Coping with The Ringing: 4 Proven Strategies to Consider for Tinnitus Sufferers
If you have tinnitus, you know how frustrating the problem can be. Having constant ringing or other noises can get in the way of daily life. While there isn’t a proven cure for tinnitus, there are strategies and treatments that can minimize the discomfort such as helping you cope with the ringing that tinnitus can cause.
There is a great deal of information available online about tinnitus and tinnitus treatment, including free online hearing tests. However, before committing to any tinnitus treatment you should always speak with your healthcare provider. They will run tests to figure out what is causing your tinnitus. They will run hearing and movement tests, and they will do a thorough physical exam and take plenty of images.
These four strategies can be helpful for tinnitus sufferers:
1. Avoid common irritants
Some irritants are known to trigger tinnitus and make it worse. Some common irritants are loud noises of any type. If you are prone to tinnitus, loud noises like fireworks and music concerts can make it worse. You should avoid listening to loud music through earbuds and headphones, too.
Some people find their tinnitus worsens when they drink caffeinated beverages. Others find the problem worsens when they smoke or are around second-hand smoke.
Being in stressful situations can also make the noises get louder. Tinnitus sufferers should learn to manage their stress and consider alternatives to caffeine and nicotine.
2. Use a white noise machine
As tinnitus can involve irritating noises, some people find that white noise machines help them reduce the irritation that those internal noises cause. You can buy a white noise machine, or you can use a household item like a fan or air conditioner. White noise machines can play calming noises like ocean waves, gentle rain, or train sounds. You can also listen to the white noise sounds on your electronic devices through apps or videos. If your tinnitus picks up at night, you can buy pillows that play white noise, too.
3. Have earwax removed
For some people, having ear wax removal can quieten their tinnitus. You should not try to remove earwax on your own. Instead, as advised by the NHS, speak to a pharmacist about earwax build-up as they will be able to offer advice and suggest treatments.
Earwax prevents dirt and bacteria from accumulating in your ear canal. But, if you have too much wax, it can irritate your eardrum and aggravate tinnitus symptoms.
But don’t delay if earwax seems to be creating a problem. If you wait too long to have earwax removed, it can harden and cause even more problems.
4. Use hearing aids
Hearing aids are another helpful treatment for people who have tinnitus. Whether you have hearing loss or not, you might find hearing aids to be helpful. They can be used to mask tinnitus, as they help intensify outside noises.
With hearing aids, your ability to communicate will improve because you will be able to hear outside noises over the internal noises. Some hearing aids are designed to provide auditory stimulation, by playing sounds that will filter or modulate to mask the internal tinnitus sounds. Your audiologist should be able to recommend hearing aids and other tools that will mask tinnitus sounds. Some hearing aids provide sound therapy more than amplification or masking, too.
Support Groups
If you do have Tinnitus, coping with the ringing and other problems can be challenging. For support, it is worth registering with the British Tinnitus Association to receive their quarterly magazine. There are also support groups in some areas which can be invaluable. Potential benefits include:
- Development of new coping skills
- Learning new, practical ways of dealing with problems
- Learning to relax and managing stress
- Feeling more in control and an increase in confidence
- Gaining inspiration and support from others
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