Woman's World

Desperate for Tinnitus Relief? How To Quiet the Ringing in Your Ears

Rachel Cosma — Tue, 05 May 2026 01:30:39 +0000

If you’ve ever laid awake at night listening to a high-pitched ringing, buzzing or whooshing that no one else can hear, you know how much it can disrupt your life. More than 50 million U.S. adults live with the condition called tinnitus. And while it can feel maddening, doctors say real tinnitus relief is possible when you find the right combination of treatments. One Woman’s World reader even pieced together her own approach after years of being dismissed, and her story offers hope to anyone struggling with that stubborn inner soundtrack. Keep scrolling to discover the treatment options that really work.

What is tinnitus?

“Tinnitus is the perception of sound in the absence of sound, and the primary symptom is hearing something other people aren’t able to hear,” explains Hamid Djalilian, MD, an otolaryngologist, tinnitus specialist, chief medical advisor of NeuroMed Tinnitus Clinic and a professor of otolaryngology at the UC Irvine School of Medicine.

According to the American Tinnitus Association, tinnitus is an audiological and neurological condition that can be acute, temporary or chronic. It can occur in one or both ears, or seemingly inside the head. Beyond classic ringing, you might hear buzzing, whooshing, clicking or hissing. “In people with tinnitus, the sound may be noticed at night when things are quieter,” Dr. Djalilian adds.

Common tinnitus causes

Triggers of tinnitus can include:

Age-related hearing loss
Exposure to loud noises
Side effects of certain medications
Clogged earwax
Ear infections
Severe head injury

For women, midlife brings its own risk factors. “In women, tinnitus occurs more around menopause because hormonal changes can lead to an increase in brain sensitivity, which is a form of atypical migraine—a migraine without the headache,” Dr. Djalilian explains. Stress also triggers ringing in the ears. “Tinnitus tends to get worse in stressful environments,” adds Lachelle Lazarus, an audiologist at the University of Maryland Medical Center.

Tinnitus relief treatments that work

There’s no universal cure, but several science-backed approaches can dramatically reduce how loud and intrusive tinnitus feels. Here’s what experts say can help:

Mindful mornings

Licensed psychotherapist Reneé Zavislak suggests starting the day with a 15-minute grounding routine like journaling, meditation or breathwork, plus visualization: “Practice seeing yourself happily participating in your favorite activities while the tinnitus is active,” she suggests. ““In other words, picture yourself experiencing tinnitus and not reacting to it. By practicing this in your mind, you create a path in the brain that reinforces this behavior.”

Sound therapy

External sounds—white noise, a fan, soft music—help disguise the inner noise people with tinnitus hear to provide some relief. “This helps cover up or mask the ringing sound so the brain pays less attention to it,” Dr. Djalilian says. “It allows the brain to calm down and not focus on the ringing.”

Natural supplements

A Spanish study found melatonin can reduce your chances of being bothered by tinnitus by 40 percent. Curcumin, the antioxidant compound found in turmeric, may also help deliver tinnitus relief by improving the body’s cellular-cleaning system, suggests a study in the International Journal of Molecular Sciences. This helps inner ear cells better process sound.

Hearing aids

Because hearing loss and tinnitus often travel together, amplifying outside sounds can drown out internal ones. “We often notice that when an individual with both hearing loss and tinnitus uses a hearing aid as amplification for the hearing loss, the tinnitus can subside,” Lazarus notes.

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)

When it comes to treating tinnitus for lasting relief, a study in The International Journal of Psychiatry in Medicine found that eight weeks of CBT significantly reduced the severity, duration, frequency and discomfort of the condition. It even improved tinnitus-related sleep problems.

Craniosacral therapy

This gentle hands-on massage of the head, neck and back eases muscle tightness and calms the nervous system. That’s important because emotional stress is a strong indicator of tinnitus severity, according to research in Frontiers of Aging Neuroscience.

How one woman ‘cured’ her tinnitus and found lasting relief

After decades of being told her tinnitus was just her imagination, Woman’s World reader Patricia Hoadley de Graaff was diagnosed in 2012 with bilateral superior semicircular canal dehiscence (SSCDS), a rare inner ear disorder. She declined the recommended surgery—which may not have provided noticeable improvements and had a risk of side effects—and instead built her own toolkit for tinnitus relief.

