Learn how to Ignore Persistent Tinnitus Noise
50 million Americans suffer from tinnitus ear ringing, but only 12 million ever seek tinnitus treatment. Learn simple ways to ignore…and stop tinnitus noise.
What is tinnitus?
Tinnitus is a hearing disorder that causes you to hear “phantom” sounds that only you can hear. Sounds vary in pitch, frequency, and duration, and may fluctuate from one ear to the other. Tinnitus patients often use the following words to describe their tinnitus ear noises: ringing, whooshing, buzzing, chirping, clicking, crackling, screaming, roaring, crickets, hissing, beeping, and in rare cases, music. Free Digital Photos
What causes tinnitus?
Sometimes tinnitus results from damage to the cochlea of the inner ear; in such cases, hearing loss may 
follow. People who run a high risk of developing noise-induced hearing loss are individuals that regularly expose themselves to dangerously high noise decibels, such as explosions, loud music, construction site noise, job shop manufacturing, and engine noises. Alternatively, tinnitus may result from chronic ear infections, puncturing of the eardrum, and medications such as pain relievers and antidepressants. Free Digital Photos
7 Most Harmful Trickle-Down Effects of Noise Pollution
Is there any treatment for tinnitus?
While there is no actual cure for tinnitus, some treatments are helpful for alleviating most of the symptoms. Popular tinnitus therapies include tinnitus retraining, sleep pillows, hearing aids, and nutritional supplements. Overwhelmingly, though, most tinnitus patients eventually learn to “ignore” their tinnitus noises until they no longer notice them.
How do you ignore loud, persistent tinnitus ringing?
It’s not easy to ignore something that stays with you all day, as is the case for most people who suffer from chronic tinnitus. If tinnitus noises are interfering with your ability to relax, sleep, work, hold a conversation, or listen to music, then it’s imperative that you learn how to ignore the “elephant in the living room.” Easier said than done, but it is possible.
Here are some activities that may distract you from overwhelming tinnitus ear ringing:
- Listen to the radio, or to an environmental noise CD. Many tinnitus sufferers find relief through nature sounds such as rainfall, crickets, beach waves, and forest sounds. Read: White Noise Sound Machines- The 5 Best Reviewed by Customers
- Turn on the TV, or pop in a DVD, even if just for the background noise. For many tinnitus patients, nothing is more agonizing than (near-complete) silence.
- Turn on your computer, and surf the web for a while. Check out some helpful websites and blogs for tinnitus sufferers. Read: 40+ Best Tinnitus and Hearing Loss Sites
- Start a simple art project, such as painting, mosaics, or decoupage. Free Digital Photos
Read a good book, like a thriller, romance, or humor novel.- Exercise! Run around the block, dust off your elliptical machine, walk your dog, or do a few laps around the mall.
- Clean the house- nothing’s more soothing to a tinnitus sufferer than the steady hum of a vacuum cleaner.
- Organize your garage, or other work area. Free Digital Photos
- Take up woodworking, or sewing. The repetitive movements and background noises can be therapeutic for tinnitus patients.
Go for drive- your focus will be on the road and street sounds, not on your inner ear noises.- Do a crossword puzzle.
- Call friend on the phone- it will help for relieving stress, and break the tinnitus cycle.
- Turn on a fan; the gentle whooshing noise of a floor fan is one of the best sounds for “shushing” tinnitus ear ringing.
- Fold laundry- not only will it keep you busy, but the sound of the clothes dryer will silence annoying tinnitus ringing. Free Digital Photos
Sources:
Related reading:
Speaker Pillows for Tinnitus Therapy- 8 Comfy Music Pillows
Tinnitus Symptoms Making you Turn to Sleeping Pills? Read about Side Effects of Sleep Drugs
These 4 Vitamins are Tops for Treating Tinnitus
Fall Asleep Quickly; Sleep Well the Whole Night…Finally
If tinnitus ringing in the ears is keeping you up nights, then you might benefit from white noise. Environmental music “shushes” the buzzing in your ears, allowing you to sleep peacefully. Speaker pillows are a popular sleeping aid for tinnitus sufferers; just plug in your MP3 device, such as an iPod, and choose your favorite relaxation sounds for tinnitus therapy.
