4 ideas to treat tinnitus

If you have ringing or other sounds in your ears that don't go away, treatment usually begins by looking for an underlying cause, followed by a visit to an ear, nose and throat specialist  for further evaluation. Even when no cause can be found, you can make lifestyle changes to get relief. Here are some ideas.

In some people, constant noise that they can't control may lead to depression or anxiety. If you feel down or overly stressed, tell your doctor. An antidepressant such as amitriptyline or fluoxetine may help.

If your tinnitus is associated with hearing loss, you may be prescribed a hearing aid, which often reduces the sound or even stops it. Another option is a tinnitus masker, a device that produces pleasant sounds to drown out the noise. If tinnitus results from a blocked ear, removal of the blockage (such as earwax) usually works to silence the noise.

Try these self-help techniques to keep your tinnitus from getting worse.

• Reduce stress. Situations that are stressful worsen tinnitus, and having tinnitus is stressful. Break free of this vicious cycle by relaxing with techniques such as meditation and deep breathing.
• Shun stimulants such as coffee, tea, colas and nicotine; they can intensify symptoms by constricting blood vessels. Certain spices, chocolate and red wine can also temporarily worsen tinnitus.
• Be careful with certain medicines. High doses of aspirin and other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can cause ringing in the ears, as can certain antidepressants, sedatives and antibiotics.
• Avoid loud noise. Earplugs (foam rubber, silicone or wax) work well to provide protection against the dangers of excessive noise.
• Reduce your salt intake. Too much salt can decrease blood circulation and cause fluid to accumulate in your middle ear.

Natural treatments can make a real difference.

• Ginkgo biloba and niacin can increase blood flow to the brain and ears.
• Vitamin B12 helps the body manufacture myelin, a fatty substance that protects inner ear nerves.
• Magnesium promotes circulation to the brain and supports healthy auditory nerves.
• Zinc, too, aids healthy hearing.
• Doing biofeedback can help you reduce any stress that may be contributing to your tinnitus.
• Some people claim that acupuncture treatments help relieve the intensity of unwanted sounds, although so far few controlled studies have proved this to be true.

Tinnitus is treatable, whether its natural or through medications, so don't suffer in silence. Talk to your doctor about what treatment would work for you.