Ringing in the Ears

Ringing in the ears is medically known as tinnitus. The reason it is called ringing ears is because the person who is suffering from this condition hears ringing sound in his ears or inside his head. Tinnitus symptoms can also come in the form of a buzzing, clicking, crackling or hissing sound. The noise is more noticeable and unbearable when it is quiet on the outside and especially at night. It can cause discomfort, irritability, sleeping problems and stress.

One of the causes of tinnitus is the damage of tiny hair cells which are located in the inner ear. One of the main functions of these hair cells is to detect sounds and vibrations from the outside, convert these sounds into electrical signals and send them to the auditory nerves in the brain for processing. When the hair cells are damaged, they keep sending signals to the brain even when there isn't any sound or noise coming in.

Some of the causes of the damage are accumulation of fluid, exposure to loud noise, earwax, inner ear infection, and middle ear infection, perforation in the ear drum or stiffening of the bones in the middle ear. Another possible cause of ringing in the ears is degeneration of hair cells that comes with aging.

Other contributing tinnitus causes are allergies, blood vessel disorders, diabetes, head injuries, low or high blood pressure, nerve disorders, neck injuries and thyroid problems. Ringing in the ears can also be a symptom of a more serious problem such as a tumor of the ear never called acoustic neuroma, high levels of triglycerides in the blood, or Meniere's disease which is an inner ear disorder.

Tinnitus treatment depends on the cause and symptom of the ringing in ears. To find out the cause of your ringing ears, you must see an audiologist or an ear specialist.

Suggestions for Tinnitus Relief

Ginkgo biloba

Though studies are still inconclusive, anecdotal evidences from many tinnitus sufferers indicate that ginkgo biloba may relieve the loudness of the ringing in the ears. The logic behind it is that ginkgo biloba contains flavonoids and terpenoids which help protect nerves and blood vessels and in this case improvement of blood circulation to the ears. But this herb isn't recommended for people who are on blood thinning medications.

Sesame seeds

Sesame seeds have been used in Chinese medicine as treatment for tinnitus. The additional benefits of taking sesame is it helps lower blood pressure and reduce high cholesterol when they are in the early stages.

Ligustrum lucidum or Chinese privet fruit

Chinese traditional medical practitioners have been using the privet fruit as a remedy to treat ringing in the ears and as a vertigo.

Use a tinnitus masker

Tinnitus Maskers are available in the form of MP3s and CDs with ocean sounds, sounds of the rain or any other relaxing sounds. The purpose of the mask is to distract the ringing in the ears and help you sleep.

Avoid certain stimulants

Caffeine found in coffee, tea, chocolate and cola drinks are the stimulants that you should avoid. Cigarette smoking is another habit that can trigger the ringing in the ears.

Take vitamin and mineral supplements

Some studies found that vitamin A produced positive effect on tinnitus sufferers. Vitamin B12 may help reduce the ringing in ears. Vitamin C is a powerful anti oxidant and may help prevent further damage to the hair cells in the ears. Vitamin E is another powerful antioxidant and has been shown through clinical trials to restore ear health. Deficiency in zinc and magnesium may contribute to ear and hearing problems.

Reduce salt intake

If the ringing in the ears is caused by Meniere's disease, you should reduce your salt intake.

Limit your aspirin usage

Studies found that high doses of aspirin or taken regularly may cause damage to the hair cells. So try to avoid it if you can.

Check your blood pressure

Since blood pressure is one of the causes of tinnitus, it is wise to go for a check up to ascertain if this is the reason for your condition.

Use a teeth grinding night guard

If your tinnitus is due to teeth grinding or bruxism, wear a teeth grining night guard so that you can sleep peacefully.

Reduce your stress level

When you are stressed, you will suffer from all kinds of diseases and conditions. Learn to relax by exercising, doing breathing exercise through meditation, yoga or controlled breathing. Listening to relaxing music or binaural beats will also help.

Divert your focus of attention

Try to divert your focus. You will attract more on what you are focusing on. Put your heart and soul on something that you enjoy and love and your mind will be too busy to hear the noise inside your head.

One of the best ways to avoid ringing in the ears is to avoid loud noises and high volume when using your earphone. Wear a hearing protection device when you attend a concert, watching the Formula 1 race or if you are working in an environment with high decibels.

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