Tinnitus is the medical term for ringing in the ears. This annoyance is typically a symptom of an underlying issue like ear infection, certain medications or damage caused to the eardrum by loud noise or debris. The Mayo Clinic suggests that ear ringing is more of an annoyance than a serious condition. Such things as alcohol, noise and stress can further aggravate the noise heard in the ears. Merck indicates that there are no specific medical or surgical treatments available for this problem, but some medications or masking devices can help to reduce the ringing.
Step 1
Avoid or remove anything that may be causing the ringing in your ears, such as loud noises. Turn down electronic devices that are set at high levels, and avoid prolonged use of personal earpiece devices. Wear ear protection in a loud work environment.
Step 2
Practice stress relieving techniques, such as deep breathing or exercise, as suggested by the Mayo Clinic. Relaxation therapy is often used as a line of defense against tinnitus. Stress causes muscle tension that can lead to spasms in the ear. The University of Maryland Medical Center suggests that these spasms cause sounds.
Step 3
Avoid or reduce alcohol. The Mayo Clinic indicates that such substances can increase the dilation of blood vessels, which can increase blood flow in the inner ear.
Step 4
Mask the sounds you hear in your ears with a fan, soft music or other forms of white noise that will not exacerbate the symptoms. White noise is a term used to define sounds that aren't distinct. Some recordings of white noise include low-level static, ocean waves or other repetitive sounds.
Tips and Warnings
- Acupuncture and hypnosis have been used in alternative medicine as an attempt at reducing the occurrence of ear ringing. Check with your doctor if you are taking any medications, as some drugs are known to have ear ringing as a side effect. Some drugs may actually reduce the ringing. The Mayo Clinic suggests some antidepressants and other drugs can be prescribed as well.
Things You'll Need
- Fan
- Radio
