Hearing Health Blog

Man with annoying ringing in the ears holds his ear.

What’s the best way to get rid of the ringing in my ears? There’s no cure for tinnitus, but learning about what causes or exacerbates your symptoms can help you minimize or eliminate episodes.

Scientists estimate that 32 percent of individuals have a continual buzzing, ringing, or whooshing sound in their ears. This condition is called tinnitus, and it can lead to real problems. Individuals who have this condition may have associative hearing loss and frequently 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.

What Should I Avoid to Decrease The Ringing in My Ears?

The first step in dealing with that persistent ringing in your ears is to stay away from the things that are known to cause it or make it worse. One of the most prevalent factors that intensify tinnitus is loud noises. Avoid using headphones, and if you are exposed to noise at work or at home, get some high-quality earplugs to reduce the damage.

Certain medications such as anti-inflammatory drugs, antibiotics, and even high doses of aspirin can worsen the ringing so talk to your doctor. Be certain you consult your doctor before you discontinue your medication.

Here are some other common causes:

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

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 good neighbors, usually). This is the reason jaw problems can result in tinnitus. TMJ, which is an affliction that causes the cartilage of the jaw to deteriorate, is the best example of this type of jaw problem. The ensuing stress created by simple activities including chewing or speaking can ultimately lead to tinnitus symptoms.

Is there anything that can be done? If your tinnitus is triggered by TMJ symptoms, then the best way to get relief is to seek out medical or dental treatment for the underlying cause.

How is The Ringing in my Ears Linked to Stress?

The impacts of stress on the body are very real and very serious. Increase of tinnitus symptoms can be brought on by surges in heart rate, blood pressure, and breathing. Consequently, 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 solutions such as yoga and meditation to try to unwind. It might also help if you can lessen the overall causes of your stress.

Excess Earwax

Earwax is absolutely normal and healthy. But too much earwax can irritate your eardrum, and begin to cause ringing or buzzing in your ears. The resulting tinnitus can intensify if the earwax keeps accumulating or becomes difficult to wash away normally.

How can I deal with this? The easiest way to minimize the ringing in your ears caused by too much earwax is to make sure your ears are clean! (Don’t use cotton swabs to clean your ears.) In some cases, 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

Many health concerns, such as tinnitus, can be caused by high blood pressure and hypertension. High blood pressure has a way of intensifying the buzzing or ringing you’re already hearing, making it difficult to ignore. There’s no cure for tinnitus, but there are treatment options for high blood pressure.

What’s my solution? High blood pressure isn’t something you want to ignore. Medical treatment is advisable. But a lifestyle change, such as staying clear of foods with high salt content and getting more exercise, can really help. Stress can also increase your blood pressure, so try doing relaxation techniques or making lifestyle changes can also help hypertension (and, thus, tinnitus caused by hypertension).

Can I Decrease my Tinnitus by utilizing a White Noise Generator or Masking Device?

You can minimize the impact of the constant noise in your head by distracting your ears and your brain. You don’t even have to purchase special equipment, your radio, TV or computer can work as masking devices. If you prefer, there are hearing aids or specialized devices you can get to help.

You need to take it seriously if you have constant ringing, whooshing, or buzzing in your ears. If you’re dealing with hearing loss or have health concerns that are acting up, it might be a warning sign. Before what started as an annoying problem becomes a more serious concern, take steps to safeguard your ears and if the ringing persists, get 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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