Tinnitus – ringing in the ears – can really be annoying. It can affect one or both ears. In severe cases the ringing (hissing, thumping, whistling, crackling, etc. sounds) that the patient hears becomes so loud and powerful that it hampers concentration and hearing power. Ringing in the ears can also lead to insomnia as the constant ringing either disturbs the patient’s sleep or makes it extremely difficult for them to fall asleep. Though not a serious disease or health hazard in itself, tinnitus is capable of disrupting your routine life and, lead to stress and anxiety.
Temporary tinnitus often subsides with time and requires little or no medical attention. It is possible to minimize tinnitus when it is a symptom of some ear infection or other diseases like breathing disorder or blood pressure related problems. However, diagnosing the exact cause of tinnitus is often a challenge. In most cases, when tinnitus is accompanied with hearing loss due to age or other factors like prolonged exposure to loud noise, it can’t be cured permanently.
A person suffering from tinnitus should take some simple measures to mask the ringing noise or minimize it to negligible levels. Here are a few tried and tested techniques…
In many cases, tinnitus is triggered by an external stimulant. For example, some people experience it more when they are stressed or when there is lack of sleep; some get more of it when they hear loud noises or are fatigued; prolonged periods of inactivity or silence can also be the triggers for some. Try to find out what triggers your tinnitus and avoid those situations.
Lower (if possible, avoid) the intake of caffeine containing beverages and foods like coffee, chocolates, etc. as it might lead to a hike in your blood pressure and trigger tinnitus. Avoid alcohol as it can trigger tinnitus and make it worse by hampering the blood flow to the brain and the parts near the ear.
If you suffer from constant ringing in the ears, try to keep yourself busy and do not pay attention to the tinnitus. The more you think about it, the more bothersome it becomes. Play some kind of soothing background music at a low volume; this would help in masking the noises of tinnitus.
Exercise daily. This will improve your blood circulation and help minimize tinnitus by stimulating a healthy blood flow to the brain.
There is a high percentage of people who are affected by tinnitus. Though not completely curable, tinnitus can be prevented (or postponed, although ageing can be the sole cause) by paying attention to the health of your ears and brain (it is the brain that reads the sound signals that gives rise to tinnitus).
Keep your ears clean. Excessive wax buildup can not only hamper hearing but can also lead to tinnitus. Clean your ears regularly with a cotton swab; but never insert it inside the canal of your ear. You can also use ear wax cleaners available over the coubter. Consult your physician if you have a doubt.
Avoid loud noises. If you must work or stay amidst loud noises, wear good ear plugs.
Physical exercise improves blood circulation and thus helps in preventing tinnitus.
Follow a healthy routine. Take good rest and ample sleep. This will keep stress and fatigue away and thus prevent tinnitus and the ringing in the ears.
Limit your intake of caffeinated drinks and alcohol. These will help keep your blood pressure healthy and thus keep tinnitus away.
Any disease can be handled effectively with preventive measures and simple everyday practices that serve as a long term remedy or cure.
