What’s the best way to eliminate the ringing in my ears? There’s no cure for tinnitus, but recognizing what causes or exacerbates your symptoms can help you reduce or prevent flare-ups.
Experts calculate that 32 percent of individuals have a nonstop ringing, buzzing, or whooshing sound in their ears. This condition, which is known as tinnitus, can be a real problem. People who hear these sounds have problems sleeping and concentrating, and they may also have associated hearing loss.
Because it is usually related to some other condition, there is no real cure for the tinnitus itself, but there are measures you can take to quiet the noise.
Steer Clear of These Things to Reduce The Ringing
The first step in managing that constant ringing in your ears is to steer clear of the things that have been shown to cause it or make it worse. One of the most common factors that worsen tinnitus is loud noises. Avoid using headphones, and if you are exposed to noise at work or at home, use some high-quality earplugs to decrease the damage.
You should also talk to your doctor about your medications, as certain antibiotics, anti-inflammatory drugs, and high doses of aspirin can make the ringing in your ears worse. Make certain you speak with your doctor before you discontinue your medication.
Other typical causes of tinnitus include:
- allergies
- infections
- other medical issues
- jaw problems
- stress
- excessive earwax
- high blood pressure
Jaw Problems And Tinnitus
If for no other reason than their physical proximity, your ears and jaw exhibit a certain amount of interplay between each other (they’re good neighbors, normally). This is the reason jaw issues can cause tinnitus. TMJ, which is an affliction that causes the cartilage of the jaw to deteriorate, is a good example of this kind of jaw issue. The ensuing stress produced by basic activities like speaking or chewing can ultimately lead to tinnitus symptoms.
Is there anything that can be done? The best thing you can do, if your tinnitus is caused by TMJ, is to seek medical or dental help.
How is The Ringing in my Ears Related to Stress?
The affects of stress on the body are very real and very significant. Associated surges in blood pressure, heart rate, and breathing can all lead to an intensification of tinnitus symptoms. As a result, stress can cause, worsen, and extend tinnitus episodes.
What can be done? If stress is a significant cause of the ringing or buzzing in your ears, you can try remedies like yoga and meditation to try to unwind. It may also help if you can lessen the general causes of stress in your life.
Excess Earwax
Earwax is absolutely normal and healthy. But ringing and buzzing can be the outcome of too much earwax pressing on your eardrum. The ensuing tinnitus can intensify if the earwax continues to accumulate or becomes difficult to wash away normally.
How can I deal with this? Cleaning without using cotton swabs is the easiest way to decrease ringing in the ears caused by earwax. Some individuals generate more earwax than others; if this applies to you, a professional cleaning may be in order.
Tinnitus is Worsened by High Blood Pressure
Many health conditions, like tinnitus, can be caused by hypertension and high blood pressure. High blood pressure can intensify the ringing or buzzing you’re already hearing, making it difficult to disregard. There isn’t a cure for tinnitus, but there are treatments for high blood pressure.
What’s my solution? High blood pressure is not something you want to dismiss. You’ll probably want to get medical treatment. But you can also change your lifestyle a little: avoid foods that have high fat or salt content and exercise more. 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, tinnitus brought about by hypertension).
Will Using a Masking Device or White Noise Device Help my Tinnitus?
You can minimize the impact of the continual noise in your head by distracting your ears and your brain. Your TV, radio, or computer can be used as a masking device so you won’t even require any special equipment. If you prefer, there are hearing aids or specialized devices you can buy to help.
You should take it seriously if you have continuous ringing, whooshing, or buzzing in your ears. It might be a warning sign that you also have hearing loss, or that you are experiencing a medical issue that should be addressed before it gets worse. Before what started as an irritating problem becomes a more severe concern, take measures to protect your ears and if the ringing continues, find professional hearing help.