If you're experiencing a ringing in the ears, it can be a sign of tinnitus, which is the perception of sound that isn't actually there. For some people, this ringing comes and goes. Others experience a constant awareness of ringing during their waking hours. It can even become so intense that it disrupts both concentration and sleep. Regardless of how the ringing develops, there are things you can do that may help to reduce the presence of this phantom noise.
Tinnitus
The Mayo Clinic defines tinnitus as a ringing in the ears when no external sound is being made. It can manifest in one or both ears as a buzzing, clicking, whistling or hissing. But this phantom noise isn't actually a condition on its own, but rather a symptom of an underlying condition. This makes it important to consult with a health care provider as soon as the sound manifests, especially if it comes on without an evident trigger.
Causes
The cause of tinnitus varies from person to person. However, the most common culprit is inner ear cell damage, according to the Mayo Clinic. Hairs within the inner ear become bent or broken, causing electrical impulses that the brain recognizes as noise. It may also be a result of age-related hearing loss, loud noise, impacted earwax or otosclerosis, which is a stiffening of the bone in the middle ear. High blood pressure, tumors, narrowing of the arteries and medications have all been known to cause ringing in the ears as well.
Magnesium and Potassium
Though there isn't a cure for tinnitus, but certain dietary changes may help to improve the ringing. One such dietary change is the increase of magnesium and potassium, both of which are found in bananas. HolisticOnline.com, a website dedicated to alternative approaches to medicine, claims that some people suffering from tinnitus have above-average nutrient needs, which include magnesium and potassium. By increasing the intake of bananas, as well as other food sources rich in these minerals, you may help to manage the ringing.
Vitamin B6
The other benefit from bananas is the vitamin B6. According to HolisticOnline.com, consuming 50 mg of B6 two to three times a day stabilizes inner-ear fluid that may be contributing to the ringing in the ears. However, a cup of mashed bananas contains only 0.8 mg, so other sources of the vitamin are necessary to bring the daily intake to this level.
Prevention/Solution
If you're unable to reduce the ringing in the ears through dietary changes, the Mayo Clinic suggests avoiding common irritants that trigger tinnitus, such as nicotine and loud noises. Stress management may help some people, while others can see an improvement by avoiding alcohol, which can dilate blood vessels and increase the intensity of the noise. Masking the sound with white noise, fans, fountains or music can also help.
Considerations
Before making any dietary changes or taking supplement to treat tinnitus, contact a medical professional. Your doctor may need you to have a checkup, hearing test and ear pressure exam to determine the exact cause of this ringing.
