Treatment for Ears Ringing

The condition of ringing in the ears is called "tinnitus." This is experienced by about 20 percent of the U.S. population. It is not a life-threatening or emergency condition, even though it may be an annoying one. Ringing in the ears is treated in one of two ways. The underlying reason for the ringing is cured, or the ringing itself is treated to make it less bothersome.

Earwax Buildup

• When built-up earwax is removed, it can relieve ringing in the ears.

Noise Machines

• Using soft, constant background noise can diminish how loud the ringing in the ears seems. This can be done with machines that create artificial noise.

Drugs

• A doctor can prescribe drugs to reduce the severity of the ringing, but the drugs will not cure the ringing.

Alcohol Intake

• Decreasing alcohol intake can open the blood vessels and decrease the force on the inner ear, which will reduce the ringing.

Nicotine

• Quitting smoking or avoiding secondhand smoke can reduce ringing in the ears, because nicotine can be an irritant to a portion of people.