How to Stop Ear Ringing (Tinnitus)

2018-08-21

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Tinnitus is a common condition that affects millions of people worldwide. It is characterized by a persistent ringing, buzzing, or hissing sound in the ears that is not caused by an external sound. While tinnitus can be a nuisance, it is usually not a sign of a serious medical condition. However, in some cases, tinnitus can be caused by an underlying medical problem, such as earwax buildup, a middle ear infection, or a head injury. If you are experiencing tinnitus, it is important to see a doctor to rule out any underlying medical conditions.

Once any underlying medical conditions have been ruled out, there are a number of things you can do to help reduce the severity of your tinnitus. These include:

In the following sections, we will discuss some of the most common causes of tinnitus and provide tips on how to manage the condition.

How to Stop Ear Ringing

Here are 8 important points to help you stop ear ringing:

Reduce noise exposure
Use earplugs or earmuffs
Avoid caffeine and alcohol
Get regular exercise
Manage stress
Try sound therapy
Consider alternative therapies
See a doctor if tinnitus persists

By following these tips, you can help reduce the severity of your tinnitus and improve your overall quality of life.

Reduce noise exposure

One of the best ways to stop ear ringing is to reduce your exposure to loud noises. This means:

Turning down the volume: If you listen to music or watch TV, keep the volume at a low level. Using headphones or earbuds? Make sure the volume is low and avoid using them for long periods of time.
Avoiding noisy places: If you can, avoid places that are known to be noisy, such as concerts, sporting events, and construction sites. If you must be in a noisy place, wear earplugs or earmuffs to protect your hearing.
Using hearing protection: If you work in a noisy environment, wear hearing protection, such as earplugs or earmuffs. This will help to reduce your exposure to loud noises and protect your hearing.
Taking breaks from noise: If you are exposed to loud noises for a long period of time, take breaks to give your ears a rest. Step outside for some fresh air or find a quiet place to relax.

By reducing your exposure to loud noises, you can help to reduce the severity of your tinnitus and improve your overall quality of life.

Use earplugs or earmuffs

Earplugs and earmuffs are effective ways to reduce your exposure to loud noises and protect your hearing. This can help to reduce the severity of your tinnitus and improve your overall quality of life.

Earplugs are small, disposable devices that are inserted into the ear canal. They are available in a variety of shapes and sizes, so you can find a pair that fits comfortably. Earplugs can be made of different materials, including foam, wax, and silicone.

Earmuffs are larger devices that cover the entire ear. They are often used in noisy workplaces or environments, such as construction sites and airports. Earmuffs are also available in a variety of styles and materials.

When choosing earplugs or earmuffs, it is important to consider the following factors:

Noise reduction rating (NRR): The NRR is a measure of how well earplugs or earmuffs reduce noise. The higher the NRR, the better the protection.
Comfort: Earplugs and earmuffs should be comfortable to wear, even for long periods of time. If they are not comfortable, you are less likely to wear them consistently.
Fit: Earplugs and earmuffs should fit snugly in the ear canal or around the ear. If they do not fit properly, they will not be effective in reducing noise.

Once you have chosen earplugs or earmuffs, be sure to insert them properly. Earplugs should be inserted deep into the ear canal, and earmuffs should be placed snugly over the ears.

By using earplugs or earmuffs correctly, you can help to reduce your exposure to loud noises and protect your hearing. This can help to reduce the severity of your tinnitus and improve your overall quality of life.

Avoid caffeine and alcohol

Caffeine and alcohol are two substances that can worsen tinnitus. This is because they can both:

Stimulate the central nervous system: Caffeine and alcohol can both stimulate the central nervous system, which can make tinnitus more noticeable.
Dehydrate the body: Caffeine and alcohol can both dehydrate the body, which can also make tinnitus worse.
Interfere with sleep: Caffeine and alcohol can both interfere with sleep, which can make tinnitus more noticeable.
Exacerbate underlying medical conditions: If your tinnitus is caused by an underlying medical condition, such as high blood pressure or anxiety, caffeine and alcohol can make these conditions worse and, in turn, worsen your tinnitus.

