How to Eliminate Ringing in Ears

Ringing in the ears without an external source, or tinnitus, has a number of possible causes. These can include stress, bacterial infection, nerve damage, high blood pressure, stiff ear bones or loud music. Since the possible list of causes is long, no simple sequence of steps can be performed to eliminate ringing in all cases. However, a few things can be tried at home before visiting a doctor to determine a specific cause of tinnitus.

Instructions

• 1

  Avoid possible irritants. For example, do not expose yourself to loud noises. Listening to music with earphones or earplugs may be such an irritant. Nicotine can also be an irritant, so smoking and even Nicorette should be avoided, if possible.

• 2

  Use an over-the-counter earwax treatment to clear out any compacted wax.

• 3

  Since tinnitus is most noticeable in a quiet environment, try masking the sound with another noise, such as a fan, air conditioner, heater or "white noise" device.

• 4

  Since tinnitus can be stress-related, try reducing stress levels with exercise.

• 5

  Drink less alcohol, which dilates the blood vessels. Dilation, in turn, causes greater blood flow, especially to the ears.

• 6

  Modify your diet to reduce blood pressure, and take steps to improve your cardiovascular health. This can help if the tinnitus is linked to a blood vessel disorder.

• 7

  If the tinnitus persists, see an otolaryngologist (doctor who specializes in head and neck disorders) for a diagnosis. Read about the possible causes beforehand from a reputable source, such as the Mayo Clinic website, to prepare for a discussion with your doctor. Possible questions to think about beforehand are what triggers the ringing, its frequency, if it precedes vertigo, if it sounds like a heartbeat, and whether it comes in bursts or is continuous. The doctor will also need to know about any medications you are taking as well as if you suffer from depression, sleep problems, post-traumatic stress disorder, vertigo, or ear infections. The cure may bea simple matter of clearing compacted earwax or finding the right medication.