7 Things to Avoid When Experiencing Tinnitus

Tinnitus is one of the most common conditions around the world. Often described as a ringing or buzzing in the ears, tinnitus can often lead to hearing loss. When you have tinnitus, many things can make those sounds worse. It is essential to try and avoid these activities to preserve your hearing loss. Here are some of the most common things that can trigger tinnitus symptoms.

Noise

One of the most obvious is noise. Loud sounds from things like machinery, headphones, and concerts can cause short-term ringing or permanent hearing loss. Do what you can to avoid
it. Move farther away from the noise or wear earplugs. Turn down the volume if
you can.

Medications

Another thing that may make your hearing worse is medicine. The list includes:

• Antibiotics
• Antidepressants
• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
• Cancer drugs
• Diuretics
• High doses of aspirin.

Check with your doctor if you think your meds are to blame. But don’t stop any drugs without talking to them first.

Stress

Stress can also make your tinnitus worse. Find ways to relax and get it under control. You might try exercise, deep breathing, or biofeedback. Massage or acupuncture could also help. If you have trouble doing it alone, your doctor may be able to suggest relaxation
tips.

Earwax

It is also vital to keep an eye on your earwax. Your body makes earwax to trap dirt and protect your ears. But sometimes it builds up and can cause problems. That can lead to
ringing and even temporary hearing loss. Your doctor can see if there’s a buildup in your ears and remove it gently. Don’t use cotton swabs to try to do
it yourself.

Cold Viruses

You might notice ringing not long after you’ve had a cold. If that’s the reason, it shouldn’t last long.

If the noise doesn’t go away after about a week, see your doctor. You could
have an ear or sinus infection.

High Blood Pressure

Another thing that can also affect tinnitus is your blood pressure. If you know your blood pressure is high, check it often. Your doctor can help you control it. Sometimes low blood
pressure is also to blame. Your doctor can keep an eye on that, too.

Foods that Cause Tinnitus

Surprisingly, your diet can also significantly affect your tinnitus. While there are no foods that cause tinnitus, there may be a few that can make tinnitus louder or nearly unbearable for many sufferers.

• Coffee. Many tinnitus sufferers have stopped drinking coffee at the suggestion of their doctors. Stress is a known aggravator of tinnitus, and increased caffeine can trigger stress responses.
• Salt. Sodium has been proven to aggravate tinnitus, and for a fairly obvious reason: excess salt leads to higher blood pressure. As the blood vessels constrict, blood has a more challenging time circulating freely. In the ears, the blood and heartbeat can be heard as tinnitus becomes louder. Many people who reduce their sodium intake by cutting out salty snacks and processed foods report a decrease in tinnitus sounds.
• Saturated fats. Cheese, butter, red meat, and other saturated fats increase cholesterol levels, and over time can lead to atherosclerosis. Atherosclerosis is a known contributing factor to tinnitus and raises a patient’s risk factor of heart disease and strokes.
• Sugars. Patients with diabetic symptoms are more likely to notice an increase in tinnitus when they eat sugary foods, such as chocolate or candy. The eyes, ears, and brain depend on oxygen and glucose from a person’s blood supply—hearing can be affected as glucose levels rise.
• Alochol. Some tinnitus patients have reported they cannot drink as much—or at all—due to the effect it has on their tinnitus. Alcoholic beverages contain sugar, cause dehydration, and increase blood pressure, all of which can make tinnitus more noticeable.

If you believe you may be suffering from tinnitus, it is important to contact your audiologist sooner rather than later. Postponing a check-up of this nature can have an extremely detrimental effect on your hearing loss and overall well-being. If you live in the local Las Vegas area, consider using Hearing Associates of Las Vegas for all of your hearing needs.