The ears contain a complex series of bones and tissues designed for noise transmission as well as nerves that transmit these signals to the brain. Because the ears are delicate, small disturbances can cause a sensation of ringing in your ears, a condition known as tinnitus. Tinnitus can be caused by damage from abnormally loud sounds, from some medications or from physical trauma.
Step 1
Treat any underlying conditions causing the tinnitus. Certain medications (such as aspirin), impacted earwax and some blood vessel problems all can cause ringing in your ears. Have your doctor check to see if any of these could be causing the ringing in your ears.
Step 2
Protect your ears while they heal. In many cases, tinnitus is caused by trauma to the ears as a result of loud music or sounds. Although your ears can recover from this on their own, while they are healing they will be extra sensitive. Wear earplugs or protective headphones to prevent your ears from becoming further damaged until the ringing goes away.
Step 3
Use noise suppression devices. Noise suppression involves listening to white noise at low volumes. Although noise suppression will not "cure" the ringing in your ears, it will distract your brain, which will make the tinnitus appear to be reduced. Noise suppression devices can be special white noise generators, or you can make one yourself by listening to static on the television or radio.
Step 4
Take medication. Certain medications can be used to relieve tinnitus, including acamprosate (Campral), alprazolam (Xanax), and some kinds of antidepressants (including amitriptyline). In many cases it is not well understood how these medications work and they can cause other side effects, so they are only recommended for long-term or severe cases of tinnitus.
