7 tips for living with tinnitus
Almost 1 in 5 people will experience tinnitus at some point in their life. Often described as a ringing, buzzing or hissing in the ear, tinnitus sufferers report hearing a sound in their ears when there is no actual sound present.
Tinnitus sufferers can find the ringing can affect their lives in a negative way. They may have trouble sleeping, discomfort when in loud or noisy environments, and some sufferers even experience depression as a result of the condition.
Although there is no known cure for tinnitus it is still best to visit a hearing specialist who can let you know how to manage it. There are also steps that you can take to make yourself more comfortable.
Look after your ears: avoid noisy environments such as concerts or loud restaurants where possible, limit your use of headphones, and wear earplugs when using power tools or lawn mowers.
Try to relax: stress can cause the condition to flare up, so find ways to take time out. Yoga, meditation, a long walk, or a soak in the bath have been found to help some people.
Get some rest: fatigue can also make your symptoms worse, so a good bedtime routine can be helpful to ensure you get a good night’s sleep. Limiting screen time close to bed, drinking herbal tea, taking a shower or some reading could all form part of your routine before you turn in for the night.
Get support: having the support of family and friends can be invaluable. It is also helpful to join a support group for sufferers if there is one in your area (or even online). Being able to talk about how you are feeling is an important part of living with tinnitus.
Drown out the sound: playing a radio quietly, listening to a white noise CD or the gentle hum of a fan can help to keep the ringing in your ears to a minimum.
Find your triggers: some sufferers find that certain foods or drinks (such as caffeine or alcohol) can make the symptoms worse. If you find anything in particular that sets off the ringing in your ears you can then do your best to avoid or reduce it. Keeping a note in your phone or diary can be helpful.
Talk to your doctor: there may be certain medications that you are taking that could be causing the tinnitus to flare up. There are also other conditions that can cause it such as earwax build up or high blood pressure, so it’s best to consult a doctor to see if there is anything that can be done for you.