How can I stop the ringing in my ears? Even though we don’t yet know how to cure tinnitus, it’s symptoms can be reduced by learning what triggers it and worsens it.
A consistent buzzing, whooshing, or ringing in the ears is experienced by 32 percent of people according to researchers. This disorder, which is called tinnitus, can be a serious problem. People who hear these noises have trouble sleeping and concentrating, and they could also have associated hearing loss.
Because it is normally 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
There are some things that are known to cause tinnitus symptoms or make them worse and these are the things you should avoid. Loud noise is one of the most prevalent things that worsen tinnitus. If you deal with a noisy work place, 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 make the ringing worse so talk to your doctor. Never stop taking your medications without first consulting your health care professional.
Other common causes of tinnitus include:
- high blood pressure
- infections
- other medical issues
- stress
- too much earwax
- allergies
- jaw problems
Tinnitus And Problems With The Jaw
Your ears and jaw are closely related. This is the reason jaw problems can result in tinnitus. The best example of this is a condition called Temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJ for short), which comprises a breakdown of the shock-absorbing cartilage in the joints in your jaw. Tinnitus can be the result of the stress of simple activities like chewing.
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 find dental or medical treatment for the root cause (no pun intended).
Stress And The Ringing in my Ears
The affects of stress on the body are very real and very serious. Intensification of tinnitus symptoms can be caused by spikes in breathing, heart rate, and blood pressure. Stress, as a result, can trigger, worsen, and extend bouts of tinnitus.
What can be done? If your tinnitus is brought about by stress, you should determine ways of reducing stress. It might also help if you can decrease the general causes of your stress.
Excessive Earwax
It’s completely healthy and normal for you to have earwax. But buzzing or ringing can be the outcome of too much earwax pushing on your eardrum. If you can’t wash away the earwax normally because it has accumulated too much, the ensuing tinnitus can worsen.
What can I do? Cleaning without using cotton swabs is the easiest way to reduce ringing in the ears triggered by earwax. In some instances, you might need to seek out a professional cleaning so that you can get the buzzing and ringing to go away (some people just naturally make a lot more earwax than others).
High Blood Pressure Causes Tinnitus to Worsen
Various health conditions, like 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 dismiss. High blood pressure has treatment which may reduce tinnitus symptoms in related situations.
What’s my solution? Neglecting high blood pressure isn’t something you should do. You’ll likely need to get medical treatment. But a lifestyle change, such as staying away from foods with high salt content and getting more exercise, can go a long way. Stress can also raise your blood pressure, so practicing relaxation techniques or making lifestyle changes can also improve hypertension (and, thus, tinnitus triggered by hypertension).
Can I Decrease my Tinnitus by Using a Masking Device or White Noise Generator?
You can reduce the effects of the constant noise in your head by distracting your ears and your brain. You don’t even need to purchase special equipment, your radio, TV or computer can work as masking devices. You can, if you prefer, buy special masking devices or hearing aids to help.
You should take it seriously if you have continuous ringing, whooshing, or buzzing in your ears. It could be a warning sign that you also have hearing loss, or that you are going through a medical problem that should be addressed before it worsens. Take measures to safeguard your ears from loud noises, look for ways to distract your ears, and get in touch with a hearing specialist before what started as a nagging problem leads to bigger problems.