Health
10 Ways to Protect Yourself against Tinnitus
Tinnitus is when you experience ringing or other noises with no external source in one or both ears. Sometimes, this can happen temporarily, while other times it can be a chronic condition. Tinnitus can’t always be prevented, but to protect yourself against hearing damage and lessen your chances of becoming a sufferer, here are some tips for you to follow.
- Use Hearing Protection
It is estimated that one-third of all cases of hearing loss can be attributed to noise exposure, and noise-induced hearing loss is one of the most common causes of tinnitus.
If you’re doing an activity that involves being exposed to loud noises over 85dB, use hearing protection to stay safe. Loud noises may come from engines, power tools, shooting, music, or sports events, among other things.
- Prevent Infections
Ear infections can cause tinnitus, but there are some things you can do to lower your risk. If you use earplugs or hearing aids, make sure you keep them clean and avoid putting things like cotton buds in your ear to get rid of the wax.
Your ears clean themselves naturally, but if you do have a build-up of wax that you’re concerned about, you may wish to use softening drops or have it safely removed by a healthcare professional.
- Lower the Volume on Personal Listening Devices
If you’re listening to music with headphones or earbuds, you should always have these set to 60% or less of the maximum volume. If you find yourself turning the volume up to drown out external noises, invest in a pair of noise-canceling headphones instead, as these will dampen interfering noises and help you keep the volume at a safe level.
- Try to De-stress
Tinnitus can sometimes be caused by stress or anxiety, which means it’s possible to alleviate or prevent it by managing stress. Take some time out for yourself every day and use this opportunity to do something you enjoy, or try relaxation techniques such as meditation, walking, or yoga.
- Avoid Standing by the Speakers
If you’re going to be at a live music event, make sure you stand or sit further away from the speakers. The more space between you and the source of the sound, the better you’ll be protected.
- Take Noise Breaks
Prolonged exposure to loud noises can cause tinnitus to develop. Your ears will be better able to cope with loud sounds if you give them regular breaks.
- Quit Smoking
There are many health reasons to quit smoking, but you may not have known that the prevention of tinnitus is one of them. Smoking acts as a stimulant and restricts blood flow, making it more likely for smokers to experience tinnitus.
- Get Your Hearing Tested
Tinnitus can have several causes, but untreated hearing loss is a significant contributor. Hearing loss can be difficult to detect, but regular hearing tests will help you completely understand your hearing health. It’s vital to be on the lookout for any symptoms and visit a hearing specialist right away if you have any concerns.
- Look After Your Heart
Heart health is another important factor in preventing tinnitus, as disorders of the blood vessels can lead to this type of auditory disturbance. Regular exercise and a healthy, balanced diet are essential for your hearing health and overall well-being.
- Check Your Posture
Maintaining good head and neck posture over time can help to prevent tinnitus — try to keep a neutral head posture by making sure your ears line up with your shoulders and your body’s midline. If you suffer from tinnitus already or have had it in the past, changing your head and neck postures could help to alleviate symptoms.
