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Tinnitus is a common condition that affects millions of people around the world. For some, it's a minor annoyance that they barely even notice. Others may find that it affects the way they interact with people and their ability to sleep. No matter which camp you fall into, it's normal to want the issue to go away. Here are some ways to treat it.

Banish Loud Noises

You can make tinnitus worse by exposing yourself to loud noises. This includes listening to music that's too loud using your headphones. Take some time to assess whether your loud noise exposure is high and then address the issue accordingly. You may find that your phone gives you a warning if you listen to too much loud music throughout the week, so pay attention to what it's telling you.

Explore Relaxation Techniques

Some of the buzzing and ringing sensations you experience with tinnitus can worsen when you experience stress. As a result, you may then feel more stressed, which in turn can make your tinnitus worse. Try examining anything that may be making your stress worse and see if you can reduce it. You can also try relaxation techniques such as meditating and yoga. 

Try Background Noises

When your tinnitus is particularly severe, introducing a background noise can reduce it. In addition to masking the noises you experience with tinnitus, it can distract you from it. Common background noises include white noise, which is like a gentler version of the buzzing you hear when a TV doesn't tune in. You can also try rainforest and ocean sounds, which you may find helps you relax. Background noses are especially helpful at night when you're trying to sleep. Your audiologist may be able to recommend specialist machines for this purpose.

Hearing Aids

Sometimes, tinnitus is a sign that you're experiencing hearing loss. As such, it's important to arrange a hearing test with your audiologist if you start to experience it and it won't go away. Or, if you experience it and it worsens. Following your hearing test, they may recommend using a hearing aid that can reduce the amount of tinnitus you experience. If they do recommend a hearing aid, make sure you attend your follow-up appointments and take in their advice about caring for your device.

Overall, tinnitus isn't a condition you should force yourself to live with. With a bit of experimentation, your audiologist can help you find a resolution that makes your life easier.