Tinnitus (also spelled tinnitis) is the perception of noise in the ears, without an external cause. Tinnitus is not just ringing in the ears; it can be the sound of rushing water, buzzing, squeals, or even the sound of jet engines. It is a subjective, common condition, affecting 15 to 20 percent of all people. Tinnitus is actually a symptom of some underlying condition, including age-related hearing loss, ear injury or a circulatory system disorder. Unfortunately, the root cause of tinnitus can’t always be identified.
Tinnitus can significantly impact quality of life, as it can lead to fatigue, stress, sleep disturbances, concentration and memory problems, anxiety, depression, and irritability. Fortunately, there are methods that may help eliminate, or least diminish, the noise. Because flare-ups are often caused by stress, relaxation techniques such as Tai Chi, Qigong, meditation, and yoga, are often recommended. Even 15-minutes of relaxation can boost your mood and hopefully lower the volume on your tinnitus. Also make sure you’re getting enough rest, as sleep deprivation can aggravate tinnitus.
Qigong is a mind/body exercise that uses movement, breath control, and meditation to achieve a harmonious balance of mind, body and spirit. Best of all, it has been shown to be beneficial for people suffering from tinnitus. A 2019 study sought to determine the effect of Qigong on subjects with tinnitus. The Qigong group experienced significant reduction in the severity of their tinnitus compared to the control group, indicating that it could be a useful in patients with tinnitus. This was found to be especially beneficial for those with somatosensory tinnitus, which is a tinnitus sub-type, where the cervical spine (neck) or temporomandibular (TMJ) area causes or changes the patient’s perception of the tinnitus. The Qigong group reported satisfaction with the Qigong intervention. The positive effects of the intervention lasted for over 3 months.
Given its similarities to Qigong, it shouldn’t be surprising that Tai Chi can help mitigate tinnitus symptoms. Researchers at The Centre in Colchester (UK) introduced select Tai Chi moves to students with tinnitus and their hearing therapists. Some of the students reported their tinnitus disappeared while practicing, while others stated Tai Chi reduced their tinnitus to the point where some actually forgot they ever had the condition.
While neither Qigong nor Tai Chi are going to “cure” your tinnitus, it is likely that they will reduce or eliminate some of the symptoms. In addition, both Qigong and Tai Chi have a vast number of health benefits, both mental and physical.
Isn’t it worth a try?