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MENIERE\'S DISEASE: STRESS MANAGEMENT IN TNNITUS
Internal or cognitive techniques such as attention diverting activities, positive thoughts or imagery, can assist some people. People can adapt to tinnitus in the same way they would adapt to chronic pain or illness.
Activities which draw your thoughts away from tinnitus and stop you focusing on it are an active way to develop coping strategies. Hobbies such as gardening, walking, reading, craftwork, etc may be helpful.
Tinnitus is often more noticeable when you are tired, stressed or feeling emotionally upset. A common way of coping with tinnitus is not to relax, but to do the opposite and keep busy. By directing your attention outwardly, an inward focus is avoided. However, learning to relax deeply can also be a useful way to counteract the annoyance of tinnitus. Relaxation activities include biofeedback, yoga, and meditation.
Passive relaxation includes simple breathing and muscle relaxation techniques which can be used at any time to reduce tension levels. Active relaxation involves a systematic tensing and relaxing of muscle groups in different parts of the body. Professional help can be sought to ensure that the maximum benefit is gained. Many community health centers run relaxation courses.
Learning relaxation techniques is an individual choice which can assist people to cope better. Research has shown that about 30% to 40% of people whose tinnitus has disturbed them for some years can expect to feel less annoyed and less disturbed by tinnitus if they practice and apply relaxation for two to three months.
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GENERAL HEALTH
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