Ringing in the Ears (Tinnitus)

Prevention

You may be able to prevent ringing in the ears if you:

• Limit or avoid exposure to loud noises, such as music, power tools, gunshots, and industrial machinery.
  • Wear protective earplugs or earmuffs if you cannot avoid loud noises. Do not use wadded-up tissue or cotton balls. These do not protect adequately against loud noises, especially the more dangerous high frequencies, and they may become lodged in the ear canal.
  • Be careful when using stereo headphones. If music is so loud that others can hear it clearly or you can't hear other sounds around you, the volume is too high.
• Cut back on or stop drinking alcohol and beverages containing caffeine.
• Do not smoke or use smokeless tobacco products. Nicotine use may cause tinnitus by reducing blood flow to the structures of the ear. For more information, see the topic Quitting Tobacco Use.
• Exercise regularly. Exercise may prevent tinnitus because it improves blood flow to the structures of the ear. For more information, see the topic Fitness.
• Maintain a healthy weight. Tinnitus occurs more frequently in obese adults. For more information, see the topic Healthy Weight.

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Author:	Jan Nissl, RN, BS	Last Updated: February 13, 2008
Medical Review:	William M. Green, MD - Emergency Medicine Donald R. Mintz, MD - Otolaryngology
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