Tinnitus is a health condition that causes constant buzzing or ringing in the ears. It can result from something as simple as a blocked ear or other related health concerns like hearing loss, heart condition, sinus infection, and hormonal changes. About 10% of the country’s population, including seniors, is impacted by tinnitus. The prolonged presence of the buzzing sound can gravely impact one’s health, but there are ways to control it.

1. Try relaxation techniques
The constant ringing that results from tinnitus can cause seniors to get annoyed and be unable to focus. Additionally, frequent flare-ups can be a reason for increased frustration in most people. The constant buzzing in the ears can keep people from continuing with their day. Those experiencing this should speak with healthcare providers about effective relaxation techniques. Healthcare providers can assist them with effective practices to find relief from their problems. For instance, they may recommend regular massages or breathing techniques to individuals suffering from tinnitus to alleviate the discomfort it triggers.

2. Eat nourishing foods
Healthcare practitioners and nutritionists may also recommend a meal plan to alleviate symptoms. For example, they may recommend that seniors with tinnitus eat acai regularly because it is rich in antioxidants and polyphenols, which can help reduce tinnitus symptoms. That being said, it is advisable to consult a licensed medical practitioner before making any food-related changes.

3. Clean the ears regularly
Seniors can try cleaning their ears to find instant relief from tinnitus. Getting rid of the ear wax buildup can make sure they find some relief. While the task can be carried out at home, it is better to get the ears cleaned by a professional. When using a Q-tip, some individuals may accidentally push the ear wax deeper into the ear canal, causing more blockage and worsening their condition. Furthermore, the risk of accidentally damaging the eardrum when using a Q-tip improperly or perforating it by pushing the wax into the canal is also present. Seniors who find it difficult to visit the doctor can learn the proper ear-cleaning technique without worsening their tinnitus.

4. Get adequate sleep
Fatigue can aggravate tinnitus in some people, particularly seniors, worsening ringing in their ears and other symptoms. Clocking in good-quality sleep is, therefore, one of the most effective ways of remedying tinnitus. Adopting sleeping habits that contribute to improved sleep time and quality is actionable advice most receive from their healthcare practitioners.

Seniors can improve their quality of sleep by adopting a consistent sleep routine. To achieve this, they should ensure that the room temperature is optimal to promote sleep, and they should dim or turn off the lights a little while before they plan to sleep. Additionally, experts recommend using a white or brown noise app or machine for seniors who struggle with falling asleep. This will help them fall asleep faster and increase their sleep duration over time. After recovering from fatigue, one will find immediate relief from tinnitus and its symptoms.

5. Exercise
Maintaining good health often requires dedication and consistent efforts, such as working out daily. Seniors who exercise regularly are less likely to develop conditions that challenge their well-being. Exercise can also act as a mood booster and benefit not just the person’s physical health but also their emotional well-being. Regular exercise, such as going for a thirty-minute walk, can contribute to improved tinnitus by lowering stress levels. That said, seniors with a sedentary lifestyle should speak to their doctor before starting with an exercise regimen. Seeking guidance can prevent overexertion and injury when exercising. It can also help one create the right exercise plan for their condition.

6. Practice yoga
Yoga can benefit seniors with tinnitus and other similar health concerns. It relaxes the mind and body, freeing individuals from triggers like stress. A study suggests regular yoga can help individuals improve their condition and ease symptoms of tinnitus over an extended period. That said, more research is necessary to understand the connection between the two.

7. Try sound therapy
Another alternative practice that can help with tinnitus symptoms is sound therapy. Sound therapy employs masking to provide relief to patients. It uses different noises or sounds to overpower the ringing or buzzing in seniors’ ears. It distracts them from the tinnitus-related ringing in their ears. Individuals can also practice sound therapy at home with online white noise, ambient music, and other relaxing sounds.

While quite a few studies indicate that sound therapy can be a promising practice to find instant relief from tinnitus symptoms, more conclusive data is required to confirm the connection.

8. Consider acupressure
For decades, acupressure, an ancient alternative healthcare practice, has proven beneficial for a variety of health issues. It works by addressing and targeting specific pressure points on the body. Different pressure points are massaged depending on an individual’s health concern.

Seniors should seek treatment from knowledgeable and licensed professionals to guarantee effective outcomes. Acupressure may not directly address and treat tinnitus, but it can alleviate pain, stress, and fatigue.