Question: It is just too sad to watch my grandmother suffering with the ear ringing! The tinnitus isn't the worst though, as she battles to get her general health is also starting to suffer. It appears that as she is always so irratable and anxious, she doesn't get to sleep much and always seems to get every germ that is going around. My theory is that this resulting from the tinnitus? I am searching for a tinnitus treatment for her.

Answer: Prevention

Because tinnitus and hearing loss can be permanent conditions, precautionary measures are advisable. If a ringing in the ears is audible after exposure to a loud environment, such as a rock concert or work place, it means that damage is being done. Prolonged exposure to noise levels as low as 70 dB can result in damage to hearing (see noise health effects). If it is not possible to limit exposure, earplugs or ear defenders should be worn. For musicians and DJs, special musicians' earplugs can lower the volume of the music without distorting the sound and can prevent tinnitus from developing in later years.

It is also important to check medications for potential ototoxicity. Ototoxicity can be cumulative between medications, or can greatly increase the damage done by noise. If ototoxic medications must be administered, close attention by the physician to prescription details, such as dose and dosage interval, can reduce the damage done.

Tinnitus Treatment

In most cases, there is no specific treatment for ear and head noise. If your otolaryngologist finds a specific cause of your tinnitus, he or she may be able to eliminate the noise. But, this determination may require extensive testing including X-rays, balance tests, and laboratory work. However, most causes cannot be identified. Occasionally, medicine may help the noise. The medications used are varied, and several may be tried to see if they help.

The following list of DOs and DON'Ts can help lessen the severity of tinnitus:

* Avoid exposure to loud sounds and noises.* Get your blood pressure checked. If it is high, get your doctor's help to control it.* Decrease your intake of s Salt impairs blood circulation.* Avoid stimulants such as coffee, tea, cola, and tobacco.* Exercise daily to improve your circulation.* Get adequate rest and avoid fatigue.* Stop worrying about the noise. Recognize your head noise as an annoyance and learn to ignore it as much as possible.

Coping With Tinnitus

Concentration and relaxation exercises can help to control muscle groups and circulation throughout the body. The increased relaxation and circulation achieved by these exercises can reduce the intensity of tinnitus in some patients.

Masking. Tinnitus is usually more bothersome in quiet surroundings. A competing sound at a constant low level, such as a ticking clock or radio static (white noise), may mask the tinnitus and make it less noticeable. Products that generate white noise are also available through catalogs and specialty stores.

Hearing Aids. If you have a hearing loss, a hearing aid(s) may reduce head noise while your are wearing it and sometimes cause it to go away temporarily. It is important not to set the hearing aid at excessively loud levels, as this can worsen the tinnitus in some cases. However, a thorough trial before purchase of a hearing aid is advisable if your primary purpose is the relief of tinnitus.

Tinnitus maskers can be combined within hearing aids. They emit a competitive but pleasant sound that can distract you from head noise. Some people find that a tinnitus masker may even suppress the head noise for several hours after it is used, but this is not true for all users.