What’s the best way to relieve the ringing in my ears? Although we don’t yet know how to cure tinnitus, it’s symptoms can be minimized by understanding what initiates it and makes it worse.
Scientists estimate that 32 percent of people suffer from a continual buzzing, ringing, or whooshing noise in their ears. This condition, which is known as tinnitus, can be a serious problem. People who hear these sounds have difficulty sleeping and concentrating, and they might also have associated hearing loss.
Because it is normally connected to some other ailment, 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 addressing that persistent 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 prevalent things that intensify tinnitus is loud noises. Try to avoid using headphones, and if you are subjected to noise at work or at home, use some high-quality earplugs to reduce the damage.
Certain 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.
Here are some other common causes:
- allergies
- excessive earwax
- infections
- stress
- problems with the jaw
- high blood pressure
- other medical problems
Jaw Issues And Tinnitus
If for no other reason than their how close they are, your jaw and ears exhibit a certain amount of interplay between them (they’re good neighbors, normally). 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 issue. The resulting stress created by basic activities such as chewing or speaking can ultimately lead to tinnitus symptoms.
Is there anything that can be done? If your tinnitus is caused by TMJ symptoms, then the best way to achieve relief is to find medical or dental treatment for the underlying cause.
Stress And That Ringing in my Ears
Stress can affect your body in very real, very tangible ways. Associated increases in blood pressure, heart rate, and breathing can all result in an intensification of tinnitus symptoms. Stress, consequently, can activate, exacerbate, and extend bouts of tinnitus.
Can I do anything to help? If your tinnitus is brought about by stress, you should find ways of de-stressing. It may also help if you can decrease the general causes of your stress.
Excessive Earwax
Earwax is absolutely normal and healthy. But excessive earwax can aggravate your eardrum, and begin to cause buzzing or ringing in your ears. If you can’t wash away the earwax normally because it has accumulated too much, the ensuing tinnitus can become worse.
How can I deal with this? The simplest way to minimize the ringing in your ears caused by excessive earwax is to make sure your ears are clean! (Do not use cotton swabs in your ears.) In some instances, you may need to seek out a professional cleaning in order to get the ringing or buzzing to go away (some people just normally make a lot more earwax than others).
High Blood Pressure Makes Tinnitus Worse
All kinds of health conditions, including tinnitus, can be caused by hypertension and high blood pressure. High blood pressure has a way of intensifying the buzzing or ringing you’re already hearing, making it hard to ignore. There isn’t a cure for tinnitus, but there are treatment options for high blood pressure.
What’s my solution? Disregarding high blood pressure isn’t something you should do. You’ll probably want to seek out medical treatment. But a lifestyle change, like staying away from foods with high salt content and exercising more, 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, hypertension-related tinnitus).
Can I Decrease my Tinnitus by Using a Masking Device or White Noise Generator?
You can reduce the effects 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. You can, if you choose, buy special masking devices or hearing aids to help.
If you experience a continuous ringing, buzzing, or whooshing sound in your ears, be serious about the problem. If you’re dealing with hearing loss or have health concerns that are acting up, it may be a warning sign. Before what started as an aggravating problem becomes a more severe issue, take measures to protect your ears and if the ringing persists, get professional hearing help.