How can I get rid of the ringing in my ears? Even though we don’t yet understand how to cure tinnitus, it’s effects can be lessened by understanding what triggers it and worsens it.
Experts calculate that 32 percent of people suffer from a constant buzzing, ringing, or whooshing sound in their ears. This condition is known as tinnitus, and it can wreak havoc. People who hear these noises have trouble sleeping and concentrating, and they could also have associated hearing loss.
There are steps you can take to lessen the symptoms, but because it’s commonly related to other health problems, there is no immediate cure.
What Should I Avoid to Decrease The Ringing in My Ears?
There are some things that have been shown to cause tinnitus symptoms or make them worse and these are the things you should stay away from. Loud noise is one of the most common things that worsen tinnitus. Refrain from using headphones, and if you are subjected to noise at work or at home, get some high-quality earplugs to reduce the damage.
You should also talk to your doctor concerning your medications, as certain antibiotics, anti-inflammatory drugs, and high doses of aspirin can make the ear ringing worse. Never stop taking your medications without first speaking to your health care professional.
Here are some other common causes:
- other medical issues
- high blood pressure
- stress
- infections
- allergies
- issues with the jaw
- too much earwax
Tinnitus And Problems With The Jaw
If for no other reason than their physical proximity, your jaw and ears exhibit a certain amount of interplay between them (they’re ideal neighbors, usually). 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 entails a breakdown of the shock-absorbing cartilage around the joints in your jaw. Tinnitus can be the outcome of the stress of simple activities such as chewing.
Is there anything that can be done? If your tinnitus is caused by TMJ symptoms, then the best way to achieve 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?
The affects of stress on the body are very real and very serious. Associated spikes in blood pressure, heart rate, and breathing can all result in an intensification of tinnitus symptoms. Stress, as a result, can activate, exacerbate, and lengthen bouts of tinnitus.
Can I do anything to help? If your tinnitus is triggered by stress, you need to find ways of de-stressing. It will also help if you can decrease the overall causes of stress in your life.
Excess Earwax
Earwax is absolutely healthy and normal. But buzzing or ringing can be the outcome of excessive earwax pushing on your eardrum. If you can’t wash away the earwax in a normal way because it has accumulated too much, the ensuing tinnitus can become worse.
How can I deal with this? Cleaning without using cotton swabs is the simplest way to reduce ringing in the ears caused by earwax. Some people generate more earwax than others; if this sounds like you, a professional cleaning may be in order.
High Blood Pressure Causes Tinnitus to Worsen
Various health issues, including 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 difficult to disregard. High blood pressure has treatment which may decrease tinnitus symptoms in relevant situations.
What can be done? Disregarding high blood pressure is not something you should do. Medical treatment is suggested. But you could also change your lifestyle a little: avoid foods that have high salt or fat content and get more exercise. Hypertension and stress can increase your blood pressure triggering tinnitus, so try to find lifestyle changes and ways of relaxing to reduce stress (and, thus, tinnitus triggered by hypertension).
Can I Alleviate my Tinnitus by Using a Masking Device or White Noise Generator?
If you distract your ears and brain, you can decrease the impact of the constant noise in your ears. You don’t even have to purchase special equipment, your radio, TV or computer can act as masking devices. If you prefer, there are hearing aids or special devices you can purchase to help.
If you experience a constant ringing, buzzing, or whooshing sound in your ears, be serious about the problem. If you’re dealing with hearing loss or have health concerns that are acting up, it might be a warning sign. Take measures to protect your ears from loud noises, find ways to distract your ears, and get in touch with a hearing specialist before what started out as a nagging concern causes bigger issues.