Tinnitus Retraining Therapy: the Sounds of Silence
Below are 8 effective, moderately priced music MP3 pillows that are available online:
1- SoftSpeaker Pillow Speaker, $19.95
By C. Crane, the SoftSpeaker Pillow Speaker is a tiny music speaker, about the size of your hand. Place it on top of your pillow, or underneath. The soft, plush pillowcase protects the speaker system, while providing you ultimate comfort. The SoftSpeaker comes with a one-year warranty.
The original Sound Pillow features two small removable speakers, concealed within a twin-sized hypoallergenic fiberfill, poly-cotton shell pillow. Plug the attached cable into an iPod, MP3 device, iPhone, CD player, sleep machine, or laptop, for convenient tinnitus treatment. Let one of their relaxation CD’s soothe you into a refreshing slumber. SoundPillow.com
Tinnitus Ear Ringing Keeping you up nights? Sleep it off with Melatonin
3- Sound Oasis Sleep Therapy Pillow, $49.99
Designed to accompany the Sound Oasis Sound Therapy Systems, the Sleep Therapy Pillow is also compatible with all MP3 devices, CD players, and television sets.
10 Ways to Mask Tinnitus inside your Home Without Hearing Aids
4- Boombox Speaker Cushion, $19.99
This novelty pillow is a great gift for a young tinnitus sufferer. Increasingly, teenagers and young adults are falling into the ranks of tinnitus patients, due to dangerously loud music, iPod in-ear headphones, and excessive Bluetooth use. Prop this boombox-shaped pillow by your bedside, attach iPod, and say goodbye to tinnitus whooshing sounds. ThinkGeek.com
5- Sleep Tunes Music Pillow, $59.99
The Sleep Tunes Music Pillow from Sharper Image features a comfortable memory-foam cushion. Sink into your pillow each night while listening to one of Sleep Tunes’ relaxing nature tracks, or choose from your own tinnitus environmental sounds playlist. The Sleep Tunes Music Pillow can be set to turn off after thirty or sixty minutes.
Trouble Sleeping? Redesign your Sleeping Space with Feng Shui
6- Memory Foam MP3 Neck Pillow, $19.93
If tinnitus noises bother you throughout the day, then you’ll appreciate this MP3 neck pillow, featuring soft, squishy memory foam. Take it with you to the office, on the road (passenger only), or on the plane for effective tinnitus therapy.
7- Ellery Sound Asleep Comfort Pillow, $31.64
The Ellery Sound Asleep Comfort Pillow has a 100% cotton cover and hypoallergenic polyester fiberfill, for nighttime comfort. This MP3 pillow can also accommodate your smartphone, iPod, radio, and TV.
8- NECKii Pod Travel and Leisure Neck Pillow with Speakers, $24.99
This ergonomically designed travel pillow is compact enough to slip into your purse or carry-on bag, or to clip onto your beach tote. The Neckii Pod Travel and Leisure Neck Pillow features a retractable universal MP3 connector. Measures 10″ L x 4″ W, and the cotton-spandex removable cover is washable. Bed, Bath and Beyond
Related reading:
Tinnitus Symptoms Making you Turn to Sleeping Pills? Read about Side Effects of Sleep Drugs
Stop that Ringing in your Ears: Get Tinnitus Treatment Now
The A to Z of Tinnitus Remedies
Tinnitus symptoms are continuous ear ringing, buzzing or hissing in the inner ear that only the tinnitus sufferer can hear. Tinnitus sufferers may experience ringing in the ears all day, or it may come and go in phases. Tinnitus noises may also vary in pitch and volume, depending on the amount of inner ear damage to the cochlea, a network inside the ear that is crucial for good hearing. While there is no long-term cure for tinnitus, experts have agreed that certain vitamins can be beneficial for alleviating the effects of hearing loss and tinnitus.
Below is a list of the 4 best vitamins for tinnitus relief:
Vitamin A
The cochlea of the inner ear stores large amounts of vitamin A, and relies on sufficient stores in order to receive and interpret sound efficiently, according to Dr. George E. Shambaugh Jr, author of “Healing with Vitamins.” In his book, Dr. Shambaugh recommends vitamin A, in conjunction with vitamin E, as an effective tinnitus treatment. Good sources of vitamin A are orange fruits and vegetables, such as cantaloupe, yams, carrots and pumpkin. Tuna and spinach are also high in vitamin A.
