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Showing posts from April, 2024

Can Earwax Alone Cause Tinnitus? And What Can You Do About It?

The short answer is no, but a buildup of earwax can certainly contribute to the ringing, buzzing, or humming sensation in your ears. Understanding the relationship between earwax and tinnitus helps, and there are potential solutions you can look into. So, what's the role of earwax (also known as cerumen) in our ears? It's a natural substance produced by glands in the ear canal. The primary function of earwax is to protect the ear canal by trapping dirt, dust, and other foreign particles, preventing them from reaching the eardrum. Earwax also has antibacterial properties that help prevent infections in the ear. Problems can arise when there is an excessive buildup of earwax. This buildup, known as cerumen impaction, occurs when the ear's self-cleaning mechanism is disrupted, leading to a blockage in the ear canal. Symptoms of cerumen impaction can include earache, a feeling of fullness in the ear, itching, and, in some cases, tinnitus. But while earwax buildup can contribute

5 Low-Impact Dietary Changes to Manage Your Tinnitus Effectively (and Maybe Reduce It)

Sometimes changing your diet can reduce tinnitus symptoms pretty significantly. These changes can be simple and added slowly over time. That way you'll know if they're effective and they've become a habit.  Increase Your Water Intake Staying hydrated is crucial for overall health, and it can also play a significant role in managing tinnitus. Dehydration can make your tinnitus symptoms worse, increasing the ringing or buzzing in your ears. By simply drinking more water ever day, you may be able alleviate the intensity of your tinnitus. If it works for you, it's an easy habit to form. Eat More Anti-Inflammatory Foods Inflammation is believed to be one of the contributing factors to tinnitus, so adding anti-inflammatory foods into your diet can potentially help reduce inflammation in the body and alleviate tinnitus symptoms. Foods rich in antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties, such as turmeric and ginger, can be particularly beneficial.  Turmeric, with its active c

Does Sugar Make Your Tinnitus Worse?

Tinnitus, which is the perception of noise or ringing in the ears when no external sound is present, can be influenced by various factors, including diet. While there is no one-size-fits-all answer, some people find that certain foods and substances, including sugar, can exacerbate their tinnitus symptoms. Sugar can impact tinnitus in a few ways: Blood Sugar Levels : Fluctuations in blood sugar levels can affect the inner ear and hearing pathways, potentially making tinnitus more noticeable. High sugar intake can lead to spikes and drops in blood sugar, which might worsen tinnitus for some people. Inflammation : High sugar consumption is linked to increased inflammation in the body. Inflammation can potentially contribute to the worsening of tinnitus symptoms. Hyperinsulinemia : Excessive sugar intake over time can lead to hyperinsulinemia (a condition characterized by excess levels of insulin in the blood relative to the level of glucose). This condition has been associated with vario

I Don't Have a Sense of Smell. Will Aromatherapy Still Help Reduce My Tinnitus Symptoms?

Aromatherapy is often suggested as a low-stress relaxation technique to reduce tinnitus symptoms.  But does aromatherapy work for people like me who don't have a sense of smell? Let's dig in: As you probably know, aromatherapy primarily relies on the sense of smell to achieve its effects. It involves the use of essential oils to stimulate the olfactory system, which then affects other parts of the brain related to mood and emotions. For people who don't have a sense of smell (a condition known as anosmia), the traditional benefits of aromatherapy through olfactory stimulation won't be experienced in the usual way. However, that doesn't mean all benefits are completely inaccessible. Some aspects of aromatherapy might still be helpful for individuals with anosmia: Topical Application Essential oils are often applied to the skin for their therapeutic properties, which can include anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and soothing effects. When mixed with a carrier oil and

Try These 7 Low-Stress Relaxation Techniques To Reduce Your Tinnitus Symptoms

Have you tried these low-stress relaxation techniques to reduce the intensity of your tinnitus symptoms? I wouldn't necessarily try everything at once -- it's easier to tell what's working when you try one at a time, and then add another. But you do you, and let me know what works best for you. I swear by deep breathing, but without a sense of smell, I don't think aromatherapy is my thing. Here are 7 low-stress relaxation techniques to reduce your tinnitus symptoms: 1. Deep Breathing Exercises Deep breathing is a simple yet effective way to reduce stress and distract your mind from tinnitus. Practice inhaling slowly through your nose, holding your breath for a few seconds, and then exhaling slowly through your mouth. Repeat this process for a few minutes daily or whenever your tinnitus feels overwhelming. 2. Progressive Muscle Relaxation This technique involves tensing each muscle group in your body tightly but not to the point of strain, and then slowly relaxing them.