Man with annoying ringing in the ears holds his ear.

How can I stop the ringing in my ears? Although we don’t yet understand how to cure tinnitus, it’s effects can be lessened by learning what triggers it and makes it worse.

Experts calculate that 32 percent of individuals experience a continual buzzing, ringing, or whooshing noise in their ears. This disorder, which is called tinnitus, can be a real problem. People who have this condition could have associative hearing loss and often have difficulty sleeping and concentrating.

Because it is normally related to some other condition, there is no real cure for the tinnitus itself, but there are strategies you can take to quiet the noise.

Steer Clear of These Things to Reduce The Ringing

The first step in addressing that constant ringing in your ears is to stay away from the things that have been shown to cause it or make it worse. One of the most common things that worsen tinnitus is loud sounds. If you deal with a noisy work place, wear earplugs and also try to avoid using headphones or earpods.

Some medications like anti-inflammatory drugs, antibiotics, and even high doses of aspirin can worsen the ringing so talk to your doctor. Be sure you speak with your doctor before you discontinue your medication.

Other common causes of tinnitus include:

  • too much earwax
  • high blood pressure
  • infections
  • stress
  • allergies
  • problems with the jaw
  • other medical problems

Tinnitus And Problems With The Jaw

Your ears and jaw are closely linked. This is why jaw issues can result in tinnitus. TMJ, which is an affliction that causes the cartilage of the jaw to deteriorate, is a good example of this type of jaw problem. Tinnitus can be the result of the stress of simple activities like chewing.

What can I do? The best thing you can do, if your tinnitus is caused by TMJ, is to seek medical or dental help.

Stress And The Ringing in my Ears

Stress can affect your body in very real, very physical ways. Associated spikes in blood pressure, heart rate, and breathing can all lead to an intensification of tinnitus symptoms. Stress, as a result, can trigger, exacerbate, and extend bouts of tinnitus.

Can I do anything to help? If stress is a substantial cause of the buzzing or ringing in your ears, you can try remedies such as yoga and meditation to try to de-stress. Taking some time to reduce the stress in your life (where and when you can) will also help.

Excess Earwax

Earwax is completely normal and healthy. But ringing and buzzing can be the result of too much earwax pressing on your eardrum. The ensuing tinnitus can worsen if the earwax continues to accumulate or becomes hard to wash away normally.

How can I deal with this? The easiest way to minimize the ringing in your ears caused by excessive earwax is to keep your ears clean! (Don’t use cotton swabs in your ears.) Some people generate more earwax than others; if this sounds like you, a professional cleaning may be necessary.

Tinnitus is Worsened by High Blood Pressure

A myriad of health concerns, such as tinnitus, can be caused by high blood pressure and hypertension. It becomes hard to ignore when high blood pressure intensifies the buzzing or ringing you’re already hearing. High blood pressure has treatment which might reduce tinnitus symptoms in related situations.

What’s my solution? High blood pressure is not something you want to ignore. Medical treatment is suggested. But a lifestyle change, such as staying clear of foods with high salt content and exercising more, can help a lot. Stress can also increase your blood pressure, so practicing relaxation techniques or making lifestyle changes can also help hypertension (and, thus, hypertension-related tinnitus).

Will Using a White Noise or Masking Device Help my Tinnitus?

You can decrease the effects of the continual 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 require any special equipment. If you prefer, there are hearing aids or specialized devices you can purchase to help.

You need to take it seriously if you have constant ringing, whooshing, or buzzing in your ears. It could be a warning sign that you also have hearing loss, or that you are going through a medical issue that needs to be resolved before it gets worse. Take steps to safeguard your ears from loud noises, look for ways to distract your ears, and see a professional before what began as a nagging concern leads to bigger problems.

The site information is for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. To receive personalized advice or treatment, schedule an appointment.
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