Take a pen and paper and write down all the negative aspects which could have contributed to your tinnitus. Be honest with yourself, even if it means owning up to some bad habits and less than ideal behaviors. Here is a possible list to start you off. Feel free to look at your own experiences and add to this. Don’t be scared! You don’t need to share it with anybody else (unless you want to!)

Relationship crisis,
Marital Stress,
Drug and prescription medication abuse
Loud noises,
Being overweight or obese,
Heavy smoking,
Lack of exercise/ sedentary lifestyle,
High cholesterol,
High blood sugar levels
High blood pressure
Lack of sleep/ insomnia,
Personal loss/ bereavement,
Unhealthy diet,
Excessive caffeine intake,
Financial pressures/ debt,
Business or work pressures,
Unhealthy levels of stress or anxiety,
Plus anything else you can think of.

The fact is, you are not alone- millions of people around the world experience these negative aspects as a part of their life. Any one of these would be harmful enough for anybody but if you can identify with three or more from the list then tinnitus may be inevitable.

So now you have your list you now have the power to take action. Take a look at your list and consider the things on it that are in your power to change. For instance, if the above list was yours, could you give up smoking, resolve to drink less coffee, lose weight and undertake an exercise regime? Chances are your blood and cholesterol levels would automatically go down. Are there measures you could put into place to reduce your stress levels at work and at home? Could you undergo some counseling for the harder aspects of your life? Once you have challenged and changed the things that are holding you back, your mind will start to look for the positives; you will enjoy radiant health and the symptoms manifested by the negative aspects of your life (including tinnitus) will disappear.

Some things can be changed immediately with a few lifestyle adjustments. Others will require time, motivation and patience to resolve. I promise you, once you start to change your ‘list’, you will notice a reduction in your tinnitus symptoms. The more you change, the more your symptoms will lessen. They could even disappear completely.

There are some things you can change straight away and without hesitation. Other things will require great patience, lots of time and the will to change. But only you have the power to change your life through changing your mind.

Reduce Your Caffeine Intake; caffeine raises your blood pressure and your heart rate, which can worsen the symptoms of tinnitus. Eliminating as much caffeine as possible from your diet can reduce the symptoms.

Quit Smoking; many people find that once they stop smoking, their tinnitus symptoms disappear. Stopping smoking will also provide a host of other health benefits.

Light Based Therapy; for some reason, low level laser therapy also seems to help in some cases, but researchers are still unsure why. Research is still in the early stages, so doctors are not keen to recommend this yet.

Surgery; there are various surgical options for tinnitus- you could discuss these with your doctor.

Natural Treatments; There are now many cures for tinnitus based upon natural treatments and therapies. These can range from dietary supplements to herbal remedies. You will find more information on these in other articles on this website.

Remember that tinnitus is not something you have to “just put up with”. It can be treated and controlled like any other condition; many people have found ways to reduce or even eliminate the noises they hear. In some cases, cures for tinnitus only involve minor life style changes; in others medication or even surgery may be required. The key is finding an option which works for you.

Acupuncture is an alternative Oriental treatment which has been used to treat a variety of health conditions and diseases for over 2,500 years.

Acupuncture works by inserting very fine needles into the skin to target energy points in the body, known as ‘Qi’ points. The science behind acupuncture is that health is governed by a balance of ‘yin’ and ‘yang’ within the body- the ‘Qi’, or energy, flowing through the body is ‘yang’ and its counterpart is blood, or ‘yin’. When these two forces are out of alignment with each other, disease is the result.

Acupuncture regulates the flow of ‘Qi’ and blood, creating harmony within the body and theoretically curing disease. It is also believed that certain ‘Qi’ points correspond with different organs within the body.

In acupuncture, the kidneys are believed to be connected to the ears, and any hearing problems can thus be caused by weakness in the kidneys. The heart and lungs are also thought to affect tinnitus; as the heart and mind are thought to be connected, weak blood flow to the heart will also have an affect on the head and ears.

