Whether you’ve helped your little one through a nasty ear infection or fed them chicken noodle soup when they developed a cold, you’re probably familiar with the worries accompanying a sick child. Unfortunately, some concerns are more complex, but not impossible, to address than others, as with pediatric tinnitus.
What is Tinnitus?
Tinnitus is the presence of internal ringing or buzzing without an external source. Common causes include:
- Aging
- Loud noise exposure
- Bad ear infections
- Earwax blockages
- Ear trauma
- Certain medications
Tinnitus affects approximately 50 million people in the United States, but it isn’t the same for everyone. Some people may experience it for ten seconds, then never again. Others hear the ringing on and off for years. While tinnitus has no known cure, there are ways you can help your child through it.
How Can I Help My Child Manage Tinnitus?
A few ways you can help your child through a tinnitus bout include:
- Use a noise machine. A noise machine plays calming sounds like ocean waves or static to distract the brain from tinnitus. You can set up a noise machine in your child’s bedroom to help them with nighttime tinnitus.
- Play games. Stress can worsen tinnitus. If your child seems stressed out or on edge because of the ringing, try designing new and interesting games. Make sure the games are age-appropriate but engaging. For example, a five-to-seven-year-old child might love a science experiment like a baking soda volcano. A younger child might have more fun running around the yard or drawing.
- Enforce a regular sleep schedule. Sleeping regularly can help minimize tinnitus stress. Set firm bedtimes and help your child fall asleep by reading stories or playing soothing music.
- Get them a surprise treat. A trip to the zoo or a refreshing ice cream from Power Cone might be just the ticket to distract your child from their tinnitus.
- Talk to an ENT or hearing specialist. Pediatric tinnitus may have a treatable underlying cause. For example, if your child has ear infection-related tinnitus, they’ll benefit from antibiotics or an ear tube. Our experts can get to the bottom of their tinnitus and recommend effective solutions.
We understand how hard it is to watch your child deal with something as frustrating as tinnitus, and we’re here to help. Contact Advantage ENT & Audiology today to schedule an appointment with one of our specialists.