Ringing in the ears (also known as tinnitus) after hearing loud music is often the result of damage to microscopic nerve endings in the inner ear. Tinnitus may also signal nerve damage or problems with your circulatory system. While the most effective way to deal with ringing in the ears is to prevent it, here are a number of ways you can stop ringing in your ears once the problem has occurred. Read the next section for helpful hints and tips.
Step
Method 1 of 3: Temporarily Overcome Ringing Ears
Step 1. Try the head tapping trick
If you've just come home from a concert or nightclub fun, and your ears don't stop ringing, there may be a minor problem with your ear cochlea, which causes inflammation and nerve stimulation. Your brain translates this inflammation into a buzzing in your ears, and this trick can help get rid of that annoying sound.
- Cover your ears with your palms. Your fingers should be pointed back and pressed against the back of the head. Point your middle fingers toward each other behind your head.
- Place your index finger on top of your middle finger.
- In a tapping motion, flick your index finger down through your middle finger until it touches the back of your head. This movement will produce a sound like the pounding of a drum. Since your fingers will also be touching your head, the sound may be quite loud, but this is normal.
- Keep flicking your fingers behind your head 40 to 50 times. After 40 or 50 times, notice if the buzzing in your ears has stopped.
Step 2. Wait a moment
Ear ringing caused by loud noises usually subsides within a few hours. Divert your attention by resting and staying away from anything that could make this condition worse. If the ringing in the ears does not subside after 24 hours, see a doctor for further treatment.
Step 3. Avoid loud noises and protect your ears if you are exposed to sound
Repeated exposure to loud noises can cause recurrent tinnitus. If you are frequently exposed to loud ambient noises, be sure to wear ear protection.
Get earplugs that fit properly or buy earplugs
Method 2 of 3: Overcome Chronic Ringing in the Ears
Step 1. Visit a doctor to treat the cause
Often, tinnitus, or ringing in the ears, is caused by a treatable condition. Addressing the underlying condition may relieve some or even all of the buzzing sound.
- Ask the doctor to remove the earwax. Alternatively, clean your own ears safely. Removing earwax can help relieve tinnitus symptoms.
- Ask your doctor to examine your veins. Problems with blood vessels, such as problems with circulation, can exacerbate tinnitus.
- Ask your doctor to recheck any drug interactions you are taking. If you take several medicines, talk to your doctor about the possible side effects that can cause ringing in the ears.
- Be sure to share any other symptoms you are experiencing with your doctor. Temporomandibular joint dysfunction (Costen's syndrome) may be associated with tinnitus.
- Spasm or vibration of the tensor tympani or stapedius muscle of the inner ear may also cause tinnitus.
Step 2. Consider biofeedback therapy for tinnitus
If you are depressed, depressed, or tired, you may be more susceptible to normal voices. Seek information about biofeedback therapy from a counselor who can help you manage your tinnitus-triggering feelings and situations. This therapy may help you treat tinnitus early and prevent it from coming back.
- Research shows that biofeedback therapy can be very effective in treating tinnitus.
- Ask for a referral to a therapist who is experienced in treating tinnitus with biofeedback therapy.
Step 3. Treat tinnitus with sound suppression techniques
Several noise-canceling techniques are used by doctors to disguise ringing in the ears. This technique includes the use of certain equipment and methods.
- Using a white noise engine. A white noise machine that makes "background" sounds such as raindrops, or a gust of wind, may help drown out the buzzing in your ears. Fans, humidifiers, dehumidifiers, and air conditioners can also be used as white noise machines.
- Use tools to disguise the buzzing sound. This device is placed in the ear and will produce continuous white noise waves to disguise chronic buzzing.
- Wear a hearing aid. This is especially effective if you also have hearing problems other than tinnitus.
Step 4. Use medication to partially reduce the symptoms of tinnitus
While medication may not completely treat ringing in the ears, if effective, taking medication can mask the sound.
- Talk about tricyclic antidepressants with your doctor. Tricyclic antidepressants are effective enough to treat severe tinnitus, but have annoying side effects, such as dry mouth, blurred vision, constipation, and heart problems.
- Talk about alprazolam with your doctor. Alprazolam better known as Xanax is known to be quite effective at reducing the buzz of tinnitus, but it is addictive, and has annoying side effects.
Step 5. Try ginkgo extract
Taking ginkgo extract three times a day (with food) can help improve blood flow to the head and neck, thereby reducing the buzzing caused by blood pressure. Try taking ginkgo extract for 2 months before considering the effectiveness of this treatment.
- Follow the recommended dosage according to the product instructions.
- Ensure the safety of ginkgo extract for you by consulting your doctor first.
Method 3 of 3: Preventing Tinnitus
Step 1. Avoid conditions that can damage the cochlea and cause tinnitus
Because tinnitus is difficult to treat, the most effective option is prevention, or avoiding symptoms from getting worse. The following things can make tinnitus symptoms worse:
- Loud noise. Concerts are the main culprit, but construction work, vehicular traffic, the sound of airplanes, gunfire, and other loud noises are also quite dangerous.
- Swimming. Water and chlorine can clog your inner ear when swimming, causing or worsening your tinnitus. Prevent this from happening by wearing earplugs while swimming.
Step 2. Relieve stress
If your ears are constantly ringing, any stress you are experiencing could make the condition worse. Look for ways to relieve stress such as exercise, meditation, or massage therapy.
Step 3. Cut down on alcohol, caffeine, and nicotine consumption
These ingredients can increase stress on blood vessels by widening them. This mainly occurs in the inner ear. Limit your intake of alcoholic beverages, coffee, caffeinated tea, and cigarettes to reduce tinnitus symptoms.
Step 4. Stay away from salt
Salt will disrupt your body's circulatory system, cause high blood pressure, and make tinnitus worse.