Treatment is likely to vary with each individual case and how long they have been suffering. Herbal medicines may be prescribed alongside acupuncture treatments. Some success has been reported using acupuncture, although results have been rather mixed. Many sufferers have reported a lessening of their symptoms even if the tinnitus has not been completely cured. I strongly feel that the strength of your belief in alternative treatments such as acupuncture can have an effect on whether it will work for you.

It may be worth trying acupuncture, although you should always make sure you choose an approved practitioner. It is always advisable to consult your doctor or consultant in the first instance.

White noise has proved to be effective in masking the sounds produced by tinnitus as it contains equal high and lower frequencies, so is more effective at masking the higher pitched sounds experienced by sufferers. White noise generators are also commonly known as Maskers, and work by generating white noise sound which can be heard by the sufferer. The volume is usually set to a level either just below or at the same level as the tinnitus, and generators can produce a range of sound frequencies. They should not be used to try to block out the tinnitus noises, but to condition the subconscious auditory system to ignore the tinnitus.

Sufferers may be prescribed a wearable white noise generator, which is worn all day, but not generally at night. They are designed to fit into the ear, and look a lot like hearing aid devices. These should be fitted and the volume set by a Healthcare professional.

Other white noise generators are designed to sit on a table or bedside cabinet top, and can be used during the night. This is particularly effective if your tinnitus is worse during the night, and can help to overcome associated insomnia. The example shown above is a Sound Conditioner Sound Screen SleepMate Electro-Mechanical White Noise Machine

It may be worth placing a radio next to your bed, tuned to a frequency between stations to that the static hiss of white noise is heard. Turn the volume low so that the noise is just audible; don’t be tempted to try to turn it up loud to block the tinnitus out as this could cause long term damage to the auditory system.

If you have an MP3 player or iPod, software containing pure white noise can now be purchased for download. I believe that CDs are available too.

White Noise Generators can be an effective way in managing the symptoms of tinnitus, although they should not be seen as a cure.

For example, for tinnitus caused by ear infections, antibiotics can be prescribed to treat this. Sometimes tinnitus can be caused by benign tumors (known as neuromas) in the inner ear, which can usually be removed surgically. In most cases the tinnitus will disappear as soon as the cause is treated.

Tinnitus caused by problems with the jaw, particularly the temporomandibular joint, can be treated by realignment of the jaw, or low level laser treatment. Laser treatment can also be effective in treating tinnitus caused by muscular tension, and may be offered for treating other forms of tinnitus. Read more information on tinnitus laser treatment here.

There may be no cure as yet for certain types of tinnitus, so the best approach is on acceptance of the condition and managing the symptoms as best as possible. Certain lifestyle changes may help, such as eating a healthy, well balanced diet low in salt, consuming less caffeine and stopping smoking. If you have high blood pressure, the pressure on the blood vessels around the ear can cause or exacerbate tinnitus, so reducing your blood pressure should help.

Stress can also exacerbate the symptoms of tinnitus, so try to reduce the amount of stress in your life- tips on reducing stress can be found here.

Boost your immune system to enable your body to heal itself; make sure you get adequate rest and sleep, and that you have plenty of zinc in your diet. Supplements such as Ginkgo Biloba can boost the immune system and improve blood circulation.

Certain medicines are sometimes prescribed for the treatment of tinnitus, such as anticonvulsants or anesthetics, however, they have so far shown to be ineffective.

It is possible to mask the sounds associated with tinnitus with white noise generators or maskers, which can either be worn in the ear like a hearing aid, or used as free standing units to fit on a desk or bedside table. These can promote relaxation and restful sleep, and can desensitize the brain to tinnitus noises. You can also try listening to calming music or CD compilations of natural sounds; there is more information on white noise generators and maskers here.

Other people have found alternative therapies such as massage beneficial in treating the symptoms of tinnitus. Find out more about natural remedies here.

Tinnitus can cause depression, which in turn can cause the sufferer to notice the tinnitus sounds more acutely. The effects of depression can be treated with appropriate medication and counseling. Cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) can also help to alleviate depression and lower awareness to tinnitus sounds.

