According to The Head and Neck Center, approximately 36 million Americans suffer from tinnitus, which is a condition that causes a ringing or buzzing in the ears. Causes of tinnitus include allergies, circulation problems, thyroid disease, diabetes and physical trauma. For most people, tinnitus is merely an annoyance and distraction, but for about 7 million Americans, the condition is extremely severe and debilitating. A variety of methods is used to help reduce the symptoms of tinnitus.
Instructions
1. Wear protective earwear when exposed to loud noise levels, which can aggravate tinnitus symptoms.
2. Make dietary changes to help manage your tinnitus symptoms. Specific foods, drinks and supplements can have a positive or negative effect on your condition. Keep a food journal for a few weeks to help monitor your tinnitus symptoms and see if you can make any connections to your diet. Experts also advise patients to avoid excess salt and caffeine.
3. Reduce stress and make sure to get plenty of rest. Tinnitus symptoms are known to be aggravated by stress, anxiety and fatigue.
4. Consider using what is known as a masking device. A masking device produces a "swooshing" sound to help cover up ringing or buzzing in the ears. Masking devices do not actually help lessen symptoms but can provide relief for some patients.
5. Talk to your doctor about prescription medication. According to The Head and Neck Center, prescription drugs are not widely used to treat tinnitus but it is worth discussing with your doctor if other methods fail to help reduce symptoms.
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