Learn to cope with tinnitus

Causes for tinnitus range from infection to noise, stress, hearing loss and circulatory disorders. But if it sets in, don't despair, there are a number of things you can do about it.

If you have a constant roaring in your ears, but you're nowhere near the seaside, you may have tinnitus. The term refers to any ringing, rustling, humming or roaring sound that originates in the head, rather than from an external source of noise. Sometimes tinnitus goes away on its own, but usually these annoying auditory hallucinations can't be cured — they can only be reduced.

• Make time for relaxation exercises and regular breaks in the daily routine. Reducing stress is a very effective measure against tinnitus.
• Improve blood circulation by alternating hot and cold water in your morning shower and consider starting a light exercise program. Keep your body active.
• Drink lots of fluids to thin your blood and improve circulation to your inner ear. Avoid dehydration.
• Enjoy a cup of lemon balm tea after a meal. It can have a positive effect on tinnitus.
• Ginkgo extracts promote circulation and can help some sufferers, but it takes several weeks for them to take effect.
• Avoid exposure to noise to prevent worsening your condition. Wear earplugs or earmuffs if your work-place is excessively noisy. On the other hand, total silence is also inadvisable — it makes the tinnitus all the more noticeable. Try and find a healthy medium.
• Have a subtle source of noise at hand, particularly at night, such as a radio or sleep sounds CD. When you're outdoors, the rustling of the treetops or the splashing of a brook can mask the sounds in your head.
• If your tinnitus is accompanied by sudden difficulty hearing, it may be a warning sign of deafness; this requires immediate emergency medical attention.