Dealing with a persistent ringing or buzzing in your ears can not only be annoying, but for some tinnitus sufferers, it can interfere with their quality of life. For that reason, many with tinnitus look for ways to help manage their condition. Research has shown that yoga and meditation may be effective at reducing symptoms.
What Is Tinnitus and Why Does it Happen? 
People with tinnitus experience a ringing, buzzing or other similar noise in one or sometimes both ears. Some people have acute symptoms that last a couple of days before clearing up on their own. However, others experience chronic tinnitus that can last months or even years.
Tinnitus can have many causes, with some of the more common ones being hearing loss, earwax buildup, exposure to loud noise and taking certain medications. Sometimes, no cause can be identified.
In addition to having various causes, tinnitus can also be exacerbated by different factors, including stress. This is why stress management techniques have become a key element in helping to manage tinnitus symptoms. For some people, practicing yoga and meditation can be helpful.
Research Shows Yoga and Meditation Can Reduce Tinnitus Symptoms
Multiple studies have shown that yoga and meditation can be helpful for people with tinnitus.
A systematic review published in 2021 examined the effects of yoga and meditation on tinnitus. Researchers found three separate studies indicated that yoga had positive effects on tinnitus, including “a reduction in severity, stress, anxiety and irritability associated with tinnitus and improved quality of life.”
An earlier study from 2017 compared mindfulness-based cognitive behavioral therapy (MBCT) to intensive relaxation training and found that MBCT was more effective at reducing tinnitus severity in those with chronic symptoms. MBCT is a treatment that uses meditative practices in addition to cognitive therapy techniques.
Finding Ways to Manage Your Tinnitus
If either yoga or meditation appeals to you, sign up for a class at Align Yoga or find guided meditations online. If not, try to incorporate other ways to manage your stress levels, including breathing techniques, journaling or speaking with a counselor for more ideas.
In addition to stress reduction, there are several effective options that can help manage your tinnitus, including:
- Hearing aids
- Tinnitus retraining therapy
- Acoustic therapy
To learn more or to schedule an appointment, contact Valley Audiology today.
