Have you noticed the ringing in your ears worsens every so often? Tinnitus spikes are caused by an internal or external trigger or a combination of the two. Learning what agitates your condition can help you create strategies to avoid tinnitus-inducing scenarios.
Understanding Tinnitus Spikes
A tinnitus spike is characterized by an increase in the volume, pitch or intensity of the ringing in your ears. It may also be a change in the perceived sound. For example, ringing could sound more like buzzing or whooshing during a tinnitus spike.
An episode can last for minutes, hours, days or weeks, depending on the cause. You may experience an elevated sense of anxiety or frustration while the ringing is more noticeable.
Causes of Tinnitus Spikes
Internal factors that cause tinnitus spikes include:
- High sodium, sugar or caffeine intake
- Alcohol or nicotine consumption
- Food sensitivities
- Medication, vitamins and supplements
- Anxiety or depression
- Recreational drug use
- Dehydration
- Lack of sleep
- Allergies
- Earwax buildup
- Ear infections
External factors include:
- Weather patterns
- Barometric pressure
- Pollution
- Noise exposure
- Air travel
- Trigger sounds (specific to each individual)
Identifying Tinnitus Triggers
Tracking your tinnitus symptoms and daily habits allows you to identify which internal and external influences cause a spike. Keep a written or digital log of your condition to spot patterns and possible triggers.
Here are some factors to monitor:
- Food and beverage intake
- Sleep schedule
- Daily exercise
- Medication
- Stress level
- Weather conditions
Keep tabs on your tinnitus flare-ups and rate your symptoms on a scale of one to 10 to determine the source of your discomfort. Take note of the days with minimal symptoms, too, so you can replicate those conditions and habits.
Can I Avoid Tinnitus Flare-ups?
Tinnitus isn’t completely preventable, but it is manageable. Eating well-balanced meals, exercising regularly and avoiding tobacco support cardiac health and blood flow, which can influence tinnitus severity. Taking stock of your lifestyle choices can help you reduce the frequency and intensity of tinnitus spikes.
How Do I Cope with a Tinnitus Spike
It’s important to learn to differentiate the things you can and can’t control. Doing so can reduce the stressful reactions you can experience when your tinnitus spikes. For instance, you can’t control the volume of the ringing in your ears or how long an episode will last, and trying to do so will only cause you more anxiety. You can control how you react to the sensation and take action to focus on your other senses.
Here are steps you can take to cope with a tinnitus spike:
- Sleep habits: Go to bed and wake up at a consistent time. Getting enough sleep can help ease the stress caused by a tinnitus spike and improve your mood.
- Relaxation: Meditation, breathing exercises, reading and journaling are good ways to focus your mind during a spike in your symptoms.
- Therapy: Discussing the emotional effects of your condition can ease the burden. Therapists can also recommend coping strategies that help ease discomfort.
- Support groups: Connecting with individuals who share a similar experience can be a source of comfort. You may also learn different coping techniques from other people.
- Hearing aids: Some hearing aids have tinnitus masking programs designed to cover the ringing in your ears with soothing sounds.
- Sound therapy: This technique conditions your brain to ignore tinnitus triggers. Sound therapy helps you learn how to alter your emotional and physical response to the ringing.
Tinnitus Treatment at Hearing Associates
Are you struggling with tinnitus? Hearing Associates offers comprehensive hearing tests and hearing devices to identify and ease symptoms. Call 888-760-2032 or schedule your appointment online.