If you experience tinnitus, you know what a frustrating and disruptive condition it can be. Tinnitus has many different causes, as well as triggers that can cause symptoms to flare up. Let’s take a look at a few of the common tinnitus triggers.
What is Tinnitus?
Tinnitus is described as a ringing in the ears. However, people can also experience noises like clicking, buzzing, hissing and whooshing as well. Tinnitus is a symptom of conditions, such as hearing loss, earwax buildup and injury to the head and neck, among many others.
For some, their tinnitus symptoms are brief and clear up on their own. However, others have chronic symptoms that can last years and interfere with their quality of life. In these cases, it’s helpful to not only find ways to manage their tinnitus but to identify any triggers that exacerbate symptoms as well.
Five Tinnitus Triggers
Everyone is different, and so what triggers a tinnitus flare-up in one person won’t necessarily do the same in another. That being said, there are some factors that are known to generally worsen tinnitus, including:
- Loud noise. Not only does exposure to loud noise increase your risk of permanent hearing loss, but it can trigger tinnitus as well. Research has shown a higher rate of tinnitus for those who are regularly exposed to loud noise through work or recreational activities.
- High stress levels. Many people report an uptick in their tinnitus symptoms during periods of high stress. While we don’t know exactly why this is, stress can affect things like hormones, blood pressure and sleep quality, all of which may play a role in tinnitus symptoms.
- Allergies. Allergies cause congestion, which not only affects the nasal passages but can affect your ears as well and increase your risk of Eustachian tube dysfunction. This blockage in your ear may increase tinnitus.
- Earwax buildup. Similar to allergies, a buildup of earwax can exacerbate tinnitus symptoms and also lead to temporary hearing loss. If you suspect earwax is worsening your tinnitus, do not try to clean your ears with a cotton swab. See your medical provider for safe removal instead.
- Dietary choices. Certain foods and beverages can worsen tinnitus in some people. Common culprits are foods high in sugar or fat, as well as alcohol and caffeine. Additionally, if you have food sensitivities, consuming those foods may increase your symptoms as well.
To learn more or to find help managing your tinnitus, call the experts at Heuser Hearing Institute today.