Tinnitus affects millions, and certain habits can worsen the condition. Here’s what you need to know to manage it better.
Los Angeles: That annoying ringing in your ears? It’s called tinnitus, and it affects over 50 million Americans. About 20 million of those folks deal with it daily. It’s not just ringing; some hear buzzing, hissing, or even clicking sounds. And guess what? There’s no cure, but there are ways to manage it.
Dr. Jaslean Ahuja Michals, an audiologist, recently shared some helpful tips on TikTok. She says if you’re hearing that persistent noise, the first step is to see an audiologist for a hearing test. Most tinnitus cases come from hearing loss, so it’s crucial to check for any damage.
Now, let’s talk about habits. One biggie is not protecting your ears from loud noises. Even if your hearing seems fine, loud sounds can still cause issues. Dr. Michals suggests using earplugs or earmuffs when you know you’ll be around loud noises. If you think your ears will just get used to it, think again. That’s often a sign of damage.
Your diet also plays a role. Drinking alcohol can mess with your inner ear and worsen symptoms. Smoking is another no-no; it can reduce blood flow to your ears. Plus, too much salt can disrupt fluid balance in your inner ear, so a low-sodium diet is a good idea.
And don’t forget about sleep! Poor sleep can make tinnitus worse. If you’re not getting enough rest, the ringing can feel louder. Dr. Michals recommends using white noise machines at night and maybe trying melatonin or magnesium to help you sleep better.
Lastly, staying active is key. Exercise boosts blood flow and can help reduce stress, which is a trigger for tinnitus. Simple neck rotations and relaxation techniques can also help ease the noise. So, if you’re dealing with that ringing, consider these tips to find some relief.
