A link has been found between glaucoma patients experiencing tinnitus. One recent study shows that glaucoma patients had a 19% increase in odds of experiencing tinnitus.
With this increased risk, it is a good idea for those diagnosed with glaucoma to gain an understanding of what tinnitus is and what to do if they begin to experience symptoms.
Understanding Tinnitus for Glaucoma Patients
What is Tinnitus?
According to the MayoClinic, tinnitus is a condition that causes ringing or other noises in one or both of your ears. This noise heard is not caused by any external force and no one else can hear it. Here are a few facts to note about the condition of Tinnitus:
- It is a common problem, affecting about 15% to 20% of the population.
- It is especially common in older adults.
- It is often a symptom of another underlying condition, such as age-related hearing loss, an ear injury, a problem with the circulatory system or glaucoma.
More on the relationship between Tinnitus and Glaucoma
Researchers have recently identified a correlation between individuals diagnosed with primary open-angle glaucoma and the incidence of tinnitus. After excluding other factors like age, sex and underlying health conditions, the relational correlation was determined to exist. Glaucoma is a common condition that impacts thousands of Americans each year:
- Glaucoma is a term used to describe a group of eye diseases.
- Glaucoma damages the optic nerve and can lead to partial vision loss and, in some cases, blindness.
- Primary open-angle glaucoma is the most common type of glaucoma found in the U.S.
Can hearing aids help alleviate the symptoms of Tinnitus?
Hearing loss and tinnitus often go hand-in-hand. The exact reason for this is unknown, but often, when a patient goes to the doctor complaining of Tinnitus symptoms, tests show hearing loss as well. Whether the cause of your Tinnitus is Glaucoma or something else, a hearing aid can make all the difference in alleviating the symptoms. Here are some ways a hearing aid can help with Tinnitus:
- Hearing aids restore auditory stimulation to the brain
- Hearing aids allow you to hear background noises
- Hearing aids may help reduce stress associated with hearing loss.
- Hearing aids have helpful features, such as masking and connection to devices that can stream relaxing sounds for white noises.
Have a Question? Need Help? Contact Us Today!
You can reach out to the caring and knowledgeable staff at Kenwood Hearing Center or schedule an appointment online. We are happy to answer all of your questions regarding your hearing aid fitting and much more.