People who experience a ringing in the ear, also called tinnitus, may find it merely annoying, but the condition can be so continuous and loud that it interrupts normal activity. According to the American Tinnitus Association, approximately 12 million Americans experience tinnitus serious enough to seek medical help. Remedies for tinnitus work differently for different people, so a given individual might have to try multiple methods before finding something that works for him. Remedies may also take a few days or weeks to take effect.
Disease Treatment
Many cases of ringing in the ear are caused by other underlying diseases. Treating the disease is the easiest way to stop the ringing sound. Conditions such as high blood pressure, which can cause tinnitus, may be brought under control through lifestyle changes or medication. Other conditions, such as a brain tumor, may be more difficult to solve and require surgery.
Hearing Aids
Hearing aids are used when tinnitus is accompanied by hearing loss. The hearing aid can be set so that voices and other sounds are louder than the ringing sound.
Maskers
Maskers work under the idea that white noise can help cover the sound of ringing in the ears. They look like and operate much like hearing aids, but instead of amplifying other sounds in the environment, maskers provide their own sound. This can help distract a tinnitus sufferer from the ringing sound in his ears. It may also retrain the ear to hear the ringing as softer or less harsh or even to not hear it at all anymore, a process called habituation.
Sound Devices
External sound devices can also be used to overpower the ringing sound or retrain the ear. These can include white-noise generators, miniature waterfalls or music players that are placed in a room or office to provide something else for the ear to focus on.
Medication
No medication is currently approved specifically for ringing in the ears, but some medications made for other purposes may ease tinnitus as a side effect. Medications for alcoholism and anxiety are two types that have been found to reduce ringing in the ears in some people. Doctors can prescribe these off-label, meaning that they are being given out for a condition they have not been approved for, if there are indications that the tinnitus sufferer may benefit from that particular medication.
Eliminating Stress
Stress tends to make tinnitus worse, so techniques that get rid of stress can help. Relaxation techniques, meditation, yoga and guided breathing are all remedies that tinnitus sufferers can try to ease the ringing sounds.
