Simply put, tinnitus is ringing in the ears. Some people may only experience a mild case of tinnitus, but for others the condition is persistent and can even begin to interfere with everyday activities. The American Tinnitus Association estimates 50 million Americans experience tinnitus at some level. The condition can be caused by many things, including injuries to the ear and head, hearing loss medications, wax buildup in the ear canal and medical conditions such as Meniere's disease. Although there is no cure, there are several things people can do to help treat tinnitus.
Treat The Cause
If you can identify the cause of tinnitus, one of the easiest things to do to get some relief is to treat the underlying condition. For example, if tinnitus is caused by medications, stop taking the drugs or use a smaller dose. Speak with your doctor first, however, if you are using prescription drugs. Also, removing earwax buildup from the ear canal can ease the condition if that is the cause.
Hearing Devices
Hearing loss is a common cause of tinnitus. In these cases, getting fitted for a hearing aid and wearing it regularly can stop the ringing in the ears. Similarly, some people with tinnitus--even those who do not have hearing loss--may get some relief by using a device called a masking device. These products, which are similar to a hearing aid in fit and appearance, emit low-level white noise that can provide some relief from tinnitus.
Medications
Certain prescription drugs can be used to treat tinnitus, although results of these drugs vary from person to person. Drug options for tinnitus treatment include tricyclic antidepressants such as acamprosate and alprazolam. In some cases, the possibility of experiencing bothersome side effects can outweigh the benefits of using drugs to treating the condition.
White Noise
White noise is a common treatment for tinnitus because it can drown out the bothersome ringing people experience. Noises that emit white noise can be positioned near a person to help alleviate the problems caused by tinnitus. These machines typically play a continuous noise, usually a sound from nature such as ocean waves. Because sleeping can be very difficult for people with tinnitus, some people find it helpful to use a white noise machine at night. Some models even come with small speakers that can be placed near a person's head.
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