According to the US Center for Disease Control, over 50 million Americans suffer from some form of tinnitus. While there is no medical cure, many people explore natural remedies for tinnitus to help treat and manage their symptoms. Living a healthy, normal life is entirely possible for those with tinnitus. There are also many natural supplements, such as Tinnitus 911 that can help. What’s important is to learn and adopt specific strategies to help make your tinnitus symptoms less severe or noticeable.
Here, we take a look into defining tinnitus, which, due to its varying levels of severity, can be difficult to assess on your own (this is why you should always visit your doctor if you think you may have this hearing condition). Then, we compare the two kinds of tinnitus and explore a few natural treatments for tinnitus that can help you live a more enjoyable life.
WHAT IS TINNITUS?
Tinnitus, according to the Mayo Clinic, is the perception of a slight buzzing or ringing in the ears. Tinnitus is not a medical condition in and of itself, but rather, the symptom of another condition. Tinnitus can be related to ear damage, auditory nerve issues, or even just old age. One of the most common causes of tinnitus is age-related hearing loss, which is an entirely natural process for many
WHAT ARE THE TWO KINDS OF TINNITUS?
There are two primary forms of tinnitus: objective and subjective tinnitus. Subjective tinnitus, which is the most common form, is when only you can hear the ringing or buzzing noise. Subjective tinnitus can be caused by issues in the inner or outer ear or even with the auditory nerves themselves.
Objective tinnitus, on the other hand, can also be heard by a doctor or medical professional. This type of tinnitus is much less common and can be caused by blood flow issues, bone conditions, or muscle spasms. If you believe you’re experiencing a form of tinnitus, first check with your doctor to determine the type and possible underlying conditions.
IS TINNITUS PERMANENT?
Tinnitus is not always permanent. Many people experience some form of ringing in their ears that will reduce or entirely fade with time. This type of tinnitus is usually after being exposed to a loud, sudden noise (like an explosion, gunshot, or a live concert). However, some forms of tinnitus, often those associated with older age or hearing loss, are permanent and may occur in varying severity levels.
NATURAL TREATMENTS FOR TINNITUS
Currently, there is no cure for tinnitus—but that doesn’t mean you’re helpless against this condition. In fact, there are many natural strategies and treatments to help you manage and live with tinnitus.
Since tinnitus can be a condition of other underlying medical conditions, it’s important first to visit a doctor if you’re experiencing a ringing or buzzing in your ears. Additionally, not every treatment will work for every individual. Explore these natural treatments (like tinnitus911) for tinnitus and always consult a medical professional before making any major dietary or medical changes in your life.
1. Treat Underlying Conditions
Tinnitus is commonly a symptom of an underlying medical condition—therefore, if you treat that condition, your tinnitus may also diminish or entirely recede. Tinnitus can be a symptom of several conditions, such as ear wax blockage or a blood vessel condition. Visiting a medical professional can help determine the cause of your tinnitus.
2. Manage Stress
For many, tinnitus occurs or amplifies during times of stress when blood pressure and anxiety both increase. It’s not entirely clear whether stress itself increases tinnitus (or if it’s the other way around), but the two often have a cyclical relationship for many people living with tinnitus.
To reduce your tinnitus during times of stress, focus on managing the stress first. Remove yourself from whatever factor is causing this stress. Take your time, try to relax, and control your breathing.
3. Noise Reduction and Suppression
Depending on your tinnitus’s severity, there are many ways to influence the exterior noise that causes agitation. White noise machines are a common treatment for sufferers of tinnitus as they neutralize exterior noises, masking them with slight, calming noises. These are especially helpful during the night when you’re trying to sleep. If you’re looking for another way to suppress exterior noise, you can also use a fan or air conditioner.
Hearing aids are also an effective tool for treating tinnitus. Since many people experience this hearing condition as a result of hearing loss, a hearing aid or similar device can respond to both conditions.
4. Healthy Diet
A healthy diet will improve every aspect of your life and health, including tinnitus. Some studies have shown that certain foods can actually help reduce the severity of tinnitus. Fruits that are high in potassium, like bananas and pineapples, improve blood circulation—thereby reducing the blood pressure in your ears. Garlic has also been proven to reduce inflammation.
Additionally, there are certain foods you want to avoid if you’re experiencing tinnitus. Drinking too much caffeine can lead to a poor night’s sleep, which can aggravate your tinnitus. Foods that are high in sugar and salts, like fast food and candy, disrupt normal blood flow, leading to increased blood pressure in the ears. While none of these foods directly lead to tinnitus, they do correlate with other causes of this hearing condition, such as blood circulation issues.
5. Cut Back on Vices
Living an overall healthier life is important for treating and managing your tinnitus. To reduce the severity of your symptoms, many people have found success by cutting back on (or totally eliminating) certain habits like smoking and drinking alcohol. Both alcohol and smoking are associated with high blood pressure, which can amplify your tinnitus symptoms. Not only that, but by cutting back on these habits, you’ll certainly see other positive health effects as well.
CONCLUSION – NATURAL TREATMENTS FOR TINNITUS
Millions of people live successful and happy lives every day with tinnitus. With several natural treatments for managing tinnitus symptoms, there’s no reason to suffer hopelessly from this hearing condition.
Remember—you’re not alone. While there is no medical cure for tinnitus, you should still visit your doctor or a medical professional to get checked out and see if your tinnitus is a symptom of another underlying condition. Once you understand the source of your tinnitus, you can better treat and manage this hearing condition.