises after hearing loss, ear trauma, earwax blockages, infections or the long-term use of ototoxic medications (medications that damage the inner ear). One possible cause for a tinnitus flare-up that isn’t as frequently explored is stress—a familiar feeling during the holidays.
A 2023 study investigated why tinnitus tends to worsen when stress levels increase. Researchers found that stress can affect both the auditory system and the body’s stress-response networks. When you feel overwhelmed, the brain and nervous system become more sensitive to sound signals, including the internal noise created by tinnitus. At the same time, tinnitus itself can be stressful or frustrating, creating a cycle where more stress leads to louder tinnitus, and louder tinnitus leads to more stress.
The good news is that taking steps to manage stress may help soften tinnitus.
Stress Relief Tips
Try a few of the following stress relief activities to minimize your tinnitus:
- Put your phone away. Our phones can be both fun and stressful. Instead of getting stuck in a loop of nighttime scrolling, put your phone away for a couple of hours before bed. Not only will it help you wind down, but you may also get a little extra sleep.
- Schedule quiet time. Make time each day to sit and relax. You could read a book, watch a movie, go for a walk around Henry Park or do anything else that helps you relax and recharge.
- Delegate. If you’re doing most of the holiday chores, ask your loved ones to pitch in. They could help with the cooking, shopping, cleaning or anything else on your bucket list to take some of the burden off your shoulders.
While tinnitus may feel more intense during the holiday rush, it doesn’t disappear when the season ends. If you’d like support managing tinnitus year-round, contact Sound Advice Audiology to learn about how options like counseling or sound therapy with hearing aids can help you find relief.