If you are experiencing tinnitus, it is best to avoid caffeine and alcohol. This will help to reduce the severity of your tinnitus and improve your overall quality of life.

Get regular exercise

Regular exercise is a great way to improve your overall health and well-being, and it can also help to reduce tinnitus. This is because exercise:

Improves blood circulation: Exercise helps to improve blood circulation throughout the body, including the ears. This can help to reduce tinnitus by improving the oxygen supply to the inner ear.
Reduces stress: Exercise is a great way to reduce stress, which can also help to reduce tinnitus. When you are stressed, your body produces hormones like cortisol, which can worsen tinnitus.
Promotes sleep: Exercise can also help to improve sleep, which can also help to reduce tinnitus. When you are sleep-deprived, you are more likely to experience tinnitus.
May help to reduce inflammation: Some research suggests that exercise may help to reduce inflammation in the body, which may also help to reduce tinnitus. However, more research is needed in this area.

To get the most benefit from exercise, aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise most days of the week. This could include activities such as walking, swimming, biking, or dancing. If you are new to exercise, start slowly and gradually increase the intensity and duration of your workouts over time.

It is important to note that exercise may not completely eliminate tinnitus, but it can help to reduce the severity of the condition and improve your overall quality of life.

So if you are experiencing tinnitus, talk to your doctor about starting an exercise program. Exercise is a safe and effective way to improve your overall health and well-being, and it may also help to reduce your tinnitus.

Manage stress

Stress can make tinnitus worse, so it is important to find ways to manage stress in your life. Some tips for managing stress include:

Exercise regularly: Exercise is a great way to reduce stress and improve your overall health and well-being. Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise most days of the week.
Get enough sleep: When you are sleep-deprived, you are more likely to experience stress and tinnitus. Aim for 7-8 hours of sleep each night.
Eat a healthy diet: Eating a healthy diet can help to improve your overall health and well-being, which can also help to reduce stress and tinnitus.
Practice relaxation techniques: There are many relaxation techniques that can help to reduce stress, such as deep breathing, yoga, and meditation. Find a relaxation technique that works for you and practice it regularly.

If you are experiencing a lot of stress, talk to your doctor or a mental health professional. They can help you to develop a stress management plan that is right for you.

Try sound therapy

Sound therapy is a type of treatment that uses sound to reduce tinnitus. There are two main types of sound therapy:

Masking: Masking involves using a sound to cover up the tinnitus. This can be done with a white noise machine, a fan, or even music. The sound should be loud enough to mask the tinnitus, but not so loud that it is distracting.
Tinnitus retraining therapy (TRT): TRT is a type of sound therapy that is designed to help you habituate to tinnitus. This involves listening to a specific type of sound, called a notched noise, for several hours each day. The notched noise is designed to target the frequency of your tinnitus. Over time, your brain will learn to ignore the tinnitus and it will become less noticeable.

Sound therapy can be an effective way to reduce tinnitus. However, it is important to note that it is not a cure. Sound therapy can help to make tinnitus less noticeable, but it will not make it go away completely.

Consider alternative therapies

In addition to the conventional treatments listed above, there are a number of alternative therapies that may help to reduce tinnitus. These include:

Acupuncture: Acupuncture is a traditional Chinese medicine technique that involves inserting thin needles into the skin at specific points on the body. Some studies have shown that acupuncture can be helpful in reducing tinnitus.
Herbal remedies: Some herbal remedies, such as ginkgo biloba and ginseng, have been shown to be helpful in reducing tinnitus. However, it is important to talk to your doctor before taking any herbal remedies, as some can interact with medications.
Massage therapy: Massage therapy can help to reduce stress and improve circulation, which may help to reduce tinnitus.
Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT): CBT is a type of talk therapy that can help you to change the way you think about and react to your tinnitus. CBT has been shown to be helpful in reducing the severity of tinnitus and improving quality of life.

