Tinnitus

Overview

Tinnitus, often experienced as a soft indication of progressive neuronal impairment, is frequently observed in individuals with superficial siderosis. This auditory phenomenon is akin to a sensory ghost, a sound or noise that seems real but only exists in the patient’s mind.

In the case of superficial siderosis, tinnitus indicates a disturbance in the cochleovestibular system, accompanied by neurodegeneration of the eighth cranial nerve. It is frequently associated with Sensorineural Hearing LossOverview In approximately 95% of superficial siderosis patie... and often emerges as one of the first symptoms. Individuals suffering from this condition may perceive a variety of sound patterns, including high-frequency ringing, whooshing, clanging of chains, chirping, or buzzing, either sporadically or continually.

This unusual auditory experience can be highly challenging for those afflicted, potentially leading to a considerable decline in their quality of life. Audiologists often struggle to assist superficial siderosis patients in alleviating these phantom sounds. Even after complete hearing loss in one or both ears, many patients report the persistence of tinnitus. Unfortunately, traditional tools like white noise fail to mask the phantom sounds in these individuals. The severity of tinnitus is known to increase under conditions of depression, fatigue, and stress.

Management Strategies

As of now, there is no definitive cure or proven pharmaceutical treatment for tinnitus. However, patients can manage it with certain strategies:

Counseling and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): Patients can work with therapists to learn strategies for living with tinnitus. This does not eliminate the noise but can make it less noticeable and reduce its impact on daily life.
Sound Therapy: While white noise has been found to be ineffective, there are other sounds, like soft music, environmental noises, or specialized ear maskers, that can help distract the brain and make tinnitus less noticeable.
Healthy Lifestyle: Regular exercise, a balanced diet, and good sleep habits can boost overall health and resilience, potentially reducing the impact of tinnitus.
Stress Management: Techniques such as meditation, deep breathing, and yoga may help reduce the severity of tinnitus by relieving stress.
Avoidance of Triggers: Certain substances, such as caffeine, alcohol, and tobacco, can intensify tinnitus. Avoiding these substances may help manage symptoms.

Remember, it’s important for patients to consult their healthcare provider for personalized advice and treatment plans.

tinnitus-sounds-bta from British Tinnitus Association on Vimeo.