Tinnitus

Tinnitus, what is it?

Tinnitus is the perception of sound in the absence of an external sound source.

It can manifest in various forms, such as whistling, hissing, buzzing or whooshing noises. It can be heard in one ear or both, and may be intermittent or continuous.

Tinnitus is not a condition in itself, but a symptom of another problem.

Some figures

  • According to global statistics, around 100,000 people are affected by tinnitus in Luxembourg.
  • 10 to 15% of tinnitus sufferers experience significant distress.
  • The relative intensity of tinnitus is generally moderate and rarely exceeds 10 dB.

How can you reduce the discomfort caused by tinnitus?

  • Avoid silence, as this can make tinnitus seem louder. Try to mask it with background noise such as the radio or television…
  • Avoid constantly focusing on your tinnitus. Try to keep yourself occupied and learn to accept it as mere background noise.
  • Adopt a healthy lifestyle. Stress, fatigue, alcohol, caffeine and nicotine can make tinnitus seem louder.
  • Practise relaxation techniques and engage in physical activities such as walking or sport.

What treatments are available for tinnitus?

Tinnitus measurement – assessing tinnitus

Tinnitus measurement involves a series of audiometric tests designed to objectively assess the psychoacoustic characteristics of tinnitus, such as its frequency, intensity and the level of distress experienced. Although tinnitus measurement is not a treatment in itself, it enables those affected to better understand their tinnitus and guide their management.

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)

CBT helps to change maladaptive thoughts and behaviours in order to reduce the emotional reaction to tinnitus. It aims to reduce tinnitus to a non-disturbing noise in order to reduce anxiety and the excessive focus on the perceived sounds. This approach often helps to reduce distress and improve quality of life.

Sound therapies and Tinnitus Retraining Therapy

Sound therapies use external sounds (white noise, nature sounds, soft music) to alter the perception of tinnitus and reduce the discomfort it causes. They can be combined with Tinnitus Retraining Therapy (TRT), which combines the use of sounds with specific guidance to help the brain get used to the tinnitus. These approaches can be implemented using apps, sound generators or hearing aids.

Hearing aids

When tinnitus is associated with hearing loss, hearing aids can provide real relief. By improving hearing, they reduce the perception of tinnitus. Some hearing aids also incorporate sound therapy programmes.

Management of associated factors

In some cases, tinnitus may be influenced by other issues such as fatigue, stress, bruxism, jaw disorders or infections. In these specific cases, managing tinnitus may involve physiotherapy, sophrology or medication.

Further information

The Audiological Service of the Health Department offers support including tinnitus assessment and cognitive behavioural therapy, subject to a doctor’s prescription. Information sessions on hearing health and noise can also be arranged.

Please do not hesitate to contact this service if you have any questions.

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