How Does Lifestyle Impact Tinnitus?

Tinnitus is when you hear sounds that aren’t coming from an outside source. For some people, these sounds can be ringing, whistling, hissing or humming. They may be heard in one or both ears. Tinnitus can be triggered by several factors, with the most common being frequent exposure to loud noises or a buildup of earwax. Let’s look at some examples of how your lifestyle can impact tinnitus.

Exposure To Loud Sound

Prolonged exposure to loud noises is one of the most common contributors to hearing loss and tinnitus. This doesn’t just mean rock concerts or construction sites. Even everyday activities like using headphones at high volumes or working in a noisy office can gradually impact your hearing. The word to think of is cumulative exposure, so being mindful of sound levels in your daily life is crucial. Laws often exist to keep residual sound under a certain level, and it’s the responsibility of the organizations around you, not to commit to noise pollution. If you are in a noisy environment this can exacerbate your tinnitus symptom.

If you know you are going to be in an environment where you are exposed to loud noise, wear hearing protection, whether it is earplugs or noise-canceling headphones, this will help to block out the excess noise and help to lower your tinnitus symptoms.

Medication

Some medications can affect hearing. These include antibiotics, chemotherapy drugs and even high doses of painkillers. While these medications are often necessary for treating other conditions, it’s still wise to be aware of their potential side effects on hearing and discuss any concerns with your general practitioner, as they can help to manage your medication, if your tinnitus is caused by medication.

Injuries

Physical injuries, especially to the head or neck, can sometimes lead to tinnitus. This could be due to damage to the auditory nerves or changes in blood flow to the inner ear. Visiting an audiologist as a matter of principle and also if you notice anything amiss can be essential.

Hygiene

Maintaining good hygiene is important for managing tinnitus. Keeping your ears clean helps prevent infections and blockages that can worsen tinnitus. It’s essential to clean your ears gently and avoid inserting anything deep into the ear canal. Regular handwashing can also lower the risk of infections that might impact your hearing.

Weight and Diet

Weight and diet can have a major influence on tinnitus symptoms. Studies suggest that being overweight may make tinnitus worse for some individuals. Additionally, a diet high in salt, sugar and caffeine can exacerbate the symptoms you are experiencing. In contrast, eating a well-balanced diet filled with fruits, vegetables and whole grains might help ease symptoms. Staying properly hydrated is also essential, as dehydration can affect ear health. By making better food choices, individuals may experience relief from their tinnitus.

With this advice, you can balance your lifestyle and the impact it has on tinnitus. If you want to learn more about tinnitus and the effects it can have on your life, schedule an appointment with an audiologist.