What’s the best way to relieve the ringing in my ears? Although we don’t yet understand how to cure tinnitus, it’s effects can be lessened by understanding what initiates it and worsens it.

Researchers calculate that 32 percent of individuals suffer from a nonstop ringing, buzzing, or whooshing noise in their ears. This condition is known as tinnitus, and it can lead to real problems. Individuals who have this condition may have associative hearing loss and often have trouble sleeping and concentrating.

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

Avoid These Things to Reduce The Ringing

The first step in dealing with that continuous ringing in your ears is to avoid the things that are known to cause it or make it worse. One of the most prevalent factors that worsen tinnitus is loud sounds. If you’re exposed to a noisy work environment, wear earplugs and also try to avoid using headphones or earpods.

You should also talk to your doctor about 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 consulting your health care professional.

Here are some other typical causes:

• infections
• allergies
• jaw issues
• high blood pressure
• other medical problems
• stress
• excessive earwax

Tinnitus And Problems With The Jaw

Your jaw and ears are closely related. 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 such as chewing.

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

How is The Ringing in my Ears Linked to Stress?

Stress can impact your body in very real, very tangible ways. Intensification of tinnitus symptoms can be caused by surges in heart rate, blood pressure, and breathing. Stress, consequently, can trigger, exacerbate, and extend bouts of tinnitus.

What can be done? If stress is a significant 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 minimize the stress in your life (whenever you can) will also help.

Excessive Earwax

It’s totally normal and healthy for you to have earwax. But excessive earwax can aggravate your eardrum, and begin to cause buzzing or ringing in your ears. The resulting tinnitus can worsen if the earwax continues to accumulate or becomes difficult to wash away normally.

What can be done? Cleaning without utilizing cotton swabs is the easiest way to decrease ringing in the ears caused by earwax. In some cases, you might need to get a professional cleaning in order to get the ringing or buzzing to go away (some people just normally make a lot more earwax than others).

Tinnitus is Worsened by High Blood Pressure

A myriad of health concerns, including tinnitus, can be caused by hypertension and high blood pressure. It becomes hard to ignore when high blood pressure intensifies the ringing or buzzing you’re already experiencing. There’s no cure for tinnitus, but there are treatments for high blood pressure.

What can I do? Neglecting high blood pressure is not something you should do. Medical treatment is recommended. But a lifestyle change, including staying away from foods with high salt content and getting more exercise, can go a long way. Hypertension and stress can increase your blood pressure resulting in tinnitus, so try to find lifestyle changes and ways of relaxing to decrease stress (and, thus, hypertension-related tinnitus).

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

You can reduce 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 won’t even need any special equipment. If you prefer, there are hearing aids or special devices you can purchase to help.

You need to take it seriously if you have continuous ringing, whooshing, or buzzing in your ears. If you’re suffering from hearing loss or have health issues that are acting up, it may 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 began as a nagging problem causes bigger issues.