About tinnitus 

Tinnitus is one of the most common physical symptoms people live with — and has accompanied humans throughout history. The latest health survey in Denmark showed that over 18% of respondents had or had experienced tinnitus.

That equates to a staggering 770,000 people currently affected.

Tinnitus can be perceived as a hissing, buzzing, ringing, or similar sounds. There may be one or several sounds, and they can vary in intensity and tone. We do not know exactly where tinnitus originates. However, the brain, mind, hearing, and the rest of the body are the strongest contributors and opponents.

There are no pills, surgeries, or similar treatments that have been proven to remove tinnitus.

But tinnitus is, as a rule, not dangerous. Some people find it most bothersome in quiet environments, while others feel it worsens with noise. Many who seek help report that their experience of tinnitus is aggravated by stress and worries, and they feel it disrupts their concentration and memory. Some are affected in their sleep or mood.

Sound sensitivity affects many people, both with and without tinnitus, and it can make social situations particularly challenging.

For example, sounds at work or at home may be so bothersome that you have to retreat to another room while others watch TV, cook, or laugh loudly.

Sound sensitivity often develops gradually, but it can also be triggered by a loud noise exposure, which leaves both tinnitus and sound sensitivity. Sound sensitivity can cause tension, discomfort, headaches, and social withdrawal.

Problems with sound sensitivity can escalate, leading you to avoid more situations because of ear discomfort that spreads to the body as tension and pain.

Attention plays a major role

When talking to people who are bothered by tinnitus and sound sensitivity, and others who do not notice their tinnitus as much, the main difference is often: attention.

If you find it difficult to shift your attention AWAY from your tinnitus and your ears, you will often find it harder to live with unwanted sounds in and around your ears.

Conversely, if you find it easier to focus on other things happening in and around you and your ears, it becomes easier to "forget" the tinnitus and sound sensitivity.

You can learn to shift your attention—but it requires the right exercises and involves both your thoughts and your breathing. Here, Nature provides a fantastic setting for training.

Nature therapy

Nature therapy can be a useful and effective ‘tool’ for finding what many people with tinnitus and sound sensitivity long for: peace of mind and body.

In addition, there is proven evidence that Nature Therapy has a positive effect on stress, anxiety, high blood pressure, sleep problems, racing thoughts, and depression. Many of these symptoms are shared by those suffering from bothersome tinnitus.

In most cases, you can learn to live better with your tinnitus and sound sensitivity. It only takes a skilled professional who knows the treatment options and can help you find calm in noise and comfort in silence.

Always remember to consult an ENT specialist if you experience tinnitus or sound sensitivity. There may be something treatable, such as high blood pressure, hearing loss, or earwax.