tinnitus

The Truth About Tinnitus

The Truth About Tinnitus
Tinnitus, often described as a ringing, buzzing, or whooshing sound in the ears without an external source, is a surprisingly common condition that affects millions of people worldwide. Despite its prevalence, there are many misconceptions about tinnitus that can lead to confusion and frustration for those experiencing it. Let's explore the truth about this complex condition.

Tinnitus is a symptom, not a disease

Contrary to popular belief, tinnitus itself is not a disease but rather a symptom of an underlying condition. It can be caused by various factors, including hearing loss, head and neck injuries, TMJ disorders, traumatic brain injuries, infections, heavy metals, lack of spinal alignment, vestibular disorders like Meniere's disease, and even certain medications. Understanding the root cause is crucial for effective management.

It's more common than you think

Tinnitus affects an estimated 50 million people in the United States alone and over 600 million worldwide. This means that roughly 10-15% of the global population experiences some form of tinnitus, making it a significant health concern that often goes unrecognized.

There's no single cure, but there is hope

While there's currently no universal cure for tinnitus, that doesn't mean those affected are powerless. Many people naturally learn to cope with tinnitus over time, and various treatment options can help manage symptoms and improve quality of life. These may include:

  1. Sound therapy
  2. NUCCA chiropractic care -- I recommend Spine and Body Renewal in Rockford IL if you need one locally.
  3. Cognitive behavioral therapy
  4. Occupational Therapy -- I recommend Spine and Body Renewal in Rockford IL if you need one locally.
  5. Mindfulness-based techniques
  6. Hearing aids (for those with associated hearing loss)
  7. Stress reduction techniques
  8. Lifestyle modifications
The brain plays a crucial role

The perception of tinnitus is closely tied to how our brains process and react to the phantom sound. Our emotional and psychological responses can significantly impact the severity of tinnitus symptoms. By changing our reaction to the sound, we can often reduce its impact on our daily lives.

Hidden hearing loss may be a factor

Recent research suggests that some individuals with tinnitus may have "hidden" hearing loss - damage to the auditory nerve that isn't detected by conventional hearing tests. This discovery is shedding new light on potential causes and treatment approaches for tinnitus.

Management is key

Living successfully with tinnitus often involves a combination of treatments and coping strategies. These may include:
  • Using white noise or nature sounds to mask the tinnitus
  • Practicing relaxation techniques like meditation or yoga
  • Maintaining spinal alignment through NUCCA care
  • Joining support groups to share experiences and coping strategies
  • Maintaining a healthy lifestyle with good sleep habits and regular exercise
  • Learning body mechanics through Occupational Therapy that can help with easing symptoms
  • Exploring new technologies like bimodal stimulation devices
The importance of seeking help

If you're experiencing tinnitus, it's crucial to consult with healthcare professionals, including your primary care doctor and an ear, nose, and throat specialist. They can help rule out any underlying medical conditions and guide you towards appropriate management strategies.

Heavy Metals and Tinnitus

Emerging research suggests that heavy metals may play a role in the development of tinnitus. Elevated levels of heavy metals such as manganese, cadmium, chromium, and selenium have been found to potentially contribute to subjective tinnitus. These metals can lead to oxidative damage and decreased antioxidant activity, which may affect auditory function. If heavy metal toxicity is suspected as a contributing factor to tinnitus, a safe detoxification process is essential. I have utilized the 11 Day Jumpstart to help my body naturally detox safely, but here are some steps to consider:
  1. Consult a Professional: Seek guidance from a healthcare provider before starting any detox regimen. They can perform tests to confirm heavy metal toxicity and recommend appropriate treatments.
  2. Chelation Therapy: This medical procedure involves the administration of chelating agents that bind to heavy metals, allowing them to be excreted from the body. It should be performed under medical supervision due to potential side effects.
  3. Dietary Changes: Incorporate foods that support detoxification, such as leafy green vegetables, herbs, spices, and algae. These foods can help break down and eliminate heavy metals from the body.
  4. Supplements: Certain supplements, such as those containing glutathione, can aid in the detoxification process by promoting the excretion of heavy metals.
  5. Hydration and Exercise: Staying hydrated and engaging in regular physical activity can support the body's natural detoxification processes.
Living with tinnitus can be challenging, but understanding the truth about this condition is the first step towards effective management. With the right approach and support, many people find ways to reduce the impact of tinnitus on their daily lives and regain a sense of control. Remember, you're not alone in this journey, and there are resources and treatments available to help you cope with tinnitus.

My Journey Naturally Managing TMJ Disorder

My Journey Naturally Managing TMJ Disorder
Dealing with jaw issues can be quite complex. Many people, including specialists, often struggle to pinpoint the exact causes of TMJ disorders (TMJD), and the underlying factors can differ significantly from one individual to another.

I firmly believe in the interconnectedness of the body. We are holistic beings, and it’s essential to nurture our body, mind, spirit, and heart as a unified whole.

Through a process of trial and error, I’ve made several lifestyle changes and embraced natural solutions that have led me to a place of physical, emotional, relational, and spiritual wellness. While there’s always room for growth, I can confidently say I feel better than ever on this journey of wellness.

