Tinnitus can be a frustrating and often stressful symptom. Unfortunately, stress can also contribute to the development or worsening of tinnitus.[1] While there is no cure for tinnitus, many people find relief by incorporating stress-reducing activities into their daily routine. Yoga is one helpful tool that can ease your stress and the accompanying tinnitus.
What is Yoga?
You’ve probably already encountered yoga in some form or another. Maybe you saw someone in a warrior II pose at Pendleton King Park, or passed by a yoga studio on your way to work. In its basic form, yoga combines gentle movement, controlled breathing and mindfulness practices to support both physical and mental well-being. Regular practice has been linked to a variety of health benefits,[2] including:
- Reduced muscle tension
- Increased flexibility and balance
- Better quality sleep
- Lower stress levels
- Improved mood and mental wellness
How Does Yoga Affect Tinnitus?
One clinical study followed adults with tinnitus who participated in a structured yoga program for three months. The routine included physical postures, breathing exercises and meditation. By the end of the program, participants reported improvements in both the severity of their tinnitus and the stress associated with it.[3]
A 2023 review of multiple studies found similar trends. Several studies found that consistent yoga practice was associated with reduced tinnitus severity, irritability, anxiety and related stress.[4]
Because stress often makes tinnitus more noticeable, techniques that encourage relaxation may play an important role in symptom management.
Make Yoga Part of a Comprehensive Tinnitus Plan
Yoga will likely be most effective when viewed as one piece of a broader tinnitus management strategy. Depending on your needs, your tinnitus specialist may also recommend options such as hearing aids, sound therapy or tinnitus retraining therapy (TRT).
If a persistent ringing in your ears is interfering with your daily life, call Augusta – Aiken ENT & Allergy to schedule your appointment with one of our tinnitus specialists.
[1] Patil, J. D., Alrashid, M. A., Eltabbakh, A., & Fredericks, S. (2023). The association between stress, emotional states, and tinnitus: a mini-review. Frontiers in aging neuroscience, 15, 1131979. https://doi.org/10.3389/fnagi.2023.1131979
[2] Büssing, A., Michalsen, A., Khalsa, S. B., Telles, S., & Sherman, K. J. (2012). Effects of yoga on mental and physical health: a short summary of reviews. Evidence-based complementary and alternative medicine : eCAM, 2012, 165410. https://doi.org/10.1155/2012/165410
[3] Köksoy, S., Eti, C. M., Karataş, M., & Vayisoglu, Y. (2018). The Effects of Yoga in Patients Suffering from Subjective Tinnitus. International archives of otorhinolaryngology, 22(1), 9–13. https://doi.org/10.1055/s-0037-1601415
[4] Gunjawate, D. R., & Ravi, R. (2021). Effect of yoga and meditation on tinnitus: a systematic review. The Journal of laryngology and otology, 135(4), 284–287. https://doi.org/10.1017/S0022215121000566