Vitamin B12
Vitamin B12 is essential for a healthy nervous system. Vitamin B12 affects the way we touch, taste, see and hear, so it is not surprising that vitamin B12 deficiency leads to symptoms such as altered taste perception, visual disturbances, numbness or tingling, and chronic tinnitus. One Tel Aviv study, which focused on Israeli servicemen with tinnitus, found a high correlation between symptoms of tinnitus and vitamin B12 deficiency. Vitamin B12 occurs naturally in lean meats, fish, eggs and dairy products.
Magnesium
Magnesium is another essential vitamin, which is included in many tinnitus remedies. Nutritionists believe that a magnesium deficiency corrupts the ability of the cochlea to function properly by constricting vessels that lead to the inner ear. Magnesium occurs naturally in food sources such as brown rice, bananas, beans and oats.
Zinc
Zinc is another nutrient that is associated with tinnitus and hearing loss. A study featured in Otology and Neurotology determined that low levels of zinc may be a cause of tinnitus. The University of Michigan Health System reported in 1985 that 25% of tinnitus sufferers who had low zinc levels noticed a marked reduction in tinnitus symptoms when they increased their zinc intake. Foods that are highest in zinc include oysters, wheat germ, veal liver and sesame seeds.
Read more about tinnitus treatment and prevention:
5 Mistakes Tinnitus Sufferers Make
Gingko Biloba as a Treatment for Tinnitus
Stop that Ringing in your Ears: Get Tinnitus Treatment Now
Top 5 Noise Cancelling Headphones
Sources:
http://www.livestrong.com/article/261616-vitamins-for-ringing-ears/
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/8639287
http://www.ehow.com/about_5468633_vitamins-tinnitus-relief.html
http://www.healthaliciousness.com/articles/zinc.php
Loud Music Causes Ringing in the Ears
Most folks don’t know they’re getting tinnitus until it’s too late; tinnitus symptoms such as ear ringing and hearing loss don’t show themselves until the ear damage is done.
Causes of tinnitus vary, but one of the most common culprits is noise. If you’re in the habit of sticking in your earbuds, clicking on your iTunes playlist and turning up the volume to 10, you may pay for it later. Excessively loud music has been known to cause severe inner ear damage, which leads to tinnitus and hearing loss. And while there are some effective treatments for tinnitus, a tinnitus cure is still far off on the horizon. Celebrities Raise Tinnitus Awareness
How do you know if the volume’s too high?
So, what’s considered a healthy volume for listening to your iPod? The median point on the volume knob is usually the safest. Between 1 and 10, you should limit yourself to 5, which, for most MP3 players, equals about 80 decibels. Anything louder than that, and you’re likely to permanently injure the delicate cells of the cochlea, which are located deep inside the inner ear, and is crucial for proper sound perception. Are iPods Ruining Your Ears?
A good test to see if you’re listening to your music too loud is this: have a friend speak to you in a normal voice while you’re listening to music on your headphones. If you are able to clearly hear and comprehend what your friend is saying, then you’re in the clear. If your friend has to scream in order to be heard (isn’t that usually the case?) then you need to tone it down.
Give your ears a break
According to some research, the amount of time you spend listening to music on headphones is also important. People who listen to MP3 players for over an hour per day usually suffer some form of irreversible hearing loss, over the course of 5 years. So limit the amount of time you spend listening to tunes through headphones, even if the volume is at a healthy limit. Phil Collins Calling it Quits Due to Hearing Loss
Still not convinced?
For a brief demonstration of what hearing loss really sounds like, watch this YouTube video:
More good reads about tinnitus and hearing loss:
Noise ‘n Toys: Can they Cause Hearing Loss in Children?
British Singer Frightened by Tinnitus Symptoms
Coming Soon: iPod Device to Treat Tinnitus
Gear Up to Prevent Hearing Loss: Five Things you Should Buy Now
Sources:
Millions of Americans suffer from tinnitus, a condition which is described as constant ringing in the ears. No tinnitus cure exists, but some remedies and life changes are helpful for coping with tinnitus symptoms.
This year, Tinnitus Awareness Week falls on May 15-21.
About 50 million Americans experience tinnitus hearing loss, but not all of them realize it or are bothered by it. The severity of tinnitus symptoms can range according to the level of ear damage or neurological disorder. Some tinnitus patients may report a mild buzzing in one ear, while chronic tinnitus sufferers may be plagued with loud phantom tinnitus noises in one or both ears. Frequency, volume and pitch differs by patient, as well as the type of sound described by various sufferers.
