10 Triggers to Avoid with Tinnitus

Tinnitus, the medical term for hearing sounds that aren’t present externally, affects millions of people worldwide. These phantom sounds can manifest as ringing, buzzing, or other types of noise, disrupting day-to-day activities and diminishing overall well-being. While there is no definitive cure for tinnitus, avoiding certain triggers can significantly alleviate symptoms. Here are ten things you should try to avoid if you’re grappling with tinnitus.

1. Loud Noises

Exposure to loud noises can not only exacerbate existing tinnitus but also cause temporary or even permanent changes to your hearing. If you can’t avoid loud environments, use earplugs or earmuffs to protect your ears.

2. Stress and Anxiety

Stress hormones can worsen tinnitus symptoms. Employ stress-reducing techniques such as mindfulness, yoga, or meditation to keep your stress levels in check.

3. Excessive Caffeine and Alcohol

Both caffeine and alcohol can aggravate tinnitus in some individuals. It’s advisable to limit your intake and monitor whether this leads to any improvement in symptoms.

4. Salt and Sodium

High levels of salt can elevate blood pressure, affecting the blood flow to your ears and potentially worsening tinnitus. Cutting back on salty foods might help alleviate symptoms.

5. Smoking

Nicotine can restrict blood flow and contribute to tinnitus symptoms. Quitting smoking can have a range of health benefits, including potential relief from tinnitus.

6. Certain Medications

Some medications list tinnitus as a possible side effect. Always consult with your healthcare provider about the medications you’re taking and their potential impact on tinnitus.

7. Silence

While it may sound counterintuitive, complete silence can make tinnitus more noticeable. Background noise, like soft music or a white noise machine, can help distract from the internal noise.

8. Fatigue and Lack of Sleep

Lack of sleep can exacerbate numerous health issues, including tinnitus. A regular sleep schedule and a conducive sleep environment can play a pivotal role in symptom management.

9. Jaw Clenching and Teeth Grinding

Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders, commonly manifested by jaw clenching and teeth grinding, can exacerbate tinnitus. Consult a healthcare provider for proper diagnosis and treatment if you suspect TMJ issues.

10. Unreliable Information and Quick Fixes

There are numerous ‘miracle cures’ for tinnitus marketed online. Always consult healthcare professionals for diagnosis and treatment, and be cautious of unverified remedies.

Additional Considerations

While avoiding these ten triggers can be beneficial, it’s also crucial to consult a healthcare provider for a thorough diagnosis and a tailored treatment plan. Diagnostic tests may include hearing evaluations, imaging studies, and even psychological assessments to determine the impact of tinnitus on your quality of life. Depending on the root causes and associated symptoms, your healthcare provider may recommend treatments ranging from sound therapy and cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) to medications.

Final Thoughts

Tinnitus is a multifaceted condition, and managing it often requires a holistic approach involving lifestyle adjustments, medical treatments, and emotional support. By avoiding these ten triggers and consulting with healthcare professionals, you can take a proactive stance in managing your symptoms more effectively.

Navigating through life with tinnitus can be challenging, but understanding what exacerbates your symptoms is the first step towards gaining better control over this condition. Implement these avoidance strategies as part of a broader treatment plan, and you’re well on your way to achieving a better quality of life.

Patti Bryan
Patti Bryan
May 10, 2023
I started with this practice ten years ago, and when the audiologist retired, I was wondering I’d like “the new guy” as well. I totally do! Dr. Tomas Cabrera is so nice, so skilled, I was smitten right away. Getting to see pictures of his newborn, at my insistent request, was the icing on the cake! He’s professional, warm, patient and really knows his stuff. I couldn’t be happier. And Gail is still as wonderful as ever.
seaborg priscilla
seaborg priscilla
May 8, 2023
Dr. Caberra is excellent and wonderful. Gail is easy and great to work with. I highly recommend them for all hearing aid needs. Great work!
Barbara Silvestro
Barbara Silvestro
May 5, 2023
Extremely pleased with the attention received, Dr Caberra extremely personable, listens and is patient, Gail I have known for years and she knows her stuff. Great office!!
Rachel Worley
Rachel Worley
April 15, 2023
I am a fellow audiologist from SC and just met Dr. Cabrera today. He welcomed my family to his beautiful office and from our short time together I can tell he is fantastic with patients as well! He is set up for thorough best practice care with thoughtful business practices. If you are in the Charlotte area, visit Premier Audiology!
Mary Gail Broome
Mary Gail Broome
March 10, 2023
This is hands down the best place for anyone looking for an audiologist. Very individual attention to you and your needs. I use to go to 1 of the big ENT group and they never tweaked my hearing aids like Dr. C and Gayle do. You are not a number here. Was upset that things might change when Dr. Seaborg retired but not so..the same excellent service. Christina found someone who could fill her very big shoes (been coming for 9+ years.) I tell everyone they need hearing aids that this is the place to come. I brought my 82 year old mother-in-law and Dr. C and Gayle are always soooo patient with her. Thank you for the same awesome awesome care. Ive been wearing hearing aids for over 20 years and I am hearing better now than I did 10 years ago.
Donna
Donna
March 6, 2023
Tomas Cabrera, Au.D. is very thorough, thoughtful, helpful and kind. He gives articulate and informed answers to any questions I may have about my hearing and my hearing aids. I trust him completely. The office environment is very comfortable and calming. I love my hearing aids!
William Harris
William Harris
January 28, 2023
I visited Premier Audiology & Hearing Aid Center without an appointment to see if they could help resolve a problem with the hearing aids of a relative, who is 97 years old. Dr. Cabrera and Gale Prakin were most accepting, accommodating and helpful. They are an asset to the community and profession.
Judith Sutton
Judith Sutton
November 14, 2022
I am a loyal client of Premier Audiology and consider Tomas Cabrera the best audiologist available not just in this area but far beyond. Most recently I had a minor emergency on a Monday of all days. But they managed to work me in, clearly define the problem and address my needs without hesitation. Premier Audiology has state-of-the-art equipment and the expertise to make thorough use of it to give the patient a complete picture of their hearing health. The staff is personable, knowledgeable and caring. They put the patient at ease and always follow through to ensure the best results possible. I recommend Premier Audiology and staff to anyone with any kind of hearing issue! Premier Audiology is the only such provider to consider if you want the best level of care possible.