How to Stop the Ringing in Your Ears

Tinnitus occurs after exposure to loud sounds, resulting from damage to the inner ear nerves. It could indicate nerve damage or a mild circulatory issue. While avoiding loud sounds is the best prevention, if you do experience it, there are methods to treat it. Below are some helpful tips and instructions for you.

Ear Drumming Tip. The ringing sound you hear after attending a concert or leaving a loud bar is caused by damage to some hair cells in the cochlea, which stimulates the nerves. Your brain interprets this stimulation as a buzzing sound, helping to mask the noise.

• Place your palms over your ears, with your fingers facing backward and holding the head. Position your middle fingers towards each other behind the skull.
• Place the index finger of one hand on the middle finger of the other.
• Quickly slide the index finger down the middle finger and tap the skull. This action will create a sound similar to drumming. The sound may be loud, as the fingers will strike the skull.
• Repeat this action 40 to 50 times, and the buzzing will gradually fade away.

Wait it out. Tinnitus caused by exposure to loud sounds generally improves after a few hours. Avoiding all sounds could worsen the symptoms. If the ringing persists for more than 24 hours, seek medical attention.

See a doctor to address underlying conditions. Most cases of tinnitus are treatable. Treating the underlying conditions may help resolve the symptoms completely or at least reduce them.

• Ask your doctor to remove any earwax. Or, if possible, do it safely on your own. Clearing the earwax may help alleviate tinnitus symptoms.
• Check your blood vessels. Circulatory issues that affect blood flow could exacerbate tinnitus.
• Review your medications. If you're on multiple medications, inform your doctor as some of them might be causing tinnitus as a side effect.

Noise Masking Techniques for Tinnitus. Various noise masking techniques are used by doctors to mask the buzzing sound in the ears. These methods involve different devices and techniques:

• Using a white noise machine. This device generates background sounds like rain or wind, helping to mask the internal ringing.
  • Fan sounds, humidifiers, and air conditioners can also be produced by white noise machines.
• Using tinnitus masking devices. These devices fit in the ear and emit a continuous white noise wave to cover up the persistent ringing in the ear.
• Using hearing aids. This is particularly useful if you also have hearing loss along with tinnitus.

Medication. While medications may not fully eliminate the symptoms, they can help reduce the intensity of the ringing.

• Consult your doctor about using tricyclic antidepressants. These can be effective for severe tinnitus, but they may cause unwanted side effects like dry mouth, blurred vision, constipation, and heart issues.
• Ask your doctor about using Alprazolam. Known as Xanax, Alprazolam can help treat tinnitus but may be addictive and cause side effects.

Use Ginkgo Biloba extract. Taking Ginkgo Biloba extract three times a day (with meals) can help increase blood flow to the neck and brain, reducing tinnitus caused by blood pressure. Use the extract for two months before evaluating its effectiveness in treating the condition.

Avoid situations that could damage the cochlea due to noise exposure. Since tinnitus can be difficult to treat, it's best to try to prevent it or avoid making the symptoms worse. The following should be avoided as they can worsen the condition:

• Loud noises. Concerts, construction sites, vehicle engines, airplanes, gunshots, fireworks, and other loud sounds can be harmful.
• Swimming. Water and chlorine may get trapped in your ear while swimming, causing or worsening tinnitus. Prevent this by wearing earplugs while swimming.

Reduce stress. Stress can exacerbate tinnitus. Exercise, meditation, and massage therapy are effective ways to relieve stress.

Limit alcohol, caffeine, and nicotine consumption. These substances increase blood vessel constriction, particularly in the inner ear. Reducing the intake of alcohol, coffee, tea, and tobacco products can help alleviate the symptoms.

Cut down on salt intake. Salt can impair the body's circulation, raise blood pressure, and worsen tinnitus symptoms.