Tinnitus: 11 Ways to Prevent, Minimize and Relieve ‘Ringing in the Ears.’

This week (May 19-25) is Tinnitus Awareness Week. Tinnitus is a medical term for the perception of sound when no external sound is present.  It is often referred to as “ringing in the ears,” although some people hear hissing, roaring, whistling, chirping, or clicking.  Tinnitus can be intermittent or constant - with single or multiple tones - and its’ perceived volume can range from subtle to shattering.  

 

According to the American Tinnitus Association, more than 50 million Americans experience tinnitus to some degree. For some people, tinnitus is just a nuisance. For others, it is a life altering condition.  In the United States, an estimated 12 million people have severe enough tinnitus to seek medical attention.  Approximately two million patients are so seriously debilitated that they cannot function on a “normal,” day-to-day basis.   

 

Unfortunately there is no cure yet for Tinnitus or ringing in the ears. Often times it subsides with time, however there are a number of things you can do that can be effective in preventing, minimizing and/or temporarily relieving tinnitus:

 

Do This:

1. Try ClearTinnitus® the all-natural herbal homeopathic remedy that has provided safe, temporary relief from tinnitus for many. The unique proprietary blend of 13 herbs is scientifically formulated to work in combination with active homeopathic ingredients to provide temporary relief of tinnitus.

2. Review your medications, vitamin and supplement intake with your physician to determine if any of them are causing or contributing to your tinnitus symptoms.

3. Exercise regularly to increase blood and oxygen flow to your head and ears

4. Use ear plugs when exposed to loud noises such as when flying or at a sporting event

5. Use protective ear muffs when exposed to extremely loud noises such as during concerts or when operating loud machinery

6. Drink plenty of water. Dehydration can constrict blood vessels in the head and ears to trigger headaches and/or tinnitus.

7. Massage and hot baths may help relieve tension that lead to headache and/or tinnitus.

Don’t Do This:

8. Avoid smoking, caffeine and alcohol, which can restrict blood vessels in your head leading to headaches and tinnitus.

9. Tea, tonic water, red wine, grain based spirits, high sugar foods and chocolate may increase Tinnitus noise levels.

10. Salt – whether naturally occurring in food or as an additive – may result in increased tinnitus symptoms.

11. Don’t stress out – Easier to say than do, but stress, anxiety and fatigue can trigger and exacerbate headaches and tinnitus.

For more detailed infomation on ringing in the ears, read What is Tinnitus.

About the Author:

Dr. Stas' Ozog, PhD. (AM)
LAc., Dipl A & C.H.(NCCAOM)