Tinnitus can be caused by many factors and health issues, so it’s not always preventable, but in some instances, you may be able to prevent tinnitus. Take the following examples:

Ear infections

Tinnitus may be caused by an ear infection. To prevent an ear infection, ensure that you keep your ears clean and dry. You should always visit an hearing health professional if you have concerns about an ear infection.

Remove earwax

An excess of wax can also lead to tinnitus symptoms. While earwax is typically your body’s way of cleaning your ears, it can cause issues if allowed to buildup. If you believe you have an earwax impaction, consult your hearing care professional to determine if this could be affecting your hearing. 

Hearing care

Many cases of tinnitus are caused by damage to the inside of the ear, so it’s important to protect your ears from loud sounds. Keep your headphones on a medium to a low setting, and take earplugs when attending a concert. Both hearing loss and tinnitus can be caused by damage to the ears.

Stress busting methods

There’s some evidence to suggest that tinnitus can be brought on or worsened by stress. To keep your stress levels down, try coping tactics including meditation or a yoga class. Some medications can worsen tinnitus, including specific antidepressants and anti-inflammatories. If you take prescription medication it may be worth discussing the side effects with your doctor.

Is there a cure for tinnitus?

Depending on the cause, your tinnitus may go away on its own. Tinnitus that’s caused by ear infections should stop once the ear infection has passed. If you’re exposed to a loud environment, for instance at a concert, you may experience tinnitus temporarily for a few days. 

When tinnitus is caused by permanent damage to the ear, it cannot always be cured. Having said this, there are several treatment options available to alleviate symptoms, including hearing aids, sound machines and lifestyle modifications.

How can I improve my sleep with tinnitus?

When you experience tinnitus, you may find that it’s difficult to sleep at night. Luckily there are things you can do to improve your sleep with tinnitus. Firstly, it’s useful to use a sound machine, these devices produce ambient noises or white noise, as a distraction. 

When you listen to a distracting white nose, it’s easier to block out the tinnitus and get to sleep. You might also try using sound therapy apps or practicing meditation before you go to bed.

What is the best way to treat tinnitus?

The best way to treat tinnitus depends on the cause and severity. In all cases, it’s important to see a hearing healthcare professional who can assess your treatment options. A few examples of treatment methods include tinnitus retraining therapy, sound machines or sound masking hearing aids. 

Your hearing healthcare professional will perform a series of tests to determine which type of tinnitus you have and investigate the underlying cause. If your tinnitus is caused by a specific health condition your hearing healthcare professional can refer you to the right doctor, to provide further support.