Table of Contents
- Overview
- Treatment
- Prevention
- Images
Ringing in the ears; Noises or buzzing in the ears; Ear buzzing
Home Care
Tinnitus can be masked by competing sounds:
- Low-level music, ticking clocks, or other noises may help you not notice the tinnitus.
- Tinnitus is often more noticeable when you go to bed at night because your surroundings are quieter. Any noise in the room, like a humidifier, white noise machine, or dishwasher, can help mask tinnitus and make it less irritating.
Learn ways to relax. Stress does not cause tinnitus, but feeling stressed or anxious can worsen it.
Avoid caffeine, alcohol, and smoking.
Get enough rest. Try sleeping with your head propped up in an elevated position. This lessens head congestion and noises may become less noticeable.
Protect your ears and hearing from further damage. Avoid loud places and sounds. Use earplugs if you need them.
Call your health care provider if
Call your doctor if:
- Ear noises start after a head injury.
- The noises are associated with other unexplained symptoms like dizziness, feeling off balance, nausea, or vomiting.
- You have unexplained ear noises that bother you even after self-help measures.
Images
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Review Date: 07/26/2010
Reviewed By: Neil K. Kaneshiro, MD, MHA, Clinical Assistant Professor of
Pediatrics, University of Washington School of Medicine. Also
reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M.
A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org)
