Tinnitus
Here you will get an overview of the pathology, the ability to treat diseases with Oriental medicine, and with acupressure therapies along with other therapies combined.
The information is updated gradually and regularly. For reference only, not a substitute for your doctor.
Tinnitus is a common condition that affects millions of people worldwide. It is characterized by a ringing, buzzing, or hissing sound in one or both ears or in the head, without any external sound source. This persistent noise can be very distressing and can significantly impact an individual's quality of life.
Causes and Risk Factors:
Tinnitus can be caused by a variety of factors, including age-related hearing loss, exposure to loud noises, ear infections, wax buildup, head and neck injuries, and certain medications. It can also be associated with other medical conditions, such as high blood pressure, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease.
Several risk factors can increase the likelihood of developing tinnitus, including age, gender (men are more likely to develop tinnitus than women), smoking, and excessive alcohol consumption.
Symptoms:
The primary symptom of tinnitus is a persistent ringing, buzzing, or hissing sound in the ears or head. Other symptoms may include dizziness, headaches, and difficulty concentrating.
Complications:
Tinnitus can have several complications, including sleep disturbances, anxiety, and depression. It can also lead to social isolation and a reduced quality of life.
Prevention:
The best way to prevent tinnitus is to avoid exposure to loud noises, such as those from concerts, construction sites, and heavy machinery. It is also important to protect your ears when using headphones or earbuds and to avoid smoking and excessive alcohol consumption.
Treatment:
Although there is currently no cure for tinnitus, several treatment options can help manage symptoms. These may include:
Sound therapy: Sound therapy involves the use of white noise, music, or other sounds to help mask the ringing or buzzing sound associated with tinnitus.
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT): CBT can help individuals with tinnitus manage their thoughts and emotions related to the condition and reduce their distress.
Medications: Certain medications, such as antidepressants and antianxiety drugs, may be prescribed to manage the symptoms of tinnitus.
Tinnitus retraining therapy (TRT): TRT is a form of therapy that uses sound therapy and counseling to help individuals habituate to the sound of their tinnitus and reduce their distress.
Oriental Medicine:
Oriental medicine, including acupuncture and acupressure, has been used to treat tinnitus for centuries. These techniques involve the use of thin needles or pressure applied to specific points on the body to help balance the flow of energy and alleviate symptoms.
There is limited research on the effectiveness of acupuncture and acupressure for tinnitus. However, some studies have shown promising results in reducing the severity of symptoms and improving quality of life.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, tinnitus is a common condition that can significantly impact an individual's quality of life. Although there is currently no cure for tinnitus, several treatment options are available to manage symptoms. Oriental medicine, including acupuncture and acupressure, may also be a viable option for some individuals. It is important to talk to your healthcare provider to determine the best treatment plan for you.
References:
American Tinnitus Association. (n.d.). Understanding tinnitus. Retrieved from https://www.ata.org/understanding-facts
Dobie, R. A. (2018). Overview: suffering from tinnitus. In S. S. Stolovitzky (Ed.), Tinnitus: diagnosis and treatment (pp. 3-17). Cham, Switzerland: Springer.
Mayo Clinic. (2022). Tinnitus. Retrieved from https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/tinnitus/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20350162
Shargorodsky, J., Curhan, G. C., & Farwell, W. R. (2010). Prevalence and characteristics of tinnitus among US adults. The American Journal of Medicine, 123(8), 711-718.
Tyler, R. S., & Baker, L. J. (2018). Tinnitus retraining therapy: the evolution of sound therapy. In S. S. Stolovitzky (Ed.), Tinnitus: diagnosis and treatment (pp. 91-103). Cham, Switzerland: Springer.
Zhang, C., Shu, X., & Guan, X. (2021). Acupuncture therapy for tinnitus: a systematic review and meta-analysis. BMC Complementary Medicine and Therapies, 21(1), 1-14. doi:10.1186/s12906-021-03372-x