Ringing in the ears, or tinnitus, affects about one in five people at some point in their lives, according to the Mayo Clinic. Ringing in the ears is not a disease in itself, but a symptom of other illnesses. Underlying conditions include circulatory disorders, hearing loss, infection or ear injury. The condition can be cured by identifying the underlying cause and treating that. Tinnitus treatments also include remedies that can mask the sound or finding ways to make it less noticeable.
Step 1
See a doctor if the ringing started when you came down with a cold or other respiratory illness that doesn't clear up within a week. A sinus infection can move deeper into the ear canal and require medical treatment with antibiotics. A doctor also should be consulted if you feel dizzy or lose other hearing when the ringing begins.
Step 2
Use an earwax remover that contains oil and peroxide. Over-the-counter drops such as Murine or Debrox can dissolve earwax.
Step 3
Use a white noise machine or a device similar to a hearing aid that runs constantly. The sounds produced by such a machine blend with the ringing, reducing its effect on your concentration.
Step 4
Treat severe ringing in the ears with medications that operate on brain chemicals, such as antidepressants or benzodiazepines. Drugs such as Xanax, Niravam, amitriptyline or nortriptyline have proven effective in curing tinnitus. Drugs used to treat alcoholism, such as acamprosate, also have eliminated the annoying sounds in some patients.
Step 5
Make lifestyle changes. Doctors at the Mayo Clinic recommend patients avoid stress, which can set off tinnitus symptoms. Loud music can leave residual ringing that continues long after the music is over. Excessive alcohol consumption can cause pounding in the head that translates to additional ringing.
Tips and Warnings
- Try ignoring the sound. Doctors at the American Hearing Research Foundation report that patients who pay attention to the noise and constantly focus on it experience a greater degree of annoyance; paying attention to the ringing actually can cause it to increase in intensity.
- Antidepressants and benzodiazepines carry side effects such as drowsiness, nausea, dry mouth and constipation. Some medications used to treat depression and anxiety also can be habit-forming.
Things You'll Need
- Earwax remover
- White noise machine
- Antidepressants
