The Impact of the Pandemic on Chronic Conditions like Tinnitus

Everyone has been affected by the pandemic. In most instances stress from the current situation has exacerbated chronic conditions. 

These circumstances - the social isolation, unpredictability, the news, financial troubles, an interruption in our routines, inaccessibility of or challenges with visiting healthcare providers, have caused hardships for everyone, including people with tinnitus. 

Stress and how it Affects Tinnitus

Stress triggers many chronic conditions, like tinnitus. More stress can make tinnitus louder and more difficult to tune out.

Here’s a simple way to mentally visualize this issue. Imagine the capacity of managing your stress in the form of a big glass tank. The tank symbolizes the amount of stress you can handle each day. When your stress rises and the tank overflows, you begin to have symptoms of anxiety or other negative health problems. 

Anyone with tinnitus can tell you that the stress that comes while living with this condition can flood the tank. Even if the stress that you associate with tinnitus is not flooding the tank, it can still be very distracting. Other stress factors that usually don’t affect you, may be enough to overwhelm you and induce anxiety.    

When people are able to habituate to their tinnitus and experience some relief, the ability to manage stress will be reinforced.  

Stress can come from anything, so it’s not just stress from the tinnitus that you need to take charge of. Other factors can be related to work, relationships, family, finances or lack thereof, health problems, the pandemic, etc.

Reduce stress by checking out tips from these articles:

How can Stress Lead to Hearing Loss? 

Soothe Your Stress by Listening to Nature

How Can Art Therapy Help Patients with Chronic Conditions like Hearing Loss and Other Comorbidities?

Do you have Hearing Loss and Anxiety?

If you or a loved one experiences tinnitus and/or hearing loss, please contact us at Pure Sound Hearing for a complimentary hearing test and consultation.

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