Tinnitus Retraining Therapy: the Sounds of Silence
Noises which have been attributed to tinnitus symptoms include:
- ringing
- screeching
- buzzing
- whooshing
- roaring
- chirping
- clicking
- hissing
Another phenomenon associated with tinnitus are auditory hallucinations, or musical ear syndrome, which have been described as familiar singing or speech sounds when none exist. Tinnitus patients have admitted to noticing and sometimes enjoying musical interludes, only to discover later that it was all in their heads. It’s important to note that these phantom sounds are neurologically based, and not in any way a symptom of mental illness.
Objective Tinnitus: It’s Not All in your Head
How is tinnitus caused?
Most people think that tinnitus and other hearing-related disorders are symptoms of old age; this is often the case, but a significant percentage of hearing loss also exists among children and young adults.
Besides hearing loss among the elderly, tinnitus symptoms are also caused by:
- Inner ear damage caused by loud noises and frequent in-ear headphone usage
- Chronic ear infections
- Jaw strain
- Drug interactions
- Eardrum damage caused by cotton swabs or other foreign objects
- Meniere’s disease
- Premature birth
- Excess earwax
- Family history
How can I prevent tinnitus?
Most of the causes of tinnitus are avoidable. Some good preventative measures go a long way towards preventing tinnitus and other forms of hearing loss.
- Always wear ear protection if you work in a noisy environment or attend frequent concerts.
- Wear swimmer’s ear plugs.
- Avoid in-ear style ear buds when listening to music.
- Keep the volume at a moderate level.
- Consult in your doctor before trying any new pain medications.
- Clean ears frequently by wiping with a soft cloth.
- Never stick cotton swabs or other pointy objects in your ears.
- Practice relaxation methods to avoid jaw tension.
5 Mistakes Tinnitus Sufferers Make
Confused about how much noise is considered too loud?
The NIDCD (National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders) offers a handy Interactive Sound Ruler on their website to help you understand the difference between healthy volumes and eardrum-splitting noise decibel levels.
For more information on tinnitus, read:
When Children Suffer Tinnitus and Hearing Loss
Coming Soon: iPod Device to Treat Tinnitus
Sources:
http://pain.com/library/2011/05/16-tinnitus-awareness-week/
http://www.hearinglosshelp.com/articles/mes.htm
http://www.nidcd.nih.gov/health/education/decibel/decibel.asp
Tinnitus is a condition which causes constant ringing in the ears; while in some cases “phantom” tinnitus symptoms are neurologically based, other tinnitus causes involve tinnitus sounds which can be heard by a tinnitus specialist.
What is tinnitus?
Tinnitus is a hearing loss related disorder which affects millions of Americans. Although not a disease, tinnitus symptoms are caused by an underlying medical condition. Tinnitus sufferers hear constant ear ringing that is unrelated to any actual noise outside their bodies. Tinnitus sounds are described as ringing, clicking, roaring, buzzing or chirping sounds. Severity of the tinnitus symptoms determines the frequency, pitch and volume of the tinnitus noises.
What are the causes of tinnitus?
Tinnitus symptoms can arise from a variety of causes. In fact, there are hundreds of medications which are known to contribute to tinnitus.
Tinnitus is caused by:
- Age related hearing loss
- Noise induced damage to the inner ear, usually from long-term exposure to dangerously high noise levels, including loud music through iPod ear buds, manufacturing job shop noises, engines and explosions.
- Excessive ear wax
- Puncturing of the ear drum with a cotton swab or other foreign object
- Drug interactions, such as birth control, antibiotics, quinine, antidepressants and anti-inflammatories
- Medical conditions like Meniere’s disease, Temporomandibular Joint Disorder (TMJ) or chronic ear infections
- Also read: Which Came First- Tinnitus or Hearing Loss?
What is the difference between objective tinnitus and subjective tinnitus?
Subjective tinnitus emanates from the inner ear and is only heard by the tinnitus patient. Most cases of chronic tinnitus are subjective, and are believed to be caused by neurological disorders involving the cochlea of the inner ear and its communication with brain circuits which are responsible for interpreting sounds.
