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 initiates it and makes it worse.
Researchers estimate that 32 percent of people experience a continual ringing, buzzing, or whooshing sound in their ears. This condition, which is known as tinnitus, can be a serious problem. People who have this condition may have associative hearing loss and often have difficulty sleeping and concentrating.
Because it is usually 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.
What Should I Avoid to Decrease The Ringing in My Ears?
There are some things that have been shown to cause or worsen tinnitus symptoms and these are the things you should stay away from. One of the most prevalent factors that aggravate tinnitus is loud sounds. Avoid using headphones, and if you are exposed to noise at work or at home, get some high-quality earplugs to reduce the damage.
Certain medications like anti-inflammatory drugs, antibiotics, and even high doses of aspirin can make the ringing worse so consult your doctor. Be certain you talk to your doctor before you discontinue your medication.
Here are some other common causes:
- stress
- infections
- other medical issues
- allergies
- high blood pressure
- too much earwax
- jaw issues
Tinnitus And Issues With The Jaw
If for no other reason than their physical proximity, your ears and jaw exhibit a certain amount of interplay between each other (they’re ideal neighbors, usually). This is why jaw issues 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. 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 the result of TMJ, is to find medical or dental assistance.
How is The Ringing in my Ears Linked 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 bring on an intensification of tinnitus symptoms. Stress, consequently, can trigger, exacerbate, and extend bouts of tinnitus.
What can be done? If your tinnitus is brought about by stress, you need to find ways of unwinding. It might also help if you can lessen the overall causes of stress in your life.
Excessive Earwax
It’s absolutely normal and healthy for you to produce earwax. But ringing and buzzing can be the result of too much earwax pushing on your eardrum. If you can’t wash away the earwax in a normal way because it has built up too much, the ensuing tinnitus can become worse.
What can be done? Keeping your ears clean without utilizing cotton swabs is the simplest way to decrease ringing in the ears triggered by earwax. Some people generate more earwax than others; if this sounds like you, a professional cleaning might be in order.
Tinnitus is Worsened by High Blood Pressure
Hypertension, or high blood pressure, can cause all kinds of health issues, including tinnitus. It becomes hard to dismiss when high blood pressure intensifies the ringing or buzzing you’re already experiencing. There’s no cure for tinnitus, but there are treatments for high blood pressure.
What can I do? Neglecting high blood pressure is not something you should do. Medical treatment is recommended. But a lifestyle change, including staying away from foods with high salt content and getting more exercise, can really help. 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, hypertension-related tinnitus).
Will Using a White Noise or Masking 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 buy special equipment, your radio, TV or computer can work as masking devices. If you prefer, there are hearing aids or specialized devices you can buy to help.
If you’re experiencing a continuous ringing, whooshing, or buzzing sound in your ears, take the problem seriously. If you’re experiencing hearing loss or have health problems that are acting up, it may be a warning sign. Before what began as an irritating problem becomes a more severe issue, take steps to protect your ears and if the ringing persists, seek professional hearing help.