5 Key Changes That Improved My TMJ Health

  1. Revamping My Diet
    • We eliminated sugar, caffeine, most dairy (especially for my husband, who has IBS), and processed foods from our diet.
    • Our meals now focus on fresh fruits and vegetables, with einkorn as our primary grain.
    • We also incorporated supplements that promote joint health and overall wellness, which have surprisingly improved the strength and appearance of my hair and nails.
  2. Chiropractic Support
    • Regular visits to a specialized chiropractor have been beneficial, as they help us maintain proper alignment and use tools that help us keep that alignment longer.
    • I wear a custom night splint that allows my jaw to slide rather than clench, primarily protecting my teeth rather than fully preventing clenching.
  3. Mindfulness and Emotional Regulation
    • I’ve worked diligently to manage my mindset and emotional responses, as well as to balance my hormones.
    • Previously, I was prone to anxiety and often magnified small worries. By focusing on affirmations and embracing positive truths, I’ve made significant strides in my emotional well-being. The Big Think course was key for me in growing my mind to be prepared for new big things!
  4. Targeted Supplementation
    • Addressing deficiencies in the body is vital, particularly concerning joint health, gut function, and detoxification issues like tinnitus.
    • In a world where our bodies can sometimes falter, providing high-quality, bioavailable supplements can help us reclaim our health. Remember, healing is a gradual process that requires patience and consistency.
  5. Prioritizing Sleep
    • Quality sleep is foundational to overall health and wellness. Ensuring I get restorative rest has been a game-changer in my journey.

Want to Learn More?

If you’re curious about the specific strategies that have worked for me in these areas, feel free to explore the links above or check out the TMJ Strong course. Health and wellness are not one-size-fits-all, and I’m here to share my experiences and insights. If you’re looking for someone to discuss ideas with or simply need a supportive ear, I’m here for you. I wish I had that kind of support when I first began this journey. I send you my best wishes for wellness, relief, and abundance on your path. Stay blessed!


This is my health story

 

I have always been sensitive. That's a word that has described me, my body in particular, my whole life. I have skin sensitivities to fabrics, bruise easily, I get cold easily, I tend to be on "alert" all of the time (no coffee needed here!), I'm a musician and very creative, and I don't even THINK about using any conventional personal care or other products that are scented... they bother my skin, and they bother my respiratory system too. I've never been able to use any scented products because of the discomfort and increased sensitivity they cause. I can't be around people who wear perfume or scented deodorant, because I can't breathe well and my head has discomfort. I can't go into a public bathroom that has been just cleaned because of the toxic chemicals they used to clean it. I can't enjoy candles or most lotions or makeup like most women I know because I'm sensitive to it.

During my first semester of college, I started to develop debilitating discomfort in my jaw, which I was later told is TMJD or temporomandibular joint dysfunction, not just the kind of little twinge when you bite down on something too hard, but long-lasting aching, along with clicking and cracking. It was exacerbated by singing, gum-chewing, caffeine, and other things, and I was easily able to cut out all of the things listed on my doctor's list except for one -- singing. I was a vocal music education major, and singing was my livelihood (or at least soon-to-be), so I couldn't just not practice! I struggled so hard for 2.5 years through long choir rehearsals, voice lessons, practice sessions, and more. By the end of the day, it would be so bad that I'd almost be in tears. My roommates and boyfriend (and his roommates!), bless their servant hearts, would bring me freezing cold ice packs to numb my face enough so that I could fall asleep at least, though I would wake up in the night unable to fall back asleep due to other sleep issues I also was dealing with.

It seemed like a vicious cycle that I needed to stop. Maybe I needed to change majors and give up my dream of making music, of teaching others to make music too. Maybe I needed to pick something that didn't require so much singing and talking. Even smiling a lot bothered me, so maybe I needed to pick a major or job with less human interaction. But THAT idea broke my heart. I didn't enjoy any of the things I could think of! My boyfriend at the time (now husband!) and I had many conversations about what I should do... singing was part of the fabric of my BEING. I am MADE to sing. If you know me, you know that hardly an hour went by without me humming or singing some little tune. But my jaw bothered me so much most of the time that I needed to change SOMETHING. But what?

And that's when change came...

I found some natural and pretty simple solutions -- though simple doesn't always mean easy! It required a LOT of discipline and self-control on my part.

I'm blessed now to have so many versatile tools in my tool box for any emotion, body system, or issue I may be experiencing. So, where am I now? Healthier than I’ve EVER been. I have NO jaw issues anymore when I keep up my self-created protocol. I sleep through the night. I feel so much better now that I'm sleeping more and deeper. I've spent 4 years now working through the emotional issues I faced in early career, and I am so happy that I can now FEEL emotions without feeling completely run-over and frozen by emotions. I’m also happy to say that I have only had little illnesses since finding solutions, not the constant strep throat and other illnesses I was getting at least once per month before! And, that’s saying a lot as I was constantly around germs while working full time with 500+ elementary students. But once I started supporting my immune system, I stopped getting sick every couple of weeks. I can clean with the most amazing smelling cleaner without coughing. I can wear my own homemade "perfume" and get compliments, and not only does it smell good, it supports my body systems. I can use amazing smelling shampoo now! I can have twice as much energy for the day without drinking any coffee or sugary drink. When I started having these successes, I was at first in disbelief, and now in awe at all that God's created, I believe, and given us for our good. Now these are my first line of defense, my go-tos, the first thing I do when something is off, which is not very often anymore (usually just when the weather changes, ah MN life).


I look forward to living a beautiful life of freedom and feeling empowered every single day, enjoying the life I was meant to live. That life includes sharing my story of overcoming and helping you also find better, safer solutions to overcome your daily struggles.

Are you ready to live empowered to be your own best advocate? Let's chat.

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