Tinnitus is defined as the different kinds of sounds that are heard internally but with no outside source. It is most commonly known as ‘ringing in the ears’, although several sounds such as buzzing, humming, grinding, hissing or whistling can be heard as well. These sounds can be very soft or very loud, high-pitched or low-pitched in volume. According to healthcare service BUPA, one in 10 people will experience mild tinnitus at some point in their lives. Some will experience volumes of low-level background noise; others will endure high-pitched rumbling sensations that drown out everyday sounds. The condition can cause a great deal of psychological stress as quality of life is affected.

Whilst it is not a disease itself, tinnitus is often a sign that something is not right with the auditory system which includes the ear, the auditory nerve and the parts of the brain responsible for processing sound. It may also come and go in some instances and may only be a minor irritation. However, tinnitus can also go on for longer periods of times which eventually causes distress, lack of concentration and problems such as insomnia and depression.

There are a number of health problems thought to be associated with this condition. Various factors may be involved which can trigger symptoms such as hearing loss, age-related deafness and genetic damage to the inner ear. Regular exposure to loud music can also cause sounds of tinnitus. Less common problems thought to trigger symptoms include high blood pressure and diabetes or hormonal changes. Stress and anxiety seems to worsen the symptoms and experience of this condition.

Tinnitus can affect people of all ages but whilst this includes children, it is more common in people aged over 65. Tinnitus is often associated with:

ear damage after being exposed to loud noises

an earwax build-up

age-related hearing loss

childhood hearing loss

middle ear infection

Ménière’s disease

otosclerosis or a genetic condition where an abnormal bone growth in the middle ear causes hearing loss

While there is not yet a cure, we are able to decide how to respond to symptoms and reduce associated stress. If a specific cause cannot be found, various treatments can help you manage the condition on a daily basis. This may involve:

Counselling

Sound therapy (available on the NHS)

Cognitive behavioural therapy or CBT

Tinnitus retraining therapy TRT

Hypnotherapy

By working with the mind in particular, the part of the subconscious that stores memory, imagination and habits using hypnotic suggestions, Hypnotherapy can help train the mind and change the client’s response to this condition. This approach is an increasingly popular form of tinnitus treatment, which can greatly improve quality of life for sufferers. Typical sessions will include a variety of techniques drawing on Ericksonian hypnosis and SFBT to help you feel more at peace with the noise. You will be given a self-hypnosis MP3 to listen to at home, which is a core part of the therapy.

Tinnitus can often improve over time. Even if Hypnotherapy doesn’t eliminate this condition, it can reduce the volume and stress of the negative emotions that surround tinnitus and make it worse. If you are seeking help from a trusted professional to help you overcome the impacts of tinnitus in your everyday life, Annette Sloly can help. With an established experience in helping people improve their quality of life, as well as their mental and physical wellbeing, a course of Hypnotherapy sessions can help train the mind and change your response to Tinnitus. Ready to find out more? Call 0117 214 0706 or send an email at hello@annettesloly.com to book an appointment now.