Impaired Hearing

9 Ways of Dealing With Tinnitus

Tinnitus is a ringing or noise in one or both ears when there doesn't seem to be an actual sound. It is a very annoying condition that can affect people of any age. Tinnitus is not a disease; it is typically a symptom of an underlying issue.  

Types of Tinnitus  

There are two types of tinnitus, let's break them down and define each one - 

• Subjective Tinnitus: The most common form of tinnitus is called Subjective Tinnitus and is described as a sound in the ear that only the affected person can hear. The sound can be ringing, humming, hissing, or buzzing.    
• Objective Tinnitus: A rare form of tinnitus is called Objective Tinnitus. This is where some sort of health issue is causing the sound, which can be heard by both the person experiencing it and also by a healthcare professional upon examination. An abnormal blood vessel, muscle contraction, or other health issue commonly causes this.   

Does Tinnitus Go Away?  

According to The Mayo Clinic, tinnitus usually cannot be cured. However, if there is an underlying issue causing the noise in your ear, treating it will improve your symptoms. For example, if tinnitus is caused by excessive ear wax or a blood vessel condition, taking care of these issues will most likely cure tinnitus.   

Causes of Tinnitus  

There are many ways that tinnitus can begin. The causes of tinnitus include the following:  

• Hearing loss   
• Medications  
• High blood pressure 
• Excessive earwax 
• Head or neck injuries  
• Infections in the ear or sinus cavity 
• Temporomandibular Joint Disorder (TMJ)  
• Abnormal bone growth in the middle ear 
• Inner ear disorders such as Meniere's disease 
• Loud noises (such as concert music, explosions, guns or heavy machinery) 

Do Tinnitus Home Remedies Really Work?  

Currently, there is no cure for tinnitus. However, there are ways to reduce the noise and stress. Some people have found relief with flavonoids, which are found in citrus fruits. Because flavonoids are thought to improve circulation and reduce fatty deposits in the inner ear, they may have a hand in stopping the noise. However, they are typically taken three times a day and must be taken for at least three months to begin to have an effect.   

Tinnitus Treatments  

Tinnitus can cause stress and anxiety. Ask any tinnitus sufferer, and they will tell you they want the sound to stop! So, what can you do if you have tinnitus? Here are nine ways to deal with tinnitus: 

1. See Your Doctor

A healthcare professional can rule out an underlying medical issue causing that ringing in your ear. Your doctor may pinpoint if the cause of tinnitus is due to medication you may be taking or an auditory issue. Treating the problem or changing medication could stop that constant sound.   

2. Hearing aids for tinnitus

Your doctor may recommend a visit to an audiologist who can determine if hearing loss is causing your tinnitus. Ironically, in some cases, even a small hearing loss could cause your brain to react by compensating by replacing the loss of hearing with a ringing, buzzing, or hissing sound. A specialist can help you find the best hearing aids for tinnitus relief.  

3. Sound therapy

Tinnitus typically worsens at night when your surroundings are quiet. Since some noise can help mask the ringing, using a sound machine or a white noise app can make it less noticeable. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy: CBT is a much sought-after method to reduce the stress caused by tinnitus. Talking with a therapist to learn how to cope with the sound is very helpful in treating tinnitus.   

4. Medications

If the constant ringing gets in the way of your everyday life, your doctor may prescribe an anti-anxiety medication. These drugs can help you relax and not focus so much on tinnitus.   

5. Lifestyle changes

Stay away from loud noises! When going to an event where you anticipate high volume, such as a concert or sporting event, bring along earplugs.   

6. Manage stress

Constant stress makes everything worse, especially tinnitus. You will reduce stress and the buzzing in your ear by learning ways to manage stress, like deep breathing exercises, walking, or listening to music.   

7. Maintain Good Health

When your body isn't properly nourished or hydrated, tinnitus symptoms can seem much louder. Maintaining good health in mind and body will help tinnitus symptoms.   

8. Lower The Volume

Reducing exposure to loud noises, managing stress, and maintaining overall good health can help reduce the ringing in your ear.  

9. Visit a Specialist

An audiologist or ENT specialist (ear, nose, and throat) can properly diagnose the issue and put you on the path to managing your symptoms.  

Tinnitus can be challenging, but many find relief through various strategies and treatments. It's very important to address tinnitus promptly to improve your quality of life and prevent any underlying conditions from worsening. 

 

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