What Makes Tinnitus Quieter?

Tinnitus is a loud, persistent ringing in the ears experienced by more than 50 million people in the United States alone. There are a variety of causes for this disorder, which often makes it hard to diagnose. While tinnitus cannot be entirely eliminated, it can become more tolerable by practicing a few coping methods.

Relax

• Stress and worry exacerbate tinnitus. Getting adequate sleep, exercising, meditating or practicing other tension-relieving activities helps to alleviate the effects of tinnitus.

Tuning It Out

• Tuning out goes a long way in decreasing the amplification of tinnitus. People have tuned out spouses and bosses for years as a way to cope with difficult people. The same holds true for tinnitus. Find ways to redirect your focus to something more pleasurable.

Maskers

• When your surroundings get quiet, tinnitus gets louder. Turn up the stereo or TV, and the volume goes down on tinnitus.

Eating and Drinking

• Alcohol and caffeine can exacerbate tinnitus. Some people also find that foods with a high sugar content are a factor. Experiment to see what foods make a difference in quieting tinnitus.

Hearing Aids

• Special hearing aid devices are effective in some cases by emitting a different tone from the tinnitus, which cancels it out.