What’s the best way to get rid of the ringing in my ears? There’s no cure for tinnitus, but learning about what causes or exacerbates your symptoms can help you minimize or prevent flare-ups.
Scientists estimate that 32 percent of people have a nonstop ringing, buzzing, or whooshing sound in their ears. This condition is known as tinnitus, and it can lead to real problems. People who suffer from this condition could have associative hearing loss and commonly have difficulty sleeping and concentrating.
There are measures you can take to decrease the symptoms, but because it’s usually related to other health conditions, there is no immediate cure.
What Should I Stay Away From to Minimize The Ringing in My Ears?
The first step in addressing that constant ringing in your ears is to steer clear of the things that have been shown to cause it or make it worse. Loud noise is one of the most prevalent things that worsen tinnitus. If you deal with a loud work environment, use earplugs and also try to avoid using headphones or earpods.
Some medications like anti-inflammatory drugs, antibiotics, and even high doses of aspirin can worsen the ringing so talk to your doctor. Be certain you speak with your doctor before you discontinue your medication.
Other common causes of tinnitus include:
- high blood pressure
- issues with the jaw
- infections
- stress
- other medical problems
- excessive earwax
- allergies
Jaw Problems And Tinnitus
Your jaw and ears are closely associated. That’s why problems with your jaw can lead to 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 resulting stress produced by simple activities such as chewing or speaking can ultimately result in tinnitus symptoms.
Is there anything that can be done? The best thing you can do, if your tinnitus is brought on by TMJ, is to find medical or dental assistance.
Stress And The Ringing in my Ears
The affects of stress on the body are very real and very serious. Associated spikes in blood pressure, heart rate, and breathing can all lead to an intensification of tinnitus symptoms. As a result, stress can cause, exacerbate, and lengthen tinnitus episodes.
What can I do? If your tinnitus is triggered by stress, you should determine ways of reducing stress. Taking some time to reduce the stress in your life (whenever you can) will also help.
Excess Earwax
Earwax is absolutely healthy and normal. But buzzing or ringing can be the result of excessive earwax pressing on your eardrum. The ensuing tinnitus can worsen if the earwax keeps accumulating or becomes hard to wash away in a normal way.
How can I deal with this? The easiest way to minimize the ringing in your ears caused by excessive earwax is to keep your ears clean! (Do not use cotton swabs in your ears.) Some people generate more earwax than others; if this sounds like you, a professional cleaning may be in order.
High Blood Pressure Causes Tinnitus to Worsen
Hypertension, or high blood pressure, can cause numerous health conditions, like tinnitus. It becomes hard to ignore when high blood pressure intensifies the ringing or buzzing you’re already hearing. There’s no cure for tinnitus, but there are treatment options for high blood pressure.
What can be done? High blood pressure is not something you want to neglect. Medical treatment is advisable. But a lifestyle change, including staying away from foods with high salt content and getting more exercise, can help a lot. Stress can also raise your blood pressure, so try doing relaxation techniques or making lifestyle changes can also improve hypertension (and, thus, tinnitus caused by hypertension).
Can I Relieve my Tinnitus by Using a White Noise Generator or Masking Device?
You can decrease the effects of the nonstop 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 don’t even require any special equipment. If you prefer, there are hearing aids or special devices you can buy to help.
If you’re experiencing a constant ringing, buzzing, or whooshing sound in your ears, be serious about the problem. If you’re experiencing hearing loss or have health concerns that are acting up, it may be a warning sign. Before what started as an annoying problem becomes a more serious issue, take measures to protect your ears and if the ringing continues, seek professional hearing help.