Overcoming Tinnitus



Posted: Wednesday, July 21, 2010

by Robert Esmund

Tinnitus is a condition where noises are heard in the ears or in the head without apparent cause. In other words the noises actually originate in the head and are not coming from a normal external source.

There are many different causes of the disturbance to the auditory apparatus causing tinnitus, and one of the most common is excessively loud noise. This can lead to a buzzing or ringing in the ears which fortunately, is often only temporary.

If the noises are continuous or constantly coming and going, they can cause a lot of misery, distress, and depression for the sufferer. Chronic tinnitus is more common in people over 40, but is increasingly apparent in younger people, probably because of the increasing amount of general noise in our environment - road drills, loud music, motor-cycles, traffic generally, aircraft, and so on. It is becoming increasingly difficult to get away from noise of one sort or another.

The effects of tinnitus on a persons life can vary considerably from one to another, but can often include reduced ability to concentrate, general anxiety and depression, and reduced motivation. It seems that stress can make tinnitus worse and it is essential for a sufferer to try to minimise stress in their life.

Other ways to combat the problem include:

Having adequate rest and sleep, and avoiding fatigue

Check with your doctor in case you have an ear infection or physical cause

Avoiding nervous system stimulants like caffeine and alcohol

Including vitamins A, E, and B in your diet or take supplements. Vitamin A is important for the inner ear membranes

Take zinc as a supplement

Sleep with your head propped up on a couple of pillows helps minimise congestion in the sinuses and helps reduce tinnitus

Avoid excessive noise that could cause more aggravation. Use ear protection if necessary.

Try tinnitus masking, masking music, or a hearing aid

Try alternative therapies like hypnosis

Try counselling, since talking things over often helps, especially with the reassurance that this is not a disease or due to cancer.

Try relaxation exercises or techniques. Even just learning how to handle stress in everyday life and relax more can help alleviate symptoms

Mild exercise can help blood flow to the ear and may help to alleviate the condition. Twenty to thirty minutes daily exercise is good for your general health anyway.

Treatment for tinnitus can be empirical. In other words it may be necessary to try each and every possibility in order to hit on one that works for you. Even in the event that your tinnitus cannot be totally cured, there are many ways of making it much easier to live with.

More info at http://www.bantinnitus.com

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Top-level comments on this article: (1 total)
» left by Jennifer Stewart
 1 year 310 days ago.
153 fans.
I'm going to try everything you suggest here if possible. I have it quite badly, and it gets aggravated by playing piano, which I love to do! V. irritating. Thanks for all the suggestions.
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