Tinnitus is the medical term given to noise or ringing in the ears. MayoClinic.com points out the noises in the ear are actually a symptom resulting from an underlying condition, such as an injury to the ear or persistent exposure to damaging loud noises. The most effective treatment is to resolve the underlying cause, but masking the sound can also be temporarily effective. Consult a health care professional before attempting to treat tinnitus at home. The underlying cause may need to be evaluated first.
Step 1
Wear hearing protection when exposed to loud noises. Sounds from small machines, such as a lawn mower, can cause and exacerbate tinnitus. Ear plugs or headphones that cover the ears can reduce damage to the ears. Personal listening ear phones can worsen the problem and should be avoided until tinnitus has improved.
Step 2
Play soft music at a low volume or run a fan whenever the sounds are bothersome, suggests MayoClinic.com. These techniques are especially helpful when trying to sleep.
Step 3
Keep the ears free of wax. An ear infection or hardened wax can cause tinnitus. The wax may need to be removed by a medical professional. To remove wax at home, fill a small vial with olive oil and place it in a cup of warm water for 10 to 15 minutes. Using a dropper, place two to three drops inside the affected ear while resting on the opposite side. Be still for five minutes before switching sides and repeating. These oil drops can be repeated daily to encourage wax to soften and move out of the ear.
Step 4
Remove visible wax with a cotton swab. Avoid inserting the swab into the ear canal. Instead, touch the tip to visible wax and move it away from the ear.
Step 5
Take 40 to 80mg of ginkgo extract three times per day. MotherNature.com suggests this herb can increase blood circulation, improve the use of oxygen cells and protects cells from damage. Consult a health care provider before using herbal remedies.
Things You'll Need
- Ear plugs or other hearing protection
- Radio or fan
- Olive oil
- Vial
- Glass of hot water
- Dropper
- Cotton swabs
