Tinnitus is the medical term for ringing in the ears. It isn't a condition itself, but a symptom of a condition. It can be annoying, but in many instances is not a sign of something life-threatening. It is actually a common problem, with 1 in every 5 people suffering from it.
Tinnitus often gets worse as you get older, but symptoms can be managed with treatment. Treating the underlying cause oftentimes helps. Your doctor can take steps to reduce the noise, for instance by removing impacted earwax or managing vascular conditions through surgery or drugs. Various drugs can help decrease the severity of tinnitus , for instance, tricyclic antidepressants and alprazolam. Masking tools are also often prescribed for those affected by tinnitus. These products are worn in the ear similar to hearing aids. They generate a continuous, low-level white noise which helps mask the ringing inside your ears.
Do-it-yourself solutions you can try
Stay away from stuff that intensify your symptoms - Loud noises, caffeine, and nicotine can make the ringing in your ears even worse, so it is a good idea to avoid these. If you cannot avoid loud noises, make sure you put on protective earplugs or earmuffs. You have to stop smoking and using smokeless tobacco products because nicotine affects blood circulation to the structures of the ear.
Stress and fatigue could also aggravate your tinnitus. So manage your stress levels adequately by doing exercises routinely and finding some time to unwind. Practicing relaxation techniques for instance meditation and yoga can be beneficial, too. Alcohol has to be avoided too since it dilates your blood vessels which cause increased blood flow to your inner ear, which can intensify your tinnitus. Aspirin and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications can also make your tinnitus worse, so use these drugs with caution. Discover how to lessen the irritation of tinnitus? Visit here.
Mask the noise - Quiet spaces can make the tinnitus more distracting. Playing background noise might help decrease the amount of noise you hear. For instance, you can play soft music or low-volume radio static to hide the noise you hear from tinnitus when you're trying to fall asleep or whenever you're in a silent location. You can also make use of a fan or focus on the hum made by other household appliances.
Take supplements - Supplements that contain gingko biloba, zinc and B vitamins are said to reduce tinnitus symptoms. Research is inconclusive though, however, many tinnitus patients report improvement in symptoms from using these supplements. Before taking such supplements, it is best to consult your doctor.