What’s the best way to eliminate the ringing in my ears? Despite the fact that we don’t yet understand how to cure tinnitus, it’s symptoms can be reduced by recognizing what initiates it and makes it worse.
Scientists estimate that 32 percent of people have a nonstop ringing, buzzing, or whooshing noise in their ears. This disorder, which is known as tinnitus, can be a real problem. People who hear these noises have problems sleeping and concentrating, and they could also have associated hearing loss.
Because it is usually connected to some other affliction, there is no real cure for the tinnitus itself, but there are strategies you can take to quiet the noise.
Avoid These Things to Reduce The Ringing
The first step in dealing with that constant ringing in your ears is to steer clear of the things that are known to cause it or make it worse. One of the most common things that intensify tinnitus is loud sounds. If you’re exposed to a noisy work place, wear earplugs and also try to avoid using headphones or earpods.
Some medications such as anti-inflammatory drugs, antibiotics, and even high doses of aspirin can make the ringing worse so talk to your doctor. Never stop taking your medications without first talking with your health care professional.
Here are some other typical causes:
- other medical problems
- problems with the jaw
- infections
- allergies
- stress
- excessive earwax
- high blood pressure
Jaw Problems And Tinnitus
Your jaw and ears are closely linked. That’s why problems with your jaw can cause tinnitus. TMJ, which is a condition that causes the cartilage of the jaw to deteriorate, is a good example of this type of jaw problem. The resulting stress produced by simple activities such as speaking or chewing can ultimately result in tinnitus symptoms.
Is there anything that can be done? If your tinnitus is the result of TMJ symptoms, then the best way to achieve relief is to seek out medical or dental treatment for the root cause (no pun intended).
Stress And The Ringing in my Ears
Stress can affect your body in very real, very tangible ways. Associated increases in heart rate, breathing, and blood pressure can all bring on an increase of tinnitus symptoms. Stress, as a result, can activate, exacerbate, and lengthen bouts of tinnitus.
Can I do anything to help? If stress is a substantial cause of the buzzing or ringing in your ears, you can try solutions such as meditation and yoga to try to de-stress. Taking some time to minimize the stress in your life (whenever you can) could also help.
Excessive Earwax
Earwax is totally healthy and normal. But buzzing or ringing can be the result of too much earwax pushing on your eardrum. If you can’t wash away the earwax in a normal way because it has built up too much, the resulting tinnitus can become worse.
What can be done? Cleaning without utilizing cotton swabs is the simplest way to minimize ringing in the ears caused by earwax. Some people produce more earwax than others; if this sounds like you, a professional cleaning may be in order.
High Blood Pressure Makes Tinnitus Worse
Hypertension, or high blood pressure, can create numerous health concerns, like tinnitus. High blood pressure has a way of intensifying the buzzing or ringing you’re already hearing, making it hard to dismiss. High blood pressure has treatment options which could decrease tinnitus symptoms in relevant situations.
What can I do? High blood pressure is not something you want to ignore. You’ll probably need to get medical treatment. But a lifestyle change, including avoiding foods with high salt content and exercising more, can really help. Hypertension and stress can increase your blood pressure triggering tinnitus, so try to find lifestyle changes and ways of relaxing to minimize stress (and, thus, hypertension-related tinnitus).
Will Using a Masking Device or White Noise Device Help my Tinnitus?
If you distract your ears and brain, you can reduce the impact of the constant noise in your ears. You don’t even have to purchase special equipment, your radio, TV or computer can act as masking devices. If you prefer, there are hearing aids or special devices you can buy to help.
If you’re experiencing a continuous ringing, whooshing, or buzzing sound in your ears, be serious about the problem. If you’re suffering from hearing loss or have health problems that are acting up, it could be a warning sign. Before what began as an irritating problem becomes a more serious concern, take steps to protect your ears and if the ringing persists, find professional hearing help.