It is important to note that alternative therapies are not a cure for tinnitus. However, they may help to reduce the severity of the condition and improve your quality of life. If you are interested in trying an alternative therapy, talk to your doctor first.

See a doctor if tinnitus persists

If you have tried the self-help tips listed above and your tinnitus is still bothersome, it is important to see a doctor. This is especially important if your tinnitus is accompanied by other symptoms, such as:

Hearing loss
Dizziness
Balance problems
Pain in the ear
Discharge from the ear

Your doctor will perform a physical examination and ask you about your symptoms. They may also order some tests, such as a hearing test or an MRI scan, to help determine the cause of your tinnitus. Once the cause of your tinnitus has been determined, your doctor can recommend the best course of treatment.

FAQ

Here are some frequently asked questions about tinnitus:

Question 1: What is tinnitus?

Answer 1: Tinnitus is a common condition that causes a person to experience a ringing, buzzing, hissing, or clicking sound in their ears. The sound may be intermittent or constant, and it can range in volume from barely noticeable to very loud.

Question 2: What causes tinnitus?

Answer 2: Tinnitus can be caused by a variety of factors, including earwax buildup, ear infections, head injuries, and certain medications. In some cases, tinnitus can be a sign of an underlying medical condition, such as a thyroid problem or a brain tumor.

Question 3: Is tinnitus curable?

Answer 3: There is no cure for tinnitus, but there are a number of treatments that can help to reduce the severity of the condition. These treatments may include sound therapy, masking devices, and cognitive-behavioral therapy.

Question 4: Can tinnitus be prevented?

Answer 4: There is no sure way to prevent tinnitus, but there are some things you can do to reduce your risk of developing the condition. These include protecting your ears from loud noises, avoiding certain medications that can cause tinnitus, and managing stress.

Question 5: When should I see a doctor about tinnitus?

Answer 5: You should see a doctor if your tinnitus is bothersome, if it is accompanied by other symptoms such as hearing loss or dizziness, or if it does not go away after a few weeks.

Question 6: What are some tips for managing tinnitus?

Answer 6: There are a number of things you can do to manage tinnitus, including reducing your exposure to loud noises, using sound therapy, and practicing relaxation techniques.

Closing Paragraph for FAQ:

If you are experiencing tinnitus, talk to your doctor. They can help you determine the cause of your tinnitus and recommend the best course of treatment.

In addition to the tips listed above, here are some additional tips that may help to reduce the severity of your tinnitus:

Tips

Here are some additional tips that may help to reduce the severity of your tinnitus:

Tip 1: Get regular exercise.

Exercise can help to improve your overall health and well-being, which can also help to reduce tinnitus. Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise most days of the week.

Tip 2: Manage stress.

Stress can make tinnitus worse, so it is important to find ways to manage stress in your life. Some tips for managing stress include exercising regularly, getting enough sleep, eating a healthy diet, and practicing relaxation techniques.

Tip 3: Avoid caffeine and alcohol.

Caffeine and alcohol can both worsen tinnitus. This is because they can both stimulate the central nervous system and dehydrate the body, both of which can make tinnitus more noticeable.

Tip 4: Try sound therapy.

Sound therapy involves using sound to reduce tinnitus. There are two main types of sound therapy: masking and tinnitus retraining therapy (TRT). Masking involves using a sound to cover up the tinnitus, while TRT involves listening to a specific type of sound to help you habituate to the tinnitus.

Closing Paragraph for Tips:

By following these tips, you can help to reduce the severity of your tinnitus and improve your quality of life.

If you have tried the tips listed above and your tinnitus is still bothersome, it is important to see a doctor. Your doctor can help you determine the cause of your tinnitus and recommend the best course of treatment.

Conclusion

Tinnitus is a common condition that can be caused by a variety of factors. While there is no cure for tinnitus, there are a number of things you can do to reduce the severity of the condition and improve your quality of life.

Some of the most effective treatments for tinnitus include:

Reducing exposure to loud noises
Using earplugs or earmuffs
Avoiding caffeine and alcohol
Getting regular exercise
Managing stress
Trying sound therapy
Considering alternative therapies