What’s the best way to stop the ringing in my ears? Even though we don’t yet know how to cure tinnitus, it’s symptoms can be lessened by understanding what initiates it and worsens it.
Researchers estimate that 32 percent of individuals suffer from a constant ringing, buzzing, or whooshing sound in their ears. This condition is known as tinnitus, and it can wreak havoc. People who hear these sounds have difficulty sleeping and concentrating, and they might also have associated hearing loss.
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.
Steer Clear of These Things to Reduce The Ringing
The first step in dealing with that constant ringing in your ears is to avoid the things that are known to cause it or make it worse. Loud noise is one of the most prevalent things that worsen tinnitus. Refrain from using headphones, and if you are exposed to noise at work or at home, get some high-quality earplugs to decrease the damage.
You should also consult your doctor about your medications, as certain antibiotics, anti-inflammatory drugs, and high doses of aspirin can make the ringing in your ears worse. Be sure you consult your doctor before you stop taking your medication.
Here are some other typical causes:
- stress
- excessive earwax
- infections
- allergies
- high blood pressure
- other medical issues
- jaw issues
Tinnitus And Issues With The Jaw
Your jaw and ears are closely related. That’s why problems with your jaw can result in tinnitus. The best example of this is an affliction 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 including chewing or speaking can ultimately result in tinnitus symptoms.
What can I do? The best thing you can do, if your tinnitus is the result of TMJ, is to seek medical or dental assistance.
How is The Ringing in my Ears Related to Stress?
The impacts of stress on the body are very real and very significant. Intensification of tinnitus symptoms can be brought on by surges in heart rate, blood pressure, and breathing. Stress, as a result, can activate, worsen, and extend bouts of tinnitus.
Can I do anything to help? If your tinnitus is brought about by stress, you should determine ways of de-stressing. Taking some time to decrease 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 outcome of too much earwax pressing on your eardrum. The ensuing tinnitus can worsen if the earwax keeps accumulating or becomes difficult to wash away normally.
What can be done? Cleaning without using cotton swabs is the simplest way to decrease ringing in the ears caused by earwax. In certain instances, you might need to get a professional cleaning in order to get the buzzing and ringing to go away (some people just naturally generate a lot more earwax than others).
Tinnitus is Worsened by High Blood Pressure
Hypertension, or high blood pressure, can create numerous health conditions, including tinnitus. High blood pressure can intensify the ringing or buzzing you’re already hearing, making it hard to ignore. High blood pressure has treatment options which could decrease tinnitus symptoms in relevant situations.
What’s my solution? Ignoring high blood pressure is not something you should do. You’ll probably need to get medical treatment. But you could also change your lifestyle a little: steer clear of foods that have high fat or salt content and get more exercise. Hypertension and stress can increase your blood pressure resulting in 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 impact of the continual noise in your ears. You don’t even need to purchase special equipment, your radio, TV or laptop can act as masking devices. If you prefer, there are hearing aids or special devices you can get to help.
You need to take it seriously if you have constant ringing, whooshing, or buzzing in your ears. It might 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 gets worse. Take steps to protect your ears from loud noises, find ways to distract your ears, and see a professional before what began as a nagging concern causes bigger issues.