First came a box fan running in the hallway outside her bedroom. “The humming of the fan made the internal noises a little quieter, and after using it for almost five years, I found I didn’t even need it anymore,” she says.

An acupuncturist also recommended Natural Vitality Calm Magnesium Citrate powder. Within about three weeks, “I noticed my tinnitus was quieter and my sleep greatly improved.” She added N-acetylcysteine (NAC) at night, though Dr. Djalilian cautions NAC “hasn’t yet been shown to have a specific effect on tinnitus.” Finally, talk therapy and nearly a year of weekly craniosacral therapy rounded out her routine.

“Although my tinnitus isn’t completely cured, the strategies I’ve tried have worked together to calm me,” Hoadley de Graaff says.” As a result, my tinnitus doesn’t seem as loud or irritating as it once did. The decrease in my tinnitus suffering has made me more focused and more satisfied with life overall. “

The path to tinnitus relief can start today

When it comes to tinnitus relief, there’s no one magic solution for everyone. Instead, a combination of lifestyle and behavioral modifications can make a real difference. Start small— try a fan tonight, talk to your doctor about natural supplements, build in a few quiet minutes each morning. Layer by layer, you can turn the volume down on tinnitus and turn the peace back up.

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This content is not a substitute for professional medical advice or diagnosis. Always consult your physician before pursuing any treatment plan.

I ‘Cured’ My Tinnitus at 55—What Finally Quieted the Ringing in My Ears

Rachel Cosma — Sun, 29 Mar 2026 15:00:20 +0000

I was about nine or 10 years old when I first became aware of a ringing in my ears—what I’d later come to learn was tinnitus—and it’s plagued me ever since. When you have tinnitus, you hear certain noises on a continual loop in your head. For me, these sounds range from a ringing, buzzing, pulsating or a whooshing, similar to the noise you hear when you hold a seashell up to your ear. But now, at 55 years old, I’ve finally managed to find a noticeable measure of relief. Here’s how I “cured” my tinnitus.

What tinnitus sounds like to me

At night when I’m in bed, I can often hear an amplification of my bodily sounds, such as a very loud heartbeat, the swishing of my eyeballs moving back and forth, the flow of blood running through my veins and a growling in my stomach. Having tinnitus makes me extra sensitive to external noises too. I often hear things no one else can. For instance, in high school, I recall being in a classroom that was near the boiler room, and I was the only one who could hear the hissing and rumbling noises coming from there.

Tinnitus took a heavy toll on my physical and mental health

Physically, the condition has caused me to experience migraine headaches, which often occur in people with tinnitus. It also affected my sleep, with the internal noises making it difficult to doze off. And when I finally did manage to sleep, it was fitful and sporadic. I was constantly tired. Physically, my body was sluggish, heavy and I was plagued with chronic pain. I almost always felt hungover, even though I don’t drink alcohol.

Emotionally, I was always irritable, constantly in fight-or-flight mode and short-tempered. The cascade effect from lack of adequate sleep caused the tinnitus to get louder, my brain more sensitive to the noises from within and from outside sources.

My mental health also suffered. I had difficulty focusing and experienced severe depression. Not being able to stop or quiet the noises I was hearing caused me extreme anxiety. Even when my tinnitus would quiet for a bit, I dreaded that it would come back full force any minute.

What doctors think caused my tinnitus

I’d visited numerous doctors over the years, but none could give me a solid medical explanation for my tinnitus. The physicians I saw characterized my tinnitus as hallucinations, my imagination and even malingering.

But by 2012, my tinnitus was so loud and high-pitched that it made my head feel numb and tingly—so much so I would have to pull over on the highway because I thought I was having a seizure or a stroke. After several trips to the emergency room, I was referred to an ear, nose and throat specialist (ENT), also known as an otolaryngologist.

The ENT diagnosed me with bilateral superior semicircular canal dehiscence (SSCDS), a rare inner ear disorder where the bone in your ear canal develops a hole or becomes too thin. SSCDS can lead to hearing loss, balance issues, heightened sensitivity to sound and hearing internal sounds.

