How can I stop the ringing in my ears? Even though we don’t yet understand how to cure tinnitus, it’s effects can be lessened by recognizing what triggers it and worsens it.
Experts calculate that 32 percent of people suffer from a constant ringing, buzzing, or whooshing noise in their ears. This disorder, which is known as tinnitus, can be a serious problem. People who have this condition may have associative hearing loss and frequently have problems sleeping and concentrating.
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
There are some things that are known to cause tinnitus symptoms or make them worse and these are the things you need to steer clear of. Loud noise is one of the most common things that worsen tinnitus. If you’re exposed to a noisy work place, use earplugs and also try to avoid using headphones or earpods.
You should also consult your doctor concerning your medications, as some antibiotics, anti-inflammatory drugs, and high doses of aspirin can make the ear ringing worse. Make certain you speak with your doctor before you stop taking your medication.
Other typical causes of tinnitus include:
- infections
- too much earwax
- jaw problems
- allergies
- other medical problems
- high blood pressure
- stress
Jaw Issues And Tinnitus
Your ears and jaw are closely connected. This is why jaw issues can cause 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 ensuing stress created by simple activities such as chewing or speaking can ultimately lead to 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 help.
How is The Ringing in my Ears Related to Stress?
The affects of stress on the body are very real and very significant. Associated increases in heart rate, breathing, and blood pressure can all result in an intensification of tinnitus symptoms. Stress, as a result, can activate, exacerbate, and extend bouts of tinnitus.
What can I do? If stress is a substantial cause of the ringing or buzzing in your ears, you can try remedies like meditation and yoga to try to unwind. Taking some time to decrease the stress in your life (where and when you can) could also help.
Excessive Earwax
It’s absolutely normal and healthy for you to have earwax. But excessive earwax can aggravate your eardrum, and begin to cause ringing or buzzing in your ears. If you can’t wash out the earwax normally because it has accumulated too much, the resulting tinnitus can worsen.
What can be done? Keeping your ears clean without utilizing cotton swabs is the easiest way to decrease ringing in the ears triggered by earwax. In certain situations, you might need to get a professional cleaning in order to get the buzzing and ringing to go away (some people just normally generate a lot more earwax than others).
Tinnitus is Worsened by High Blood Pressure
A myriad of health issues, such as tinnitus, can be caused by high blood pressure and hypertension. High blood pressure can intensify the ringing or buzzing you’re already hearing, making it difficult to disregard. There’s no cure for tinnitus, but there are treatment options for high blood pressure.
What can be done? High blood pressure is not something you want to ignore. You’ll likely need to get medical treatment. But a lifestyle change, such as avoiding foods with high salt content and getting more exercise, can help a lot. Hypertension and stress can elevate your blood pressure resulting in tinnitus, so try to find lifestyle changes and relaxation techniques to decrease stress (and, thus, hypertension-related tinnitus).
Will Using a Masking Device or White Noise Device Help my Tinnitus?
You can decrease the impact of the constant 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 don’t even need any special equipment. You can, if you like, buy special masking devices or hearing aids to help.
If you experience a continuous ringing, whooshing, or buzzing sound in your ears, take the problem seriously. It might be a warning sign that you also have hearing loss, or that you are going through a medical problem that should be dealt with before it gets worse. Take measures to protect your ears from loud noises, look for ways to distract your ears, and see a professional before what started as a nagging concern causes bigger problems.