We call the sounds we hear in our ears as tinnitus, even though there is no external stimulus. It can be defined in a variety of ways, such as water squeaking, cicada wind chirping, fan noise, as well as a ring-like sound, mostly at a subtle frequency.
What causes tinnitus?
-ear wax
– middle ear infections
-medications (some cancer drugs, aspirin, antidepressants, some antibiotic and diuretic drugs
-acoustic trauma noisy work
-traumas
-jaw joint problems, clenching, neck problems (muscle spasm, hernia)
– enlargement and stenosis in the veins passing close to the ear area (murmurs accompanying the heartbeat are heard
-stress
– Diabetes hypertension, anemia, thyroid disorders, high cholesterol, vitamin deficiency may accompany tinnitus.
-tumors originate from inner ear nerve
In general, these causes are proportionally very low, and since no cause can be found, the type we call idiopathic tinnitus is the most common form and stress is the most important trigger.
In such cases, the worst case scenario is usually considered and the tumor is suspected. However, it is extremely rare.
How does the ringing sound occur?
There are cells with vibrating hairs that detect sound in the organ we call snail in our inner ear structure. Sound waves hitting our eardrum are transmitted to the inner ear fluids in vibration. The fluctuating movement here activates the tremulous hairs in these cells and the mechanical energy is converted into electrical energy, and the signals we call impulse are directed to the hearing center via the auditory nerve. Billions of nerve cells play a role in this system. The two functions we call activation and inhibition in the system work in a certain balance. In tinnitus, this balance is disrupted and nerve cells, which are normally activated by sound stimuli, begin to produce signals in the form of parasites spontaneously, even though there is no stimulus anymore. These are perceived as ringing sounds.
The limbic system is a center where spiritual and psychological emotional states are regulated and is in close relationship with the inner ear.
In cases of stress, anxiety, panic attacks and fear, it affects the inner ear through this pathway.
In situations of stress, our sympathetic system is activated and our cortisol level rises. In fact, it is a beneficial reaction to any threat, with a fight-or-flight response. However, the fact that this reaction is constantly active begins to harm us.
This is what usually happens in a state of chronic stress.
The tinnitus itself can create a stress and increase the tinnitus again. We call this a vicious circle.
Is there a cure for tinnitus?
The most frequently used phrase “There is no cure for tinnitus, you will live with it”, which has a very negative effect on patients, is an extremely wrong statement.
Tinnitus is a treatable and manageable condition. As a treatment, patient education about tinnitus comes first. With this method, which we call Tinnitus retraining therapy TRT, tips are given on how the patient can manage tinnitus. Educational videos can be viewed on our Youtube channel.
As drug therapy, some vitamins and herbal medicines that support the inner belt can be used in certain periods.
Focusing on the elimination of the sound of the tinnitus as the aim of the treatment, and following the tinnitus as the pain goes away after taking the medication leaves us behind in success.
Our primary goal should be to gradually increase the times when we do not notice the ringing. Otherwise, as a result of the treatment not working, demoralization and stress can also trigger an increase in tinnitus.
Tinnitus, like other chronic diseases, is a chronic process with periods of decrease and increase.
If we are the playmaker and manager, the ringing will act accordingly, otherwise the ringing will take control.
Soft Laser Therapy
Lasers are beams that produce many effects on a biologically cellular basis, produced at a specific wavelength. Those with very high power are used surgically, while the soft laser is a laser with a lower wavelength. The patient does not feel anything, it shows its effect on a cellular basis.
Laser beams directed into the ear canal and back to the inner ear cells suppress the resonance frequencies of parasitic signals by increasing the ATP energy stores of the nerve cells that produce spontaneous parasitic signals (ringing sounds) with reduced energy stores, thus balancing the homeostasis.
Recent research has shown that the brain is an extremely dynamic organ. When stimulated, nerve cells establish new connections and form different pathways (rerouting). This situation, called neuroplasticity, has been demonstrated in this area by brain mapping methods.
Recently, this process has been accelerated by sending electrical impulses to the brain via the tongue.
I use this method together with soft laser in my treatment.
In addition, magnetic therapy can be used by making use of the similar effect of magnetic waves.