Taking a challenging class at Dharma Yoga or relaxing at home with a gentle movement yoga video are both excellent and stress-free ways to get some exercise. Not only does yoga build strength, reduce joint pain and improve balance and flexibility,[1] but some studies suggest it may also be an effective form of tinnitus management.
How Regular Yoga Practice Affects Tinnitus Severity
The leading theory as to why yoga correlates with lessening tinnitus has to do with stress relief. A 2023 study[2] found that psycho-social stress has the same probability of developing and worsening tinnitus as occupational noise exposure. Finding ways to reduce that stress may reduce your tinnitus symptoms.
One 2018 study[3] following 12 tinnitus patients through a three-month yoga practice found that the stress-relief benefits of yoga could reduce the severity or frequency of stress-related tinnitus.
A literature review in 2023[4] supported the results of the 2018 study. Out of the five studies researchers reviewed, three reported reductions in tinnitus severity, irritability, anxiety and related stress following a consistent yoga practice.
The combined research of the above studies suggests that yoga could be a helpful addition to your tinnitus management plan.
Combining Yoga With Other Tinnitus Management Tools
Managing tinnitus often requires a multi-faceted approach. Some might find relief from a combination of yoga and sound masking; you could even try sound masking while moving through your yoga routine. Others might combine yoga with additional stress-relieving techniques and tinnitus retraining therapy.
We’re here to help you find the best management path forward. Contact River ENT to schedule your tinnitus consultation with one of our specialists.
[1] Arthritis Foundation. (n.d.). Yoga benefits for arthritis. Arthritis Foundation. https://www.arthritis.org/health-wellness/healthy-living/physical-activity/yoga/yoga-benefits-for-arthritis
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[2] 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
[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
