Tinnitus has many possible causes: overactive brain and nerve cells, abnormalities of blood vessels, ossicles and the inner ear, swimming under water or too loud music. Stress and panic can also have a negative impact on your ears.
Short circuit in the brain
How about that? Tinnitus originates in our brains, to be precise in the auditory cortex. This part of our brain allows us to perceive sounds. So the problem is actually not in our ears, but in our brains. It comes from within, not from outside.
Nerve cells in the auditory cortex that can no longer receive sound signals begin to communicate with each other. These signals express themselves in an annoying, and for some well-known, tinnitus tone. This can be a beep, but also a buzzing, humming, whistling, ringing or rustling tone. Some people even experience ear pain.
Panic Attack
In extreme stressful situations, some people experience a panic attack. They then feel that they no longer have control over the situation. In addition to palpitations, rapid breathing, dizziness, blurred vision and the feeling of dying, ringing in the ears can also be a symptom. A panic attack can last from a few minutes to more than an hour.
Dealing with a panic attack
How do you deal with a panic attack? Try to breathe calmly, pay less attention to your heartbeat and breathing and, if possible, drink a glass of water. A walk can also help, as can reading aloud and talking to someone you trust. Also be aware that a panic attack will pass.
Tinnitus
Do you already suffer from tinnitus? Then stress and anxiety can make the annoying ringing in your ears seem even louder. Learning to deal with stress properly is therefore very important.
A panic attack feels extremely frightening. In the video below, Dr. Rutger explains what you can do best.
Bron: Ruudmeulenberg.nl, Thuisarts.nl