How Does A Chiropractor Help Tinnitus?

If you’ve ever spent time at loud events like concerts or sporting events, you can be subject to tinnitus. You’ll know if you have it by the telltale ringing and buzzing in your ears when you’re in a quiet room.

It can feel like there’s nothing you can do when you have it, but that might not be the case. Your way forward might be in the chiropractic office. See how a chiropractor can help your tinnitus here!

What is Tinnitus?

Tinnitus is a condition in the ears and head where you perceive a sound that doesn’t exist externally, meaning you’re the only one who can hear it. It’s also known as “ringing in the ear” because the sound can be perceived as ringing, buzzing, roaring, and other droning, consistent sounds.

How Does Tinnitus Happen?

The reasons tinnitus occurs are varied, so the exact causes are not fully understood. It has been linked the the following:

• Noise Exposure. Experiencing loud noise at work, sporting events, or concerts can cause tinnitus to develop. Noise exposure is also commonly associated with veterans and service members, as their line of work constitutes high-decibel noises like machinery, gunfire, and explosives.
• Hearing Loss. Hearing loss can manifest due to age, noise exposure, or other complications. Some people who experience hearing loss will develop tinnitus, but others will be unaffected.
• Medications. Tinnitus can be a side effect of certain medications, especially at higher dosages. Some medications, such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (ibuprofen and aspirin), some antibiotics, anti-cancer drugs, anti-malaria medications, and antidepressants, can cause tinnitus in some individuals.
• Ear Blockage. Large amounts of earwax buildup or fluid from ear infections can trigger tinnitus with the pressure they exert in the ear.
• Head or Neck Injuries. Blows or trauma to the head or neck can damage the structure of the ear, as they’re closely connected. Even if the ear itself is left unaffected, the nerve that carries sound signals to the brain, or the brain itself, can receive trauma and cause tinnitus.

Tinnitus can come from numerous different places and is generally a symptom rather than the cause of issues. Your medical professional may use a combination of hearing tests, MRI and CT scans, and visual checks for blockages and infections in the ear canal.

What Are The Symptoms of Tinnitus?

The main symptom of tinnitus is the phantom sound that can be “heard” in one ear, both ears or in your head. The noise may be a buzz, roar, whistle, hum, click, hiss, or squeal. It can be any repetitive or droning noise, these are just the most common.

These sounds can come and go or be present all day at varying levels of intensity. Occasionally, moving your head, neck, or eyes a certain way will affect the perceived noise, either making it louder or softer or changing the way it sounds.

How Does a Chiropractor Help Tinnitus?

Chiropractic adjustments are extremely helpful for a patient suffering from the effects of tinnitus. The adjustments will correct misalignments in the neck and cervical spine. Misalignments in this area are capable of exerting pressure on the nerve centers around the inner ear.

Your chiropractor will restore your cervical spine to proper alignment with small, precise adjustments to ensure you’re in your best physical state. It may take multiple visits to maintain proper alignment, but the goal of chiropractic care is to make fewer adjustments over time until the area can support and retain its posture. 

What Can I Do To Lessen Symptoms?

Aside from receiving chiropractic treatment, your chiropractor may develop a wellness plan for you to follow outside of your appointments. These wellness plans are customized to your lifestyle and crafted to lessen your symptoms.

Your plan may include:

• Reducing alcohol intake
• Reducing salt intake
• Avoiding smoking cigarettes or other tobacco products
• Minimizing or managing stress
• Keeping blood pressure at a healthy level
• Avoiding loud noises or playing loud music while wearing earbuds or headphones

Need Help With Your Tinnitus?

If you feel like your tinnitus is unbearable or like your symptoms aren’t getting better, contact Family Life Chiropractic! Our licensed chiropractor has decades of experience assisting people on their way to a healthier life!

About the Author: With over three decades of experience, Dr. Jere Jarrett is a highly educated and experienced chiropractor who serves Clearwater, FL, and the surrounding areas. He takes a “whole-body” approach to chiropractic care. Instead of treating symptoms, Dr. Jarrett looks for the underlying cause of pain and discomfort. Call 727-447-4647 to schedule an appointment!