If you’ve ever been bothered by a buzzing or ringing in your ear, you’re not alone. According to the American Tinnitus Association, more than 45 million Americans experience tinnitus, and 20 percent of those are bothered on a regular basis.
What Is Tinnitus?
The perception of a ringing in the ear is known as tinnitus. While a common problem, it is a symptom of an underlying condition rather than a condition itself. Common causes include age-related hearing loss, ear injury or a circulatory system disorder.
Tinnitus sounds different to every person. Most report the phantom noise they hear as a:
- Buzzing
- Ringing
- Roaring
- Clicking
- Hissing
- Humming
The sound can vary in pitch and may be heard in one or both ears. The ringing may be present all the time, interfering with your ability to concentrate, or may come and go.
Treating Tinnitus
While tinnitus cannot be cured, there are a number of treatment options available to help you manage your symptoms. Common treatment options include:
- Hearing aids
- Noise suppression
- Medications
- Lifestyle and home remedies
- Coping and support
How to meditate with tinnitus
Many are turning to alternative treatment options to help manage their tinnitus. A common option is meditation.
The process is simple: sit in a comfortable, upright posture and relax. Clear your mind of any thoughts while you breathe in and out.
Don’t Move
Remaining still tells your body that all is well.
Don’t Scratch
If you notice a distraction, such as an itch, acknowledge the discomfort. Sit with the discomfort. Often, the uncomfortable feeling will quiet down on its own.
Don’t Engage
Try to clear your mind. If thoughts do emerge, note and acknowledge them, but don’t interact. Counting your breaths in and out is one way to keep your mind busy while still resting.
Noticing your thoughts and working to clear your mind is a normal part of the medication process.
What makes it effective?
Those with tinnitus who have tried meditation report that the ringing in their ears subsides during the exercise, despite the fact that they are sitting in a silent room. This change occurs suddenly at first, but after a few sessions their body anticipates the relief.
Tinnitus is very personal and what works for some may not work for you. Contact the experts at ENT of Athens to learn more about your tinnitus treatment options.