TINNITUS & STRESS Q: (Ear Ringing, Buzzing)
By award-winning author and stress-relief expert Susie Mantell
Q: Dear Susie, I've had Tinnitus for 3 months and am finding it very frustrating. It's hard to focus on work. ENT has me on Xanax. I purchased your CD, "Your Present..." and it is very calming but what else can you suggest?
A: As I'm sure you know, there are many possible causes for the annoying sensations of Tinnitus, but some aspects are still not fully understood. Indeed, stress can exacerbate symptoms substantially, and here on my website you can find dozens and dozens of drug-free stress-relief tips.
But in addition to stress, I have been told that Tinnitus can follow excessive noise, TMJ, sinus disease, earwax buildup, cardiovascular disease and some muscular conditions, particularly in the neck and jaw, as well as other conditions and some medications.
It is important to consider other possible causes..and approaches, along with your anti-anxiety medication. Because I am not a physician, you would be well-advised to work with experienced and trusted health-care professionals who understand this speciific condition and the wide variety of possible causes. A few approaches you may already know about include: Alternative Treatments (e.g. breathing techniques, meditation, different forms of massage, as well as acupuncture,) Amplification (Hearing Aids), Biofeedback, Cochlear Implants/Electrical stimulation, Cognitive Therapy, Drug Therapy, Low-Level Sound Masking, and Tinnitus Retraining Therapy TMJ treatment .
I did a quick web-search and found the following websites that I hope may be helpful to you. As always, check recommendations with healthcare professionals. (I have chosen sites that appear to offer information to consumers without "selling" any one treatment protocol as a 'cure.")
American Tinnitus Association
http://www.ata.org/
Univ. of Maryland Tinnitus & Hyperacusis Center
http://www.tinnitus-hyperacusis.com/
MedLine Plus
http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/tinnitus.html
I hope this is helpful. Very best wishes to you,
Susie
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Award-winning stress-relief expert Susie Mantell ...is the author of the deeply soothing relaxation CD, "Your Present: A Half-Hour of Peace,” clinically approved for symptoms associated with stress and sleeplessness, depression and grief, anxiety, P.T.S.D., Fibromyalgia, caregiver stress, cancer, pain, divorce and addiction recovery. Featured in The Los Angeles Times, NBC, ABC, CBS-TV, Town & Country, The American Pain Society, Hazelden and The Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation, listeners include The Mayo Clinic, Memorial Sloan-Kettering, The Betty Ford Center, V.A. Hospitals,and Canyon Ranch (#1 Spa.) Customizing stress-reduction for Fortune 500 companies, distinguished hospitals and spas, Mantell has facilitated thousands in relieving health-related, work-related, chronic or traumatic stress. Her multi-sensory, mind-body techniques appear in national media, medical and corporate publications. Susie Mantell's Stress-Relief & Wellness Tips are intended as an adjunct to, not a substitute for, professional health care. Order “Your Present: A Half-Hour of Peace” and find more of Mantell’s stress-relief tips at www.relaxintuit.com