Ringing in your ears is not always due to underlying disease despite common misconceptions. Tinnitus can either be a physical or emotional condition or both. Exposure to loud sounds, whiplash, head injuries, excess earwax and medication side effects are some possible non-disease related causes of tinnitus.
However, tinnitus persists in many cases even after all physical factors have been ruled out or eliminated. In these cases, strong negative thoughts and emotions may be the main contributors to tinnitus. In several notable studies, researchers were able to identify a connection between tinnitus and strong negative thoughts and emotions. The amygdala, or the “feeling and reacting” part of the brain is thought to play a key role in this relationship.
Pleasant sounds evoke feelings of happiness or cheer. Good or happy memories stem from the hippocampus when we hear pleasant sounds. These good feelings travel from the hippocampus to the amygdala. Subsequently, the amygdala emits electrical currents throughout the body that signal the parasympathetic nervous system and create a relaxed physical state.
On the other hand, unpleasant sounds draw up negative images and thoughts. Often, we try to block out or ignore unpleasant sounds and the negative feelings associated with them, such as fear and sadness. When unpleasant subconscious events arise, the amygdala immediately activates the sympathetic nervous system, or the body’s “fight or flight” response.
Negative emotional memories play a key role in chronic tinnitus, specifically. These memories often result in an extended state of hypervigilance in which the body tells the mind that it must stay constantly and unwaveringly alert to ensure safety. This also promotes a sustained awareness of the ringing from chronic tinnitus.
Fortunately, medical support clinical hypnotherapy can help with tinnitus. Through guided hypnosis, the patient enters a trance state and achieves access to the amygdala as well as to any negative memories and emotions. Next, the clinician and patient work together using therapeutic techniques to change the patient’s perception of the negative memories and emotions. The mind is a miraculous thing.
Medical support clinical hypnotherapy is available at Renaissance Health Centre in Las Vegas, NV. Please contact the clinic for more information.