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For many people, waking up to silence is a daily routine. However, for many individuals worldwide, the silence is replaced by a persistent ringing, buzzing, or hissing sound in their ears. This condition, known as tinnitus, can be particularly noticeable and bothersome in the morning.
Morning tinnitus can be influenced by various factors. Some people notice a correlation with their sleep position, while others find it’s linked to their stress or anxiety levels. Certain medications may also contribute to its occurrence. Understanding these factors is an essential step towards managing this condition.
This article aims to provide a comprehensive overview of morning tinnitus, exploring its causes and potential management strategies.
What is Tinnitus?
Tinnitus, a term derived from the Latin word for “ringing,” is a common auditory issue affecting approximately 15-20% of the global population. It’s characterised by the perception of noise or ringing or hissing in the ears when no external sound is present. This phantom noise can manifest as a low roar, a high squeal, or anything in between. Importantly, tinnitus is not a disease in itself but a symptom of an underlying condition, such as age-related hearing loss, ear injury, or a circulatory system disorder.
Why Does Tinnitus Seem Worse When You Wake Up?
Many individuals with tinnitus report that their symptoms seem particularly intense in the morning or upon waking. Although the exact cause of tinnitus is unknown, several factors may contribute to its onset upon waking. These can range from physiological factors to lifestyle habits.
Decline in Hearing
Tinnitus can be linked to a decline in the function or activity of our hearing system, which includes the peripheral and central auditory systems. These changes can be caused by exposure to loud noises, ageing, and certain medications that are harmful to the ear (ototoxic), all of which might cause damage to the sensory hair cells in our ears, which are crucial for hearing. This damage can lead to unwanted movement of a structure in our ear called the tectorial membrane, resulting in the buzzing noise often associated with tinnitus.
Sleep Position
Some people find that sleeping on one side can exacerbate tinnitus in that ear. This could be related to changes in blood flow or pressure on the ear.
Sleep Quality
Poor sleep quality or sleep disorders can exacerbate tinnitus symptoms. Conditions like insomnia or sleep apnea can lead to fatigue, which in turn can heighten the perception of tinnitus.
Silent Environment
One potential explanation for waking up with worse tinnitus is the simple fact that our sleeping environment is usually quiet. As we sleep, the contrast between the silence and the ringing in our ears becomes more apparent. This silence makes the tinnitus seem louder and more noticeable.
Relaxed Eardrums
When we sleep, our muscles relax, including the tiny muscles in our ears called the tensor tympani muscles. When these muscles are relaxed, they allow more sound to enter the ear, potentially making tinnitus more noticeable upon waking.
Underlying Health Condition
In some cases, tinnitus might be a symptom of a more severe condition, such as idiopathic intracranial hypertension. This condition is often linked to another issue called transverse sinus stenosis, which affects the veins in the brain and can cause pulsatile tinnitus, where the person hears a rhythmic pulsing sound.
Stress and Anxiety
Another factor that may lead to more pronounced tinnitus in the morning is stress or anxiety. Stress can amplify the brain’s response to tinnitus, making the ringing sound more noticeable. If a person is anxious or stressed about their day as soon as they wake up, their tinnitus symptoms might seem worse.
Ways to Manage Tinnitus Upon Waking
Understanding that tinnitus can feel more intense upon waking is the first step to managing it. Here are some strategies that may help:
Reducing Exposure to Loud Noises
Prolonged exposure to loud noises is a well-known cause of tinnitus. To prevent symptoms from worsening, it’s crucial to reduce this exposure. Wear earplugs or earmuffs in case you work in a noisy environment or if you’re attending loud events like concerts. Turning down the volume on personal audio devices can also be beneficial.
Sound Therapy
Try using white noise machines or fans to create a soothing background noise that can help to mask the ringing or buzzing of tinnitus. Some people might also find relief by listening to soft music or nature sounds.
Mindfulness and Relaxation Techniques
Practices like yoga, meditation, or deep breathing exercises can decrease stress levels and promote better sleep, which in turn might help manage tinnitus symptoms.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
CBT can be a beneficial method for managing tinnitus by changing the way you respond to it. By reframing your thoughts around tinnitus, it can become less distressing, reducing its impact upon waking.
The Oto app is a digital platform that combines the principles of CBT with other therapeutic techniques to help you manage your tinnitus effectively. By changing how you respond to tinnitus and providing ongoing, personalised support, Oto can help reduce the impact of tinnitus on your life, helping you wake up to quieter mornings.
Healthy Sleep Hygiene
Ensuring good sleep hygiene can be crucial for managing tinnitus. This may include maintaining a consistent sleep schedule, creating a comfortable and quiet sleeping environment, and avoiding stimulants like caffeine close to bedtime.
Avoiding Ototoxic Medications
Ototoxic drugs can damage the inner ear and cause or worsen tinnitus. If possible, speak to your healthcare provider about alternatives to these medications. If ototoxic drugs are necessary for treating a health condition, regular hearing checks can help monitor any potential changes in tinnitus symptoms.
Consult a Professional
If tinnitus upon waking is severely impacting your quality of life, it’s recommended to consult with an audiologist or otolaryngologist. They can provide a thorough evaluation and suggest personalised treatment options.
Conclusion
Tinnitus upon waking can be distressing, but understanding why it happens can help individuals manage their symptoms. It’s crucial to remember that each person’s experience with tinnitus is unique, and what works for one person might not work for another. Thus, exploring various strategies and seeking professional help, if needed, can significantly improve the quality of life for individuals dealing with tinnitus.