Tinnitus is a condition that affects a considerable portion of the population, with some estimates as high as 15%. Understanding tinnitus can be challenging, and seeking relief for this condition can be equally difficult. There are many treatment options available, but there is not a cure in almost all cases. You may want to consider a natural health supplement for tinnitus that can reduce the ringing effect and support circulation.
The most common form of tinnitus is a ringing in the ears that is not due to external factors or noises. This ringing can affect mood and overall stress, in addition to leading to difficulty sleeping or headaches. Most tinnitus treatments center around reducing this ringing effect or making it less noticeable. In some cases, individuals with tinnitus have reported a buzzing or roaring noise in addition to ringing. Health supplements or vitamins that improve circulation and treat infections may assist someone who is reporting this ringing effect.
If tinnitus is left untreated, it may be difficult for the affected person to hear and concentrate on individual sounds or voices. As the cardiovascular system around the ear deteriorates, the effect of tinnitus worsens. In this article, we’ll discuss some of the causes of tinnitus and the common risk factors. We will also look at the best treatment options available for tinnitus and explain preventative measures to prevent hearing loss from worsening.
What Causes Tinnitus?
Tinnitus is a condition that may result from several factors and does not have a single cause or primary risk factor. Many individuals develop tinnitus from various risk factors or pre-existing conditions and cannot associate their tinnitus with a single source. Other chronic conditions related to hearing loss are commonly associated with tinnitus and are sometimes confused as being the same. In short, hearing loss is often a cause of tinnitus rather than tinnitus being a form of hearing loss.
Additional causes of tinnitus include ear infections and muscle spasms in or around the ear. Temporomandibular joint disorders, otherwise known as TMJ, can also cause tinnitus. If the area around the ear isn’t receiving enough bloodflow, or the bloodflow is restricted in some manner, the effects of tinnitus may worsen. Head and neck injuries are another cause of tinnitus that can lead to a faster onset of the associated ringing or buzzing noises.
If you have recently experienced an injury from a car accident or similar traumatic event, it’s important to see a medical doctor as soon as possible. If you are hearing sounds that are not occurring externally after the accident, you should ask your doctor about your options for treating tinnitus. However, it is important to know that some prescription medications, including diuretics antibiotics, or drugs intended for treating cancer can cause or worsen your tinnitus.
Common Risk Factors for Tinnitus
Anyone of any age or gender may experience tinnitus. However, certain people are at a significantly higher risk than others, depending on preexisitng conditions, habits, and age. Men have a significantly higher chance of developing tinnitus than women. Individuals who are at or above fifty are also at a significantly higher risk, simply due to the aging nature of nerve fibers in the ear.
Prolonged exposure to loud noises is the leading habit that can put individuals at risk for developing tinnitus, particularly at a younger age. This includes listening to music at a high volume, as well as working on sites with loud equipment or machinery. Common employment that include this type of loud noise include construction and factory work, as well as bars. Musicians are often at particularly high risk for tinnitus simply due to the nature of their work.
Drinking alcohol and smoking regularly can increase the risk of developing tinnitus significantly, and may lead to other poor health conditions beyond those related to hearing. Other forms of tobacco intake can also put you at risk for tinnitus. Pre-existing conditions like obesity and cardiovascular problems may also be a contributing factor. Ask your doctor about how your current health may be contributing to the development or effect of tinnitus.
How to Treat Tinnitus
Tinnitus treatments vary greatly, but almost never provide or cure for the condition. For this reason, there are many treatment options you may want to try. Certain treatments may be more effective for your tinnitus than others, so it’s important to consider all avenues available for deciding how you can reduce the irritation, ringing, or buzzing in your ears. First speak with a medical professional when seeking these care options.
CBT, or cognitive behavioral therapy, may help to lessen the effects of tinnitus. Tinnitus retraining therapy (TRT) is another treatment option often used in conjunction with CBT. Room volume suppression with white noise machines or similar devices may also assist you in this scenario. If a blood vessel or similar cardiovascular episode occurs around the ear, seek medical attention as soon as possible- this might be the cause of your tinnitus. As mentioned before, certain medications may also help cause tinnitus. Consider alternative medications and ask your doctor about the side effects the medication may cause. Removing earwax may also assist in reducing ringing or buzzing sounds.
Health supplements for treating tinnitus are a safe, organic means for reducing ringing in the ears and improving your cardiovascular health. You are likely familiar with some of the vitamins, minerals, and natural ingredients these supplements contain. Vitamin C, B-6, and B-12 are common components of these supplements, as are niacin and garlic. These products treat tinnitus indirectly by assisting with boosting your cardiovascular health. Supplements are an all natural treatment option, which means they will not interfere with other medications and are unlikely to cause any significant side effects.
Conclusion– What is Tinnitus and What Are My Treatment Options?
Tinnitus result from hearing loss, TMJ disorders, or a recent injury. Tinnitus is most common in men above the age of fifty, but can affect anyone regardless of age or gender. Long-term exposure to loud music or workplace noise may increase the risk of tinnitus. There are many options to consider for reducing the ringing or buzzing effect that tinnitus causes, beginning with cognitive behavioral therapy, earwax removal, and changing your current medications. You may also want to consider health supplements that promote cardiovascular wellness and offer an all-natural treatment with side effects that are minimal to none.