Man with annoying ringing in the ears holds his ear.

How can I get rid of the ringing in my ears? Even though we don’t yet know how to cure tinnitus, it’s effects can be lessened by recognizing what triggers it and worsens it.

A constant buzzing, whooshing, or ringing in the ears is experienced by 32 percent of people according to researchers. This condition is called tinnitus, and it can lead to real problems. People who hear these noises have trouble sleeping and concentrating, and they may also have associated hearing loss.

Because it is normally related to some other affliction, there is no real cure for the tinnitus itself, but there are steps you can take to quiet the noise.

Steer Clear of These Things to Reduce The Ringing

The first step in dealing with that persistent ringing in your ears is to steer clear of the things that are known to cause it or make it worse. Loud noise is one of the most prevalent things that intensify tinnitus. Try to avoid using headphones, and if you are exposed to noise at work or at home, get some high-quality earplugs to reduce the damage.

You should also consult 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 common causes:

  • high blood pressure
  • stress
  • other medical problems
  • infections
  • issues with the jaw
  • too much earwax
  • allergies

Jaw Issues And Tinnitus

Your jaw and ears are closely linked. That’s why problems with your jaw can result in tinnitus. TMJ, which is a condition that causes the cartilage of the jaw to deteriorate, is the best example of this type of jaw problem. Tinnitus can be the outcome of the stress of basic activities like chewing.

What can I do? The best thing you can do, if your tinnitus is brought on by TMJ, is to seek medical or dental help.

Stress And The Ringing in my Ears

The affects of stress on the body are very real and very serious. Associated spikes in blood pressure, heart rate, and breathing can all result in an intensification of tinnitus symptoms. Consequently, stress can cause, exacerbate, and lengthen tinnitus episodes.

Can I do anything to help? If your tinnitus is triggered by stress, you need to find ways of unwinding. It may also help if you can reduce the general causes of stress in your life.

Excess Earwax

It’s completely healthy and normal for you to have earwax. But excessive earwax can aggravate your eardrum, and begin to cause ringing or buzzing in your ears. If you can’t wash away the earwax in a normal way because it has accumulated too much, the resulting tinnitus can become worse.

How can I deal with this? The easiest way to minimize the ringing in your ears caused by too much earwax is to keep your ears clean! (Don’t use cotton swabs to clean your ears.) In certain situations, you might need to get a professional cleaning so that you can get the buzzing and ringing to go away (some people just naturally produce a lot more earwax than others).

High Blood Pressure Causes Tinnitus to Worsen

Hypertension, or high blood pressure, can cause all kinds of health concerns, including tinnitus. It becomes difficult to ignore when high blood pressure intensifies the buzzing or ringing you’re already experiencing. High blood pressure has treatment options which might decrease tinnitus symptoms in relevant situations.

What’s my solution? High blood pressure isn’t something you want to dismiss. You’ll likely want to seek out medical treatment. But you could also change your lifestyle a little: avoid foods with high salt or fat content and exercise more. Stress can also increase your blood pressure, so practicing relaxation techniques or making lifestyle changes can also improve hypertension (and, thus, tinnitus brought about by hypertension).

Can I Alleviate my Tinnitus by utilizing a White Noise Generator or Masking Device?

You can decrease the impact 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 specialized devices you can get to help.

If you’re experiencing a continuous ringing, whooshing, or buzzing sound in your ears, take the problem seriously. It may be a warning sign that you also have hearing loss, or that you are experiencing a medical problem that needs to be addressed before it worsens. Before what started as an irritating problem becomes a more severe issue, take measures to safeguard your ears and if the ringing persists, seek professional hearing help.

The site information is for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. To receive personalized advice or treatment, schedule an appointment.