Twenty-five million Americans suffer from tinnitus, a hearing symptom that causes a ringing, roaring or clicking sound inside of the ear, according to the National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders (NIDCD). Although tinnitus is not a serious condition, it reduces a person's ability to hear and concentrate, causing anxiety and frustration. Tinnitus is treatable through medical therapy paired with medications, hearing aids and masking devices. People can use home treatments and techniques, which lower the sounds tinnitus produces. These treatments do not stop tinnitus, however. No treatments, medical or herbal, can cure tinnitus.
Limit Sodium and Caffeine Intake
Reduce ear ringing and other tinnitus symptoms by limiting salt and caffeine intake. Avoid processed foods such as fried or canned foods--it contains a high amount of salt. Avoid any foods that contain monosodium glutamate (MSG), a type of salt. Limit caffeine intake by avoiding sodas, tea, coffee, or energy drinks.
Avoid Triggers
Avoid tinnitus triggers. According to the NIDCD, common tinnitus triggers include smoking, drinking alcohol, or loud noise. To reduce triggers, abstain from smoking or drinking if possible, avoiding places where smoke is present. Avoid places or situations where loud noise is possible, such as parties, sport events, malls or construction zones. If these areas are not avoidable, wear ear plugs or earmuffs to reduce the noise.
Add Masking Noise
Add small environmental sounds to a room while at home. Called masking noise, small sounds such as crickets chirping, a ticking clock, or ocean waves allows the person to concentrate on the masking sounds instead of sounds caused by tinnitus. Although it does not prevent or cure tinnitus, it masks its sounds, reducing anxiety and frustration. According to MedicineNet.com, white noise machines also effectively mask sounds caused by tinnitus.
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