Many people experience ringing in their ears, or tinnitus, at some point in their lives. It can be caused by various factors, but is it also linked to mental illnesses? Let us explore the connection between ringing in your ears and mental health, examining the potential causes and possible treatments. We’ll also discuss what to do if you are experiencing ear ringing due to a mental health issue.
What is tinnitus, and what causes it?
Tinnitus is the perception of ringing, buzzing, hissing, or other ear sounds when no external sound is present. It is a common condition that can be caused by various factors, including hearing loss, exposure to loud noise, certain medications, and mental health issues.
Tinnitus is the perception of sound in one or both ears. It is a prevalent condition affecting around 1 in 10 people worldwide.
The link between tinnitus and mental illness
Numerous studies have been conducted on the link between ringing in your ears and mental illness. It has been suggested that Tinnitus may be linked to anxiety and depression, and other psychological disorders such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), bipolar disorder, and schizophrenia.
The constant ringing can distract someone from concentrating on day-to-day activities. Evidence also suggests that people with Tinnitus may experience other psychological issues, such as increased irritability, aggression, frustration and low self-esteem. These issues can lead to an overall decrease in the quality of life for Tinnitus patients. Much research has been done on the association between tinnitus and mental illness.
The spiritual meaning of ringing in your left ear
Ringing in your left ear is believed to be a spiritual sign of communication from the spiritual realm. It is said to represent guidance, warnings, or messages from your angels and spirit guides. Paying attention to the frequency and intensity of the ringing can help you determine the meaning of the message and how it applies to your life.
Solutions and how to cope with tinnitus
Fortunately, you can take steps to help cope with Tinnitus and get relief.
If your Tinnitus is caused by stress or anxiety, stress management techniques like meditation or yoga may be helpful. If your Tinnitus is caused by a medical condition, such as allergies or sinus infections, treating the underlying cause can often reduce symptoms.
There are several treatments designed explicitly for tinnitus. These treatments range from sound therapies like masking devices and Tinnitus Retraining Therapy (TRT) to medications that can help reduce symptoms. You must speak with your doctor about any potential treatments that may be right for you.
Researchers have discovered a significant reduction in tinnitus when tongue stimulation is combined with sound, using the Lenire device® developed by Neuromod. It combines wireless Bluetooth headphones that deliver sequences of audio tones layered with wideband noise to both ears with electrical stimulation pulses delivered to 32 electrodes on the tip of the tongue by a specialized system branded Tonguetip®. The gadget is set up with the patient’s hearing profile and tongue stimulation sensitivity level before the first time the treatment is administered.
Whatever solution you choose, the key is to stay positive and try different approaches until you find one that works for you. You can eventually find relief from your tinnitus symptoms with patience and persistence.
Takeaway
There is a strong link between tinnitus and mental illness, particularly anxiety and depression. It is important to note that although ear ringing can be debilitating, treatments available can help reduce its impact on your life. If you are struggling with tinnitus and believe it may affect your mental health, please speak to your doctor or mental health professional for further support and advice.
Adam Mulligan, a psychology graduate from the University of Hertfordshire, has a keen interest in the fields of mental health, wellness, and lifestyle.
