Tuesday, January 30, 2007

Treating Tinnitus


Although there are no specific cures for tinnitus, anything that brings the person out of the "fight or flight" stress response helps symptoms recede over a period of time. Calming body-based therapies, counselling and psychotherapy help restore well-being, which in turn allows tinnitus to settle. Chronic tinnitus can be quite stressful psychologically, as it distracts the affected individual from mental tasks and interferes with sleep, particularly when there is no external sound. Additional steps in reducing the impact of tinnitus on adverse health consequences include: a review of medications that may have tinnitus as a side affect; a physicial exam to reveal possible underlying health conditions that may aggrevate tinnitus; receiving adequate rest each day; and seeking a physician's advice concerning a sleep aid to allow for a better sleep pattern.
A newer approach to tinnitus treatment, developed by The Ear Research Foundation, involves clinical psychology. The role of the psychologist, as a vital member of the treatment team, is to assist patients in “retraining their brain”, so they can deal with their tinnitus and minimize the difficulties it creates in their lives. While working with the psychologist, patients are taught new ways of living with tinnitus, managing stress, and improving the quality of their life.

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