1 in 5 People Are Affected By Tinnitus

Many old wives tales tell us that the ringing in our ears is a signal that someone is talking about you or you are going to come into good luck soon. Although experts from the Mayo Clinic say that the ringing noise heard in the ears is actually a signal of an underlying condition, like age-related hearing loss, ear wax buildup, ear injuries, or even a circulatory system disorder. Some of the other causes include exposure to loud noises, medications, TMJ disorders, Meniere’s disease, tumors in the head or neck, atherosclerosis, cardiovascular problems, and high blood pressure.

According to the Mayo Clinic, about 1 in 5 people are affected by tinnitus (frequent ringing in the ears). While the symptom will often resolve on its own, if it becomes too bothersome or is accompanied by dizziness and/or nausea you should consult with your healthcare provider to rule out any underlying conditions.

Tips for Relieving Ringing in the Ears:

-- Reduce your exposure to common irritants, like loud noises and nicotine. Try using a pair of Mack’s SafeSound Soft Ear Plugs to dampen loud noises.

-- Try cancelling out the ringing sounds by running a fan, playing soft music, or listening to low-volume radio static.

-- Reduce your stress levels. Experts from the Mayo Clinic say that high-stress can aggravate tinnitus. Try using the Stress-Ease Support Pillow, a relaxing bubbling foot bath, or taking the Stresstabs Advanced Tablets.

-- Limit your alcohol consumption. Alcohol dilates the blood vessels and increases blood flow, which can make the ringing noise worse.

-- Try taking Ginkgo Biloba, Zinc, or Vitamin B supplements.

-- Try drinking more coffee. A recent study published in the August issue of the American Journal of Medicine found that women who drank 1 ½ cups of coffee or more a day were less likely to develop tinnitus.

-- Use ear wax removal drops to help break-up and release congested ear wax blockages.

At some point in their lives just about everyone will experience short-lived ringing in their ears. For most people the symptom will quickly go away on its own, although experts from Harvard Health say that in about 10% of the cases the symptom may be so severe that it interferes with the individual’s daily living and ability to function. Taking good care of your ears, avoiding exposure to loud noises, and taking care of your cardiovascular health by eating right and exercising daily can help prevent tinnitus and reduce its severity.

Sources:

http://www.health.harvard.edu/newsletters/Harvard_Womens_Health_Watch/2011/September/tinnitus-ringing-in-the-ears-and-what-to-do-about-it

http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/tinnitus/basics/definition/con-20021487

http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/news/fullstory_147756.html