A come-and-go or constant ringing in the ear isn’t fun for anyone. Tinnitus affects about 15 percent of the general public. Tinnitus is a symptom of hearing loss in one or both ears, caused by an ear injury, age, or a problem with the circulatory system. There is no cure for tinnitus, but there are ways to make the ringing, clicking, humming, or buzzing sound that only you can hear manageable.

Active Hearing Health is an ear specialist located in Omaha, Nebraska and we understand the urgency of hearing loss. Everyone’s needs are different; some of those living with tinnitus have a more severe case of hearing loss than others. It’s important to visit an audiologist and seek treatment when needed, but we want to give you some tips on living with tinnitus and how you can manage it day to day.

Living with tinnitus

There are simple things you can do daily to lessen the effects of tinnitus. Our bodies are very subjective to what we eat. Drinking plenty of water and eating organic fruits and vegetables versus those with harmful chemicals is better for the brain and body. Getting an adequate amount of nutrients is beneficial in more ways than we might think. It may also be best to avoid caffeine, alcohol, and nicotine as stimulants to the nervous system can make symptoms of tinnitus worse.

Getting a good amount of sleep each night is necessary, as fatigue only makes tinnitus worse. If you experience a hard time falling asleep due to tinnitus, try sleeping with your head propped up. This is proven to lessen congestion and might make tinnitus less noticeable at night. It’s also best to try and avoid stressful situations. You can meditate, do yoga, practice mindfulness, or use breathing techniques to live a calm and centered life.

Ways to cope

Along with diet, sleep routine, and stress management, there are more ways to cope. If you work in a loud environment such as the music industry or construction, invest in an industry-grade set of earplugs or earmuffs to reduce damage to your ears. You can also protect your ears by being aware of the loud noises you’re around and giving your ears time to recover.

If you feel stuck in a tinnitus rut and the ringing just won’t stop, utilizing background noise can help. Try listening to music or nature sounds at a safe volume. We also recommend a tinnitus masker or hearing aids. There are certain hearing aid devices that emit a sound to mask the sound of tinnitus. It’s also important to know that you’re not alone in your struggles; you can even join a tinnitus support group. Therapy is another option; behavioral and sound therapy can both be used to treat tinnitus.

When to see an ear specialist

It’s always best to seek treatment early if you’re experiencing any signs of hearing loss. An ear specialist can perform a hearing test and evaluate your tinnitus symptoms. From there, we can come up with a treatment plan that caters to your lifestyle. Active Hearing Health is here to help and be a friend in your time of need. Contact us to set up an appointment or to get any questions answered.