Can Lifestyle Modifications Treat Tinnitus?

Around 50 million people in the US may experience tinnitus, a condition characterized by ringing or other noises in the ear. Tinnitus might be subjective tinnitus, where only you can hear it, which is most cases. Some people might have objective tinnitus, which a doctor can hear when examining your ears. 

Tinnitus is not a condition in itself but can be a symptom of multiple underlying problems. It is most linked to hearing loss but can also be caused by other health conditions or lifestyle factors.

Tinnitus can have a number of causes and therefore, also has several different treatment options. For some people, making changes in their lifestyle might help them to treat their tinnitus. This is especially helpful in cases when there is no clear cause for tinnitus that can be easily treated.

If you have tinnitus and want to explore some lifestyle changes that might help you to treat it, take a look at these ideas that might help.

Giving up smoking and drinking alcohol and caffeine

Giving up smoking and drinking alcohol is a good idea for several reasons. It's a smart choice if you want to live an overall healthier life. There will be less stress on your body, which can help to relieve tinnitus. Smoking restricts blood flow and acts as a stimulant, which both exacerbate tinnitus. 

Additionally, smokers are much more likely to experience hearing loss, which is commonly linked with tinnitus. Both alcohol and caffeine could make tinnitus worse too, although some experts dispute this. The best thing to do is to monitor the effects yourself to see if you notice a difference.

Managing stress and anxiety

Stress and anxiety could make tinnitus worse and make it more difficult to deal with. By reducing both stress and anxiety, you could improve tinnitus symptoms and manage them more effectively. You might find methods such as meditation, mindfulness or cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) are helpful if you want to manage stress, anxiety and depression.

Sleep more

A lack of sleep can cause tinnitus to get worse. When tinnitus is worse, it can then make it more difficult to sleep, so it becomes a cycle. Getting the right amount of sleep helps to manage tinnitus symptoms. You can use tinnitus masking sound machines at night, which produce white noises or other noises to cover the sounds of tinnitus and help you to sleep peacefully.

Exercise more

Getting more exercise could be another way to treat tinnitus. Exercise is great for improving your mood, reducing stress and it can also help you to sleep better, which are all helpful for treating tinnitus.

Change medications

Some medications can cause tinnitus. If this is what might be happening for you, it could be possible to change to a different medication to help address the tinnitus. You should speak to the doctor who prescribed the medication or a pharmacist and they can advise you about alternative medications that might be appropriate.

Lifestyle changes may help you to treat tinnitus. See a hearing healthcare provider to find out more about the treatment options available.