Objective tinnitus involves audible clicking sounds which are caused by bone structure near the inner ear. Tinnitus specialists are usually able to hear small noises caused by objective tinnitus. Objective tinnitus is the less common than subjective tinnitus.
Stop that Ringing in your Ears: Get Tinnitus Treatment Now
What tinnitus treatments are effective for curing tinnitus?
There are no known tinnitus cures which can stop tinnitus symptoms forever, but many promising herbs for tinnitus have been proven helpful for alleviating ear ringing and providing measured relief from chronic tinnitus.
- Ginkgo Biloba has been scientifically proved as an effective natural remedy for tinnitus, and is one of many nutrients which are combined in many tinnitus medications to treat the symptoms which cause tinnitus, such as high blood pressure, inflammation and constricted blood vessels.
- Tinnitus retraining therapy uses environmental background noise to banish tinnitus sounds. Tinnitus Retraining Therapy: the Sounds of Silence
- Hearing aids help with tinnitus symptoms which are caused by hearing loss.
- Tinnitus maskers are wearable devices which provide tinnitus relief by competing with tinnitus ear ringing. Tinnitus Maskers: Relief is on the Way
- For more information on treatment of tinnitus, read The Many Causes of Tinnitus.
Sources:
Scientists have been trying to develop a tinnitus cure for the characteristically annoying ringing in the ears associated with tinnitus practically since the first caveman clubbed himself on top of the head to stop tinnitus buzzing sounds from driving him crazy. Over the years, some promising tinnitus remedies have given tinnitus sufferers relief, but as of yet no actual tinnitus cure exists to permanently stop tinnitus in its tracks.
Enter melatonin.
According to a study, researchers from Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis found a correlation between the melatonin hormone and decreased tinnitus symptoms. Melatonin is produced by the brain to regulate our sleeping patterns; doctors often prescribe melatonin pills for patients with sleep disorders such as insomnia. Scientists believe that by guaranteeing a better night’s sleep, melatonin has the potential to significantly help tinnitus patients.
What are the symptoms of tinnitus?
Tinnitus is not a disease, but rather a hearing-related condition which affects millions of Americans. Tinnitus symptoms are constant noises in the ears, unrelated to any actual noises in the environment, and not heard by anybody else. These tinnitus “phantom” sounds are described as ringing, buzzing, roaring, clicking, chirping or screaming noises. Volume and frequency can vary in relation to the severity of the condition. Some tinnitus causes are old age, noise-induced inner ear damage, drug interactions and chronic ear infections.
Research points to melatonin for tinnitus treatment
- The study, which was published in Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, focused on 18 elderly individuals who suffered from chronic tinnitus symptoms.
- Participants were questioned about the severity of their tinnitus symptoms and their regular sleep patterns.
- Scientists prescribed 3mg. of melatonin every day over the course of 4 weeks.
- Tinnitus patients were monitored during the 4 week course of melatonin, and for an additional 4 weeks following treatment.
- All of the elderly tinnitus patients reported that they slept better while taking the melatonin pills and also experienced fewer and less severe tinnitus ringing in the ears.
- Even 4 weeks after stopping the melatonin medication, participants said they continued to enjoy significant tinnitus relief, leading researchers to conclude that prescribing melatonin as a tinnitus medication could have some long-lasting benefits as a remedy for tinnitus caused by poor sleep.
5 Mistakes Tinnitus Sufferers Make
Stop the tinnitus circle
Constant ringing in the ears, clicking and buzzing sounds, and ear discomfort can make it difficult to get to sleep. Tinnitus patients often report become woken up in the middle of the night by loud roaring sounds; by morning they are fatigued and restless. Chronic tinnitus sufferers go through stages of deep depression, resulting from lack of sleep and desperation at not being able to find a cure for the tinnitus symptoms that torment them. Poor sleep leads to nervousness and anxiety, which in turn heighten the severity of the tinnitus symptoms, and the circle continues.
6 Anxiety Busting Tricks- Try Them Now!
While melatonin pills are helpful for providing more restful sleep to tinnitus patients, only a reduction of the symptoms which cause the tinnitus can effectively alleviate tinnitus for good. Exercise, meditation, and tinnitus retraining therapy have been proven beneficial for providing tinnitus relief. Also, increasing blood flow to the brain and flushing toxins are essential steps towards alleviating tinnitus. Dietary supplements containing vinpocetine, Alpha Lipoic Acid, niacin and folic acid have been tested by scientists and proven to be effective tinnitus remedies.
