What’s the best way to stop the ringing in my ears? Although we don’t yet know how to cure tinnitus, it’s effects can be minimized by understanding what triggers it and worsens it.
Scientists estimate that 32 percent of people have a nonstop buzzing, ringing, or whooshing noise in their ears. This condition is called tinnitus, and it can lead to real problems. People who hear these sounds have difficulty sleeping and concentrating, and they may also have associated hearing loss.
There are measures you can take to reduce the symptoms, but because it’s commonly linked to other health conditions, there is no direct cure.
Avoid These Things to Reduce The Ringing
There are some things that have been shown to cause or worsen tinnitus symptoms and these are the things you need to steer clear of. One of the most prevalent things that aggravate tinnitus is loud noises. If you deal with a noisy work environment, use earplugs and also try to avoid using headphones or earpods.
You should also talk to your doctor about your medications, as certain antibiotics, anti-inflammatory drugs, and high doses of aspirin can make the ear ringing worse. Never stop taking your medications without first speaking to your health care professional.
Here are some other common causes:
- problems with the jaw
- high blood pressure
- infections
- stress
- other medical issues
- too much earwax
- allergies
Jaw Issues And Tinnitus
Your ears and jaw are closely associated. This is the reason jaw problems 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 including chewing or speaking can ultimately lead to tinnitus symptoms.
What can I do? If your tinnitus is the result of TMJ symptoms, then the best way to achieve relief is to find dental or medical treatment for the root cause (no pun intended).
How is The Ringing in my Ears Related to Stress?
The affects of stress on the body are very real and very significant. Associated spikes in blood pressure, heart rate, and breathing can all lead to an increase of tinnitus symptoms. Consequently, stress can cause, worsen, and extend tinnitus episodes.
Can I do anything to help? If your tinnitus is brought on by stress, you need to determine ways of reducing stress. Taking some time to reduce the stress in your life (whenever you can) can also help.
Excessive Earwax
Earwax is totally normal and healthy. But excessive earwax can irritate your eardrum, and start to cause ringing or buzzing in your ears. The ensuing tinnitus can intensify if the earwax continues to accumulate or becomes difficult to wash away in a normal way.
How can I deal with this? Cleaning without using cotton swabs is the simplest way to minimize ringing in the ears triggered by earwax. In certain cases, you may need to seek out a professional cleaning in order to get the buzzing and ringing to go away (some people just normally make a lot more earwax than others).
High Blood Pressure Makes Tinnitus Worse
A myriad of health conditions, like tinnitus, can be caused by hypertension and high blood pressure. It becomes difficult to dismiss when high blood pressure intensifies the buzzing or ringing you’re already experiencing. High blood pressure has treatment options which might decrease tinnitus symptoms in relevant situations.
What can be done? Neglecting high blood pressure isn’t something you should do. Medical treatment is suggested. 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 practicing relaxation techniques or changing your lifestyle can also improve hypertension (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 decrease the effects of the continual noise in your ears. You don’t even need to get special equipment, your radio, TV or laptop can work as masking devices. You can, if you prefer, get special masking devices or hearing aids to help.
You should take it seriously if you have continuous ringing, buzzing, or whooshing in your ears. It may be a warning sign that you also have hearing loss, or that you are experiencing a medical issue that should be dealt with before it worsens. Before what began as an irritating problem becomes a more severe issue, take steps to safeguard your ears and if the ringing continues, seek professional hearing help.