The doctor explained I was likely born with SSCDS and recommended surgery. The problem: It’s a major procedure that could potentially cause significant hearing loss and might not get rid of my baseline tinnitus. My hearing hasn’t been affected too severely by my tinnitus and the risks felt too significant for me, so I opted out of the procedure.

My motivation for learning how to manage tinnitus

I’m a singer, songwriter and musician—I love what I do and wanted to keep doing it, so I pursued therapy to help manage the overwhelming symptoms of tinnitus. And after I got married and had my three children, my faith in God and knowing I had a family who counted on me kept me motivated to keep going in my search for relief. But it was an uphill battle.

Things I hoped would cure my tinnitus, but didn’t

In my search for something that would help manage my tinnitus and improve my quality of life, I was recommended to get hearing aids and wear them on the lowest setting for six months. Unfortunately, my insurance wouldn’t cover them. As an alternative, I tried AirPods with a built-in hearing aid function, but they didn’t provide the relief I’d hoped for.

It was time for me to seek out other more affordable and doable strategies, some of which were more successful than others. I tried doing vestibular physical therapy (an exercise program designed to treat inner ear disorders) for my dizziness and vertigo, but instead of alleviating it, it made things worse.

Other things I tried included chewing gum—which sometimes made that hollow whooshing sound go away—seeing a chiropractor who performed adjustments on my head and neck and acupuncture, none of which cured my tinnitus.

How I finally found relief from tinnitus

Disappointed but not defeated, I kept trying different things. To start, I began consistently running a box fan in the hallway outside of my bedroom to create white noise that would (hopefully) distract my brain while I slept. And it worked! The humming of the fan made the internal noises a little quieter, and after using it for almost five years, I found I didn’t even need it anymore.

I was still having migraines, and a neurologist suggested acupuncture again. It was the acupuncturist who told me about magnesium supplements, and in particular Natural Vitality Calm Magnesium Citrate powder, that might help with my headaches, sleep issues and anxiety. Over the course of using it for about three weeks, I noticed my tinnitus was quieter and my sleep greatly improved.

Along with taking magnesium, I began taking over-the-counter N-acetylcysteine (NAC) supplements (600 mg once at night). NAC is a form of the amino acid L-cysteine, which has potent antioxidant properties and may help with anxiety. I think it soothed my nervous system, so the tinnitus is either quieter or my calmer nervous system has helped the tinnitus not seem so loud.

More recently, talk therapy has been helpful. I’ve felt validated and have learned calming techniques and behavioral modifications to change how I think about and react to the tinnitus.

And finally, I’ve been going for craniosacral therapy for almost a year now, and it’s helped quiet my tinnitus. It’s basically a very light massage aimed at relieving tension and improving nervous system dysfunction. It helps by releasing restrictions in the soft tissue surrounding the brain and spinal cord. (Learn more about tinnitus treatment options.)

How these treatments can help manage tinnitus

Sound therapy includes listening to a fan, soft music, nature sounds or white noise machines. “These can all help make tinnitus less distracting,” says Hamid Djalilian, MD, an otolaryngologist, tinnitus specialist, chief medical advisor of NeuroMed Tinnitus Clinic, and a professor of otolaryngology at the UC Irvine School of Medicine in Irvine, CA.

Taking 200 mg to 400 mg of magnesium once or twice a day reduces stress, encourages better sleep and helps reduce the frequency and severity of atypical migraines (the one that don’t come with pain), thus lowering the volume of tinnitus, says Dr. Djalilian.

Craniosacral therapy or massage can also be helpful to relieve stiff and tight muscles in the neck, jaw and upper back, which can occur in those with tinnitus. “Patients often get relief because it relieves muscle spasms and calms the body, which reduces tinnitus,” Dr. Djalilian explains.

When it comes to NAC supplements, this treatment is used to treat acute loss of hearing but hasn’t yet been shown to have a specific effect on tinnitus, notes Dr. Djalilian. “The amount of NAC in over-the-counter supplements is quite variable. When we want to use NAC for an acute noise-induced hearing loss, we use a prescription one that comes in a liquid form.”

What I’ve learned about living with tinnitus

Although my tinnitus isn’t completely cured, the strategies I’ve tried have worked together to calm me and lessen the severity of my anxiety and depression. As a result, my tinnitus doesn’t seem as loud or irritating as it once did