See your doctor to determine the cause of the tinnitus. It may be as simple as wax in your ears, which can be removed by the doctor or with a home kit. Your doctor should help you rule out or address other causes, such as high blood pressure, inner-ear disease or overuse of medications like aspirin.
How to Treat Tinnitus
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It is unpleasant and annoying to hear ringing or buzzing sounds in your ears. If the noise lasts longer than a few minutes and doesn't go away, it may be tinnitus. Tinnitus may be caused by damage to your ears, which can be irreversible. Treatment of tinnitus depends on the cause.
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Instructions
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Try medications to treat tinnitus. Tricyclic antidepressants such as Amitripxyline and Nortriptyline have proven useful in studies. Gabapentin (Neurontin) for migraines and acamprosate (Campral) for alcoholism are shown to relieve tinnitus. Benzodiazepines and Baclofen (nervous system depressants) also may work.
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Cover up the noise of tinnitus with external noise. Use with a fan, soft music or low-volume radio static. Listen to CDs with white noise or natural sounds like rain and seaside. Use sound pillows that have small speakers inside pillows.
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Wear a hearing aid, which amplifies outside sounds and makes the tinnitus noise less obvious.
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Manage your levels of stress. Anxiety, depression and insomnia aggravate tinnitus. The noises will appear louder than they are. Relaxation techniques teach people to control certain automatic body functions. Try stress management, relaxation therapy, exercise, biofeedback, acupuncture or hypnosis to relax.
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Exercise to increase blood circulation and calm nerves. Do tai chi and yoga.
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Use natural remedies to treat tinnitus. Baking soda, magnesium, molasses and vinegar are most often tried. Take herbs and vitamins such as ginkgo and zinc.
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Tips & Warnings
- Avoid irritants like loud noises, aspirin, alcohol, nicotine and caffeine, and tonic water, which contains quinine.
- Don't use some of the newer antidepressants that list tinnitus as a side effect. These include Prozac and Zoloft.
- Watch your diet. Salt restricts blood vessels and reduces blood flow into the ears.
