If you have recently been diagnosed with tinnitus, it means that you hear a sound that is not from an external source. Most often this sound is a buzzing or ringing, with the pitch and level of noise varying from time to time. Subjective tinnitus, the most common type, is when no one else can hear the sound. Objective tinnitus is more rare and is where the sound can also be heard by the hearing specialist examining you.

Those that suffer from tinnitus may find that it affects their quality of life and want to learn what triggers their tinnitus. Dr. Nikki, a hearing specialist in Omaha, goes over what common triggers to avoid.

Physical triggers

• Loud noises - loud noises are not great for your hearing in general, but they are also associated with triggering tinnitus or making it worse. Wearing ear protection like ear plugs in certain noisy situations can help prevent triggering your tinnitus symptoms.
• Ear wax buildup - a buildup of wax can irritate your eardrum and exacerbate your tinnitus. By visiting a hearing specialist in Omaha, like Dr. Nikki, she can examine your ear and remove ear wax safely.
• Congestion - If you get a head cold, experience allergies, or a sinus infection, these can all trigger your tinnitus. If your congestion lasts more than a week and is worsening your tinnitus, it can be beneficial to talk with your primary care doctor about possible solutions. A hearing specialist can also complete a hearing test and tell you if the congestion has moved into your ears.
• Blood pressure- tinnitus can also be a sign of low or high blood pressure. If you think blood pressure could be a trigger, talk to your primary care doctor about how to manage your blood pressure.

Chemical triggers

• Alcohol - Alcohol can cause your blood pressure to go up, and in turn, trigger your tinnitus. It can be beneficial to cut back on your consumption and see if your symptoms improve or not.
• Medications - There are certain medications that could cause tinnitus symptoms. There are around 450 medications on the market that cite tinnitus as a potential side-effect or can worsen already existing tinnitus. However, it is never recommended to stop taking a prescribed medication without first consulting your prescribing doctor.
• Sugar - There are studies that show increased insulin levels known as hyperinsulinemia can be correlated with tinnitus. It can be beneficial to keep track of your blood sugar levels and how they correspond with your tinnitus.
• Sodium - Decreasing sodium/salt intake can have positive effects on your tinnitus. In fact, most Americans actually consume a lot more sodium than they realize.  Tracking and actively reducing your sodium intake can have many health benefits.

Stress triggers

• Emotional stress - Emotional and mental stress can also trigger your tinnitus. By not sleeping enough, or having a lot of anxiety about your condition, you can worsen your symptoms and get stuck in a vicious cycle.

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If you suffer from tinnitus, keep a journal of your daily habits, particularly when your tinnitus is triggered, to help identify your own triggers. Knowing your specific triggers helps, Dr. Nikki, a hearing specialist in Omaha, advise you on how to manage your symptoms and increase your quality of life. Make an appointment with her today!