When tinnitus first occurs, the brain’s response is to focus on the sounds as they are unfamiliar. By learning to accept the condition, sufferers can then concentrate on ways of distracting themselves from focusing on the sounds. Eventually the sounds will become less of a distraction and will fade into the background. Sometimes tinnitus disappears within six months of starting and never returns.

If you suspect you may have tinnitus, you should consult your doctor in the first instance and discuss treatments with them.

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Sound Therapy works by reducing contrast between the noises associated with tinnitus and background noises. This can help to make the sounds of tinnitus less intrusive, particularly during quiet times such as at night. It uses specially recorded soundtracks of various sounds which vary in tone, which stimulates and heals the inner ear, making it more receptive to high frequency sounds which are then processed by the brain. This process works by recharging the brain, providing relief from the sounds associated with tinnitus and creating a sense of relaxation and calm.

Sound Therapy can also improve hearing loss caused by industrial noise, promote relaxation and freedom from stress and promote restful sleep.

Sound Therapy can be used in the form of CDs, recordings for MP3 and iPod devices, computer downloads or special sound generators. Environmental sounds can also be used, either those occurring naturally or recordings of running water, waves or other soothing natural sounds. There are a number of pre-recorded CDs available.

Sound generators are also known as maskers, and there are two types; those designed to sit on a desk or table, and those designed to be portable. They can provide a choice of sounds, and can be used during the night. Portable sound generators should always be fitted by a specialist, who will also ensure that they are set to an appropriate volume.

Sound Therapy should not be used to try to drown out the tinnitus, as this could cause greater long term problems. The best way of using Sound Therapy is to set it at a level either just below or at the same level as the tinnitus, as this will eventually help to habituate to the tinnitus and establish a sleeping routine.

The sound generator shown above is the Sound Oasis Sound Therapy System

Laser treatment has also been shown to be effective in treating tinnitus caused by problems with the temporomandibular joint in the jaw; once the joint is treated by lasers, the resultant tinnitus generally disappears.
Laser treatment has also been used to treat tinnitus caused by muscular tension, although be aware that tension in the muscles can be the body’s response to a deeper rooted problem.

Tinnitus laser treatment can also promote general tissue and cell repair and generally speed up the body’s ability to heal itself. As this healing process occurs, the causes of tinnitus are often treated, resulting in a disappearance of the tinnitus symptoms. It will also strengthen the body’s immune system, which may already be weakened from the effects of tinnitus, ie poor quality sleep. A body with a strong immune system is far more likely to be able to fight health conditions which can result in tinnitus.

Furthermore, it is known to stimulate the immune system, which is an important factor in treating ringing in the ears. The immune system is associated with tinnitus because the latter tends to weaken the former. What usually happens is that the unwanted noise tends to get so loud at night that falling asleep at night becomes a problem for the sufferer. Lack of sleep poses negative effects like you getting exhausted and stressed easily the following day, and of course, it weakens the immune system, thus exposing you to various diseases.

Laser treatment is generally carried out whilst the patient is lying down, and each session lasts for around an hour; half an hour for each ear. Both ears are generally treated in the same session to avoid potential dizziness. It is a completely pain free process.

The jury is still very much out on whether laser treatment has any real effect on tinnitus, although many sufferers claim is has made a difference. However, you may need to undergo several treatments before any benefit is noticed.

There is also some evidence to suggest that laser treatment can work well when combined with taking Ginkgo herbal supplements, as Ginkgo enhances circulation and optimizes the body’s ability to heal itself. Ginkgo supplements are available from HealthSense Vitamins

Scared of the impact his tinnitus was having on his lifestyle, Chris went to see his doctor, and was shocked when he was told that nothing could be done- he would have hearing damage for the rest of his life!

Chris decided that he was not going to give in and accept that the tinnitus was going to take over his life. He made the decision to ignore his doctor and find a cure. Over the next few weeks, he looked everywhere for a cure, and discovered a small group of former sufferers who had cured their tinnitus naturally.

He found that tinnitus is just a symptom of a problem within your body- and by following a specific 100% natural regime you can cure yourself of it for good!

Although Chris was skeptical, he believed that he had nothing to lose by giving it a go. He noticed an improvement in just a few days, and after six weeks his tinnitus just disappeared!