Also read:
Stop that Ringing in your Ears: Get Tinnitus Treatment Now
Tinnitus Retraining Therapy: the Sounds of Silence
Sources:
Do you suffer from tinnitus ringing in the ears? Before you can get tinnitus treatment, you must visit the doctor for a hearing test, as a common cause of tinnitus symptoms is hearing loss.
What are the symptoms of tinnitus?
Tinnitus symptoms are characterized by incessant noises in one or both ears that are not caused by any actual noise around you, nor are heard by anybody else. Sufferers of tinnitus usually describe the sounds they hear as ringing in the ears, but tinnitus symptoms can vary. Other tinnitus patients complain of constant roaring, whooshing, clicking, whistling, chirping or buzzing sounds in their ears. Other factors can vary according to the severity of the tinnitus symptoms, including noise frequency, volume or pitch of tinnitus sounds. Also, the condition can occur in one ear only, or both ears at once, or it can fluctuate between ears. It is not uncommon for a tinnitus sufferer to go through phases when the tinnitus symptoms are inactive, only to resurface later. Occasionally a person will experience the symptoms of tinnitus only once in his entire lifetime.
What causes tinnitus?
About 50 million people in the US have experienced or currently suffer from tinnitus symptoms. Tinnitus is not a disease, but rather a hearing loss-related condition which happens as a result of contributing factors or causes. Tinnitus can occur in old age, and frequently is accompanied or followed by hearing loss. However, tinnitus symptoms can also be caused by inner ear damage. The cochlea of the inner ear is responsible for translating sound signals, so any significant damage to the inner ear canal can result in tinnitus symptoms and hearing loss.
Examples of inner ear damage which can cause tinnitus ear ringing are:
- Puncturing of the eardrum with cotton swabs or other hard, pointy objects
- Noise-related ear damage caused by in-ear iPod ear buds, exposure to loud special effects, engines, machinery or concert music
- Chronic ear infections
- Meniere’s disease
Sometimes tinnitus is caused by drug interactions, such as anti-inflammatories, birth control, antibiotics or quinine medication. Always tell you doctor if you think a new medication might be giving you tinnitus symptoms.
How do you get treatment for tinnitus?
See a physician if you are experiencing any consistent ringing in the ears. An ENT or audiologist can give you a proper diagnosis. According to most scientists, there is no actual cure for tinnitus, but some treatment options are available. Tinnitus maskers are helpful for reducing some of the tinnitus noises; tinnitus retraining therapy involves wearing a noise generator which produces a competing sound, such as environmental noise, thereby “shushing” the tinnitus ringing noises. Tinnitus sufferers have also found relief by practicing meditation, yoga and visualization.
Tinnitus Retraining Therapy: the Sounds of Silence
Much research has been done on the health benefits of gingko biloba for tinnitus and hearing loss symptoms. Gingko biloba has been used for hundreds of years to treat depression, fatigue and dementia. Because it increases blood flow, gingko biloba is also effective for treating hearing loss, tinnitus, headaches and other conditions which are caused when constricted blood vessels restrict blood flow through the head.
A list of other popular tinnitus treatments are available on the American Tinnitus Association website.
Also read:
Thrill Rides and Scuba Diving: Summertime Activities that Cause Tinnitus
When Children Suffer Tinnitus and Hearing Loss
Sources:
American Tinnitus Association, MedicineNet, Mayo Clinic
Prevent tinnitus ringing in the ears with these 5 tips:
Tinnitus is a hearing-related condition which affects millions of Americans, causing them to hear phantom noises in their ears; frequency, volume and pitch can vary according to the amount of damage to the inner ear.
Common tinnitus symptoms include continuous ringing, buzzing, roaring, clicking or chirping sounds in one or both ears. Tinnitus sufferers also sometimes complain of a feeling of fullness in the affected ear.
Tinnitus causes can be age-related hearing loss or a result of excessive noise exposure; movie actors, musicians, job shop workers and people who have served in the military are at high risk of tinnitus ear damage caused by frequent loud noises, such as explosions, music and hammering.
