Tinnitus

Described as buzzing, ringing, roaring, whistling, or hissing, tinnitus is a noise in the ears that may come and go or be continuous. It may be so quiet that the person can only hear it when trying to sleep, or so loud that it is audible all the time.

Tinnitus can also lead to occasional hearing loss.

Tinnitus is most commonly associated with over-exposure to loud noise. All it can take is attendance at one loud concert to experience tinnitus instantly and the noise may continue for several days. Many other factors can also cause tinnitus, including:

• An excessive amount of wax in the ear
• An ear infection
• A perforated eardrum
• Certain medication
• High blood pressure
• Allergies
• Anaemia
• An interruption of the cerebral blood flow (i.e. the blood flow to the head area)

These diet and lifestyle suggestions may help minimise tinnitus:

• Doing regular exercise, such as cardio activities including running and yoga that increases blood circulation to the head may help relieve you of the symptoms of tinnitus
• Improving blood circulation to your ears is important and reducing the saturated fat and cholesterol in your diet can help.  Eating a healthy diet rich in fruit and vegetables and make sure you drink 6-8 glasses of filtered water a day
• If you're experiencing trouble sleeping, buy a white noise CD or try one of the many Tinnitus-related phone “apps” that feature sound libraries that will help mask the unwanted noise in your ears. Hypnosis has also been found to help some sufferers
• Avoiding loud noises is the most important remedy. If you are exposed to industrial noise pollution, or attending a loud concert, always wear ear plugs
• Avoiding alcohol, smoking, caffeine and reducing the salt in your diet can help improve cerebral blood flow

Tinnitus can sometimes be related to an underlying health condition and should always be discussed with your doctor or healthcare professional. It is also important to seek medical advice if you are suffering from symptoms of infection, pain, dizziness or pus in the ear.

If symptoms of tinnitus persist see your healthcare professional.