Man with annoying ringing in the ears holds his ear.

What’s the best way to get rid of the ringing in my ears? Even though we don’t yet know how to cure tinnitus, it’s effects can be lessened by learning what initiates it and worsens it.

Experts estimate that 32 percent of individuals experience a nonstop ringing, buzzing, or whooshing sound in their ears. This disorder, which is known as tinnitus, can be a real problem. People who hear these sounds have problems sleeping and concentrating, and they could also have associated hearing loss.

There are measures you can take to reduce the symptoms, but because it’s usually related to other health problems, there is no direct cure.

Steer Clear of These Things to Reduce The Ringing

There are some things that have been shown to cause tinnitus symptoms or make them worse and these are the things you should avoid. One of the most prevalent factors that worsen tinnitus is loud noises. If you deal with a loud work place, use earplugs and also try to avoid using headphones or earpods.

You should also consult your doctor concerning your medications, as certain antibiotics, anti-inflammatory drugs, and high doses of aspirin can make the ear ringing worse. Be sure you consult your doctor before you stop taking your medication.

Here are some other common causes:

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

Tinnitus And Issues With The Jaw

If for no other reason than their physical proximity, your jaw and ears exhibit a certain amount of interplay between each other (they’re ideal neighbors, usually). That’s why issues with your jaw can lead to tinnitus. TMJ, which is a condition 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 such as chewing.

Is there anything that can be done? The best thing you can do, if your tinnitus is brought on by TMJ, is to find medical or dental help.

Stress And That Ringing in my Ears

The impacts of stress on the body are very real and very significant. Increase of tinnitus symptoms can be caused by spikes 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 your tinnitus is brought about by stress, you should find ways of reducing stress. Taking some time to minimize the stress in your life (whenever you can) can also help.

Excess Earwax

It’s completely normal and healthy for you to produce earwax. But excessive earwax can aggravate your eardrum, and begin to cause ringing or buzzing in your ears. If you can’t wash away the earwax in a normal way because it has built up too much, the resulting tinnitus can become worse.

How can I deal with this? Keeping your ears clean without using cotton swabs is the simplest way to reduce ringing in the ears triggered by earwax. Some people produce more earwax than others; if this applies to you, a professional cleaning may be in order.

Tinnitus is Worsened by High Blood Pressure

Hypertension, or high blood pressure, can create a myriad of health issues, such as tinnitus. High blood pressure can intensify the ringing or buzzing you’re already hearing, making it difficult to disregard. There isn’t a cure for tinnitus, but there are treatments for high blood pressure.

What can I do? Disregarding high blood pressure is not something you should do. Medical treatment is advisable. But a lifestyle change, such as staying away from foods with high salt content and getting more exercise, can really help. Hypertension and stress can raise your blood pressure leading to tinnitus, so try to find lifestyle changes and relaxation techniques to minimize stress (and, thus, tinnitus brought about by hypertension).

Can I Relieve 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 continual noise in your ears. Your TV, radio, or computer can be used as a masking device so you won’t even need any special equipment. You can, if you like, buy special masking devices or hearing aids to help.

You need to take it seriously if you have constant ringing, buzzing, or whooshing in your ears. It might be a warning sign that you also have hearing loss, or that you are experiencing a medical issue that needs to be resolved before it gets worse. Before what began as an annoying problem becomes a more severe issue, take measures to protect your ears and if the ringing continues, find professional hearing help.

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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