Tinnitus is the presence of noise in your ears with no external source. Whether it’s a high-pitched ring, a steady hum or something in between, the sound can quickly turn into an unwelcome and frustrating companion. While there’s no one-size-fits-all solution, there are practical ways to make daily life more manageable.
Hearing Aids
Hearing loss and tinnitus often go together. When this is the case, hearing aids are usually the best solution. These devices don’t just help you hear more clearly. They can also make tinnitus less noticeable.
Many modern hearing aids come with built-in tinnitus masking features. These create soothing background sounds that blend with the ringing, helping it fade into the background. Even without these features, improving your hearing can reduce the contrast between environmental sounds and the ringing in your ears.
Lowering Stress
A 2023 study found that stress can contribute to the development and worsening of tinnitus. You may have noticed that your tinnitus is louder during times of extreme stress, or that it lessens when you’re feeling relaxed. If this is the case, try a few of these tips to relieve stress and the associated ringing:
- Breathing exercises or meditation
- Gentle stretching or yoga classes at UpDog Studios
- Listening to calming music or white noise
- Getting outside for a walk or sunlight
- Sleeping at least eight hours a night
Sound Therapy
Complete silence can make tinnitus louder by comparison. Sound therapy compensates for this by providing calming sounds to mask the internal ringing.
Common options include:
- White noise machines or apps
- Nature sounds like rain or waves
- Fans or ambient noise playlists
Stay Away from the Triggers
Some people find that specific triggers, like excess caffeine or loud noise, can trigger or worsen their tinnitus. Paying attention to what makes your symptoms flare up can help you avoid them. Try keeping a symptom journal to help track patterns and identify what’s worth cutting back on or avoiding altogether.
Schedule Your Tinnitus Evaluation
Living with tinnitus is frustrating, but you don’t have to navigate it alone. Contact Speech & Hearing Associates today to schedule a tinnitus evaluation with one of our specialists.