Tinnitus also called ringing ears can be hard to live with. The constant ringing noise in the ears can be really irritating, but there are coping strategies that can help. There is no cure for this illness, but here are some tips for living with Tinnitus.
- Add some soft background noise (sound therapy)
Tinnitus tends to be more intense when the surroundings are quieter. Any background noise like the ticking of a clock, soft music playing or nature sounds may be useful in distracting you from the constant ringing in your ears.
Listening to some comforting sounds can make the ringing noise less noticeable. Sound therapy is a good way to lower stress, boost energy, concentration and performance. It might provide more relief from tinnitus.
- Avoid stress
Stress and anxiety can make the condition worse. Try to relax by doing some meditation, walking outside, doing breathing exercises or even playing some soft music. Researchers have found several factors that influence the treatment of this hearing disorder, like the general well-being of the person, reactions of the autonomic nervous system as well as how the person manages stress. They have identified a link between stress and raised symptoms of tinnitus.
- Have a healthy diet
Do not consume stimulants such as alcohol, caffeine and nicotine as these will worsen the tinnitus. Just practice eating a healthy diet.
- Engage in physical exercise
Exercise is a great way to minimize stress and boost blood circulation. This is advantageous as sometimes tinnitus is caused by low blood circulation to the inner part of the ear.
- Use of protective ear wear where necessary
It is important to stay away from situations that can worsen your hearing like excessive noise. You should use protective ear wear to guard your ears from different work hazards and injury. Stay away from noisy places or put on some ear protection such as earplugs.
- Counseling and group therapy
Counseling and group therapy may be really beneficial especially in cases where the person is scared that he/she is suffering from a serious illness like brain cancer. Some people also fear that they may be having a mental illness as the ringing is in the head. Counseling by a professional may help calm those fears.
Since psychology plays a significant role, therapy may help you accept the condition and lessen the mental impact. At most times, the therapy involves thought control, relaxation exercises and managing anxiety and stress.
- Seek some treatment options
As of now there’s no cure for this condition, but hearing aids have been known to give people some people relief, because the devices amplify outside noise. A tinnitus masker can also be helpful. In some cases, the cause of the condition can be treated. For example, if the noise is caused by an infection in the middle ear, antibiotics can be a viable treatment method.
If you suffer from tinnitus you should definitely consult a doctor or hearing specialist on how best to control the symptoms.
Do you suffer from tinnitus? Well you are not alone. Many people around the world are affected by this condition. Hear4U gives resources on how to live with this irritating ringing noise.
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