Stress Less to Prevent Tinnitus and Hearing Loss
Chronic tinnitus patients often feel anxious and depressed, finding no respite from their tinnitus symptoms even in sleep, as they are often jarred awake by high-pitch tinnitus ringing or clicking sounds. A sense of hopelessness permeates their day, as their is no known cure for tinnitus, only some coping mechanisms and herbal treatments which help to alleviate many of the symptoms and causes of tinnitus.
Here are 5 no-no’s which might be causing your tinnitus:
1) Too much sodium
We know sodium upsets the balance of fluids in your body, and that includes the fluids in your inner ear. Eating too many salty foods or adding excessive amounts of salt to your meals can aggravate tinnitus symptoms, particularly in the case of Meniere’s disease.
2) Caffeine addiction
Caffeine found in coffee, tea and chocolate can cause high blood pressure, a known contributor to chronic tinnitus symptoms. The Mayo Clinic suggests limiting your caffeine intake to 300mg (2-4 cups of brewed coffee) per day, and not exceeding 500mg.
3) Frequent alcohol consumption
Alcoholic beverages dilate your blood vessels, causing high blood pressure. Individuals who have been diagnosed with tinnitus should avoid drinking more than the alcoholic equivalent of one cup of wine per day.
4) MSG
Monosodium glutamate, a sodium additive which is found in many food items, is widely recognized for its various unhealthy attributes, such as causing high blood pressure, to name one. MSG is found in soy sauce, making Chinese food a common red light item for people who suffer tinnitus, headaches or allergies.
Eat your Way to Better Hearing: Two Nutrients you should be Eating
5) High impact aerobics
An intense high-energy workout is an excellent way to raise your endurance level, burn calories, increase muscle mass and provide energy- if you’re fit enough for the challenge. For some, the bouncy, jolting movements can disrupt otoconia crystals in the inner ear, leading to ear damage such as hearing loss or tinnitus. Some exercises to avoid are football, soccer, running and volleyball. Opt instead for some low-impact exercises, which are less shocking to the system, such as brisk walking, low-impact aerobics classes and weight lifting.
Also read:
Is TMJ Causing Your Tinnitus? 7 Exercises to Release Jaw Tension
Source:
While there is no cure for tinnitus or hearing loss, there are a number of tinnitus treatment options which can provide some relief to chronic tinnitus sufferers from the constant ringing in the ears, nagging internal noises and some of the hearing loss symptoms associated with tinnitus. Popular tinnitus treatments include homeopathic medicines such as the natural remedies formulated by tinnitusdx, sound therapy, cognitive behavior therapy, laser treatment and tinnitus masking devices.
Gear Up to Prevent Hearing Loss: Five Things you Should Buy Now
Some chronic tinnitus sufferers have so much difficulty tuning out continuous ear ringing or buzzing that they find that they are unable to tolerate any extraneous noise of any kind, regardless of the extent of its loudness; chronic tinnitus sufferers have difficulty concentrating on work or studies, and everyday situations like shopping for groceries in a bustling supermarket become torturous, stressful tasks. Many sink into depression or contemplate suicide. For tinnitus patients who find that their symptoms are interfering with their everyday life, audiologists often recommend a tinnitus masker.
What are tinnitus maskers?
A tinnitus masker is a device which one wears, similar to a hearing aid, and which delivers a steady stream of broadband white environmental noise; tinnitus sufferers have found that listening to certain sounds like running water, raindrops, or ocean waves as background noise help them tune out the annoying ringing, buzzing, clicking or whooshing sounds typical of chronic tinnitus; the sound of rushing water masks humming sounds, or even high pitch ringing. Tinnitus maskers effectively hush the constant internal ear sounds; masking devices can be worn on the ear or played through a CD player.
Tinnitus symptoms come in varying ranges of loudness, pitch, sound type and frequency; tinnitus masking devices can be programmed, in order to better treat the different needs of tinnitus suffers and effectively mask competing tinnitus noise.
10 Ways to Mask Tinnitus inside your Home Without Hearing Aids
A hearing test and diagnosis of tinnitus or other hearing loss from an ASHA-certified audiologist is required in order to purchase a tinnitus masker; a trained audiologist can go over your treatment options with you and help you choose a remedy which best meets your needs.
More information on tinnitus treatments can be found by visiting the American Tinnitus Association website.
Sources:
American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA), Better Hearing Institute, eHealthMD, American Tinnitus Association
