How can I eliminate the ringing in my ears? Even though we don’t yet understand how to cure tinnitus, it’s symptoms can be lessened by recognizing what initiates it and makes it worse.
Scientists estimate that 32 percent of individuals suffer from a continual ringing, buzzing, or whooshing sound in their ears. This condition is called tinnitus, and it can wreak havoc. People who hear these sounds have difficulty sleeping and concentrating, and they might also have associated hearing loss.
There are steps you can take to lessen the symptoms, but because it’s normally linked to other health problems, there is no direct cure.
Avoid These Things to Reduce The Ringing
There are some things that are known to cause or worsen tinnitus symptoms and these are the things you should steer clear of. Loud noise is one of the most prevalent things that intensify tinnitus. If you’re exposed to a loud work place, wear earplugs and also try to avoid using headphones or earpods.
Certain medications such as anti-inflammatory drugs, antibiotics, and even high doses of aspirin can make the ringing worse so consult your doctor. Never stop taking your medications without first speaking to your health care professional.
Here are some other typical causes:
- stress
- too much earwax
- other medical problems
- high blood pressure
- allergies
- infections
- issues with the jaw
Jaw Issues And Tinnitus
Your jaw and ears are closely associated. That’s why problems with your jaw can cause 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 ensuing stress produced by simple activities such as speaking or chewing can ultimately lead to tinnitus symptoms.
Is there anything that can be done? If your tinnitus is the result of TMJ symptoms, then the best way to get relief is to find medical or dental treatment for the root cause (no pun intended).
How is The Ringing in my Ears Related to Stress?
Stress can affect your body in very real, very tangible ways. Increase of tinnitus symptoms can be caused by surges in breathing, heart rate, and blood pressure. As a result, stress can cause, exacerbate, and extend tinnitus episodes.
Can I do anything to help? If stress is a significant cause of the buzzing or ringing in your ears, you can try remedies such as meditation and yoga to try to de-stress. Taking some time to minimize the stress in your life (whenever you can) will also help.
Excessive Earwax
It’s completely healthy and normal for you to have earwax. But ringing and buzzing can be the result of too much earwax pressing on your eardrum. If you can’t wash out the earwax normally because it has accumulated too much, the resulting tinnitus can worsen.
How can I deal with this? The simplest way to decrease the ringing in your ears caused by too much earwax is to make sure your ears are clean! (Do not use cotton swabs to clean your ears.) Some people produce more earwax than others; if this applies to you, a professional cleaning might be necessary.
Tinnitus is Worsened by High Blood Pressure
Hypertension, or high blood pressure, can create various health issues, like tinnitus. High blood pressure has a way of intensifying the ringing or buzzing you’re already hearing, making it hard to ignore. There isn’t a 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 neglect. Medical treatment is recommended. But a lifestyle change, such as staying away from foods with high salt content and exercising more, can go a long way. Stress can also raise your blood pressure, so try doing relaxation techniques or making lifestyle changes can also help hypertension (and, thus, tinnitus brought about by hypertension).
Can I Alleviate my Tinnitus by Using a Masking Device or White Noise Generator?
You can minimize the impact of the nonstop 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 won’t even need any special equipment. If you prefer, there are hearing aids or specialized devices you can purchase to help.
If you experience 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 might be a warning sign. Before what started as an annoying problem becomes a more severe issue, take measures to protect your ears and if the ringing continues, seek professional hearing help.