A person suffering from Tinnitus perceives a sound which does not exist outside his head. Tinnitus affects 15% of the world population but fortunately only few people are affected so seriously to compromise their life. Almost all the people affected by Tinnitus report some changes in their quality of life together with modifications of mood and behaviour, including anxiety, irritability, depression and sleep disorders. Certain conditions may increase the perception of Tinnitus, for example the excessive use of caffeine (more than 3 cups of tea/coffee per day) or the exposure to environmental loud sounds and chronic stress.
Sometimes there can be an association between tinnitus and hyperacusis. For a patient suffering from Hyperacusis it is not possible to tolerate everyday sounds and he will avoid any exposure to loud sounds and noisy environment. Hyperacusis and Tinnitus are often linked in the same patient, but the underlying mechanisms of this relationship are largely unknown. Hyperacusis, like chronic Tinnitus, may be the consequence of a neuroplastic process occurring in the auditory pathways in response to cochlear damage, resulting in an abnormal processing of sound, with a negative reaction to the exposure to moderate and loud sound levels.
The treamtent is based on medications and on a sound therapy supported by counseling or relaxation techinques and mindfulness.