5 choses qui peuvent aggraver les acouphènes

Tinnitus is often described as whistling, ringing, or ringing in the ears. For people who suffer from extremely strong tinnitus, it can be difficult to hear conversations beyond the noise of the tinnitus, making the conversations difficult to follow. It is important to know what causes tinnitus and what can make it worse.

Here are five things that are known to make tinnitus worse, along with our top tips for treating them.

1. Noise

Loud noises from concerts, festivals, motorcycles, fireworks, and machines can cause short-term tinnitus. (Prolonged exposure to loud noises can also damage your hearing.)

Tip : Avoid loud noises. Keep away from the source of the noise. In noisy environments, wear earplugs or other hearing protection.

Read more: Sting, hearing aids make me hear « more than I want »

2. An accumulation of earwax

Earwax is made up of excretions, fatty acids, sebum, skin particles, and proteins and it acts as a barrier protecting the inner ear from dust and bacteria. Usually, earwax drains when the jawbone moves, but when a person’s glands produce too much earwax, it can cause a plug in the middle ear. If the plug touches the eardrum, it can change the pressure exerted on it and affect the way the eardrum vibrates. This can be the cause of tinnitus or can make preexisting tinnitus worse.

Tip : According to NHS Choices , “Usually earwax drains on its own. If it doesn’t, and it clogs your ear, pour 2-3 drops of olive / almond oil into your ear twice a day for a few days. Within 2 weeks, the earwax clumps should fall out of your ear, especially at night when you are lying down. »If the problem persists, see your doctor or hearing care professional.

3. Ear infections

Ear infections often accompany a common cold or sinus infection. They occur when germs from the nose or sinus cavities travel along the Eustachian tube, enter the middle ear and begin to grow there, causing fluid to stagnate. The trapped fluid can cause or worsen tinnitus.

Tip : If you think you have an ear infection, see your doctor.

4. Smoking

Smoking cigarettes can narrow the blood vessels that deliver oxygen to the cells in the ear, thereby triggering or exacerbating tinnitus.

Tip : Try to quit smoking or reduce the number of cigarettes you smoke.

5.  Antidepressants

Serotonin is a chemical compound that acts as a neurotransmitter in the brain. It is believed to be responsible for maintaining a balanced mood. Some antidepressants are known to be selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). (SSRI antidepressants include Prozac, Zoloft, Paxil, Celexa, and Luvox.) Recent research from Oregon Health & Science University suggests that certain SSRIs can sometimes make tinnitus worse.

Les chercheurs ont découvert que les neurones de la partie du cerveau qui constitue le « noyau cochléaire dorsal » deviennent hyperactifs et hypersensibles aux stimuli lorsqu’ils sont exposés à la sérotonine. (Le noyau cochléaire dorsal est l’endroit où l’intégration sensorielle et les acouphènes se produisent.)

Conseil : Pour permettre à votre médecin de vous prescrire le meilleur traitement, dites-lui que vous avez des acouphènes. Parlez-en à votre pharmacien et lisez toujours les contre-indications et les effets secondaires figurant sur les notices des médicaments.

Lire la suite : Comment mes aides auditives soulagent mes acouphènes

Si vous vos acouphènes vous préoccupent, il serait judicieux d’en parler à votre médecin ou à votre audioprothésiste.