Chris has now produced a guide detailing the exact system he used to rid himself of tinnitus in easy, exact steps. He also offers a guaranteed refund in the unlikely event that this doesn’t work for you. Read more about Chris and his system here.

Stress and associated anxiety can also cause tinnitus; prolonged stress can affect the hypothalamus in the brain and stop it from functioning normally. The hypothalamus’s role is to provide our bodies with the chemicals they need to continue to function properly. Once the body is not receiving these chemicals, or only getting insufficient amounts, side effects such as tinnitus and other health conditions can occur.

Stress can also affect the blood vessels and slow blood circulation, as well as increasing blood pressure. This can have an effect on the severity of the tinnitus. You may also be caught in a cycle of feeling stressed and anxious due to the tinnitus, which in turn aggravates the symptoms.

If you are under a lot of stress, or your tinnitus is causing you to feel stressed and anxious, it’s important that you try to reduce the amount of stress you are under.

How to reduce stress;
Look at the areas in your life currently causing you the most stress. If it is your job, look at ways of making things easier; talk to your supervisor, look at your work life balance, possibility of delegating certain tasks etc.

If there are areas of your home life that are causing you stress, find ways of resolving these; try different routines, enlist the support of a spouse or other family members etc.

Exercise is a good way of reducing stress, as the body naturally produces endorphins when we exercise which can make us feel good. Exercise with a friend for even better results.

Diet can also play a part; aim to eat a healthy, well balanced diet, and reduce caffeine and salt- salt can aggravate the symptoms of tinnitus.

Relaxation techniques can help a great deal. Try yoga or meditation techniques, you will probably find classes for these at your local health club. Practicing breathing techniques can also help to reduce stress and anxiety.

Make sure you take some ‘you’ time- take time out to do things you enjoy. This could be anything from taking a long, hot bubble bath to sitting out in the garden with a good book. Don’t let every day life get in the way of this- make a commitment to yourself to do it regularly.

There are ways of getting the hypothalamus to work properly again so that it is once more producing the chemicals your body needs to function.

Triple Complex Nerve Tonic is a homeopathic remedy that temporarily calms the nerves and reduces the effects of everyday stress, worries and nervous tension. Learn more about Triple Complex Nerve Tonic Tissue Salts here.

Once you make a commitment to reducing the levels of stress and anxiety in your life, you will notice the benefits in all areas of your life as well as the benefits to your tinnitus.

Nutritional and herbal supplements can greatly reduce symptoms of tinnitus. Weekly or twice weekly B12 injections have been shown to be beneficial. Magnesium supplements have also been shown to reverse tinnitus induced hearing loss.

Niacin, which is a form of Vitamin B3, can allow more oxygen into the inner ear as it can help the blood vessels to expand, which can reduce noises heard.

Sometimes a zinc deficiency can be responsible for some symptoms of tinnitus, if you suspect this to be the case then zinc supplements may help, or eat foods rich in zinc such as shellfish, nuts, cheese and whole grains.

Ginkgo Biloba or Black Cohosh are other supplements which have been shown to reduce tinnitus symptoms, by expanding blood vessels and thus increasing blood flow in the head and neck. You will need to try these for a minimum of two months before any benefits are noticed. You can find both a Ginkgo and Black Cohosh supplements and a lot more at Evitamins.com

Tinnarex is a natural remedy available from Native Remedies.

There are other remedies you can try to alleviate the symptoms of tinnitus. Some people find that a gentle massage around the cranial area can help to stimulate blood flow and reduce the pressure on the auditory nerves.

Some tinnitus is caused by high blood pressure; reducing blood pressure by losing weight and exercising may reduce symptoms.

Avoid too much salt in your diet, as excess salt can impair blood circulation.

Stop smoking- smoking can also impact on circulation and destroys vital nutrients within the body.

Some tinnitus is caused by stress, so look at reducing the amount of stress in your life. Practice relaxation and meditation techniques, and make sure you get as much rest as possible, especially as tinnitus can impact upon sleep.

Remember to consult your doctor in the first instance if you are considering trying alternative methods of treatment or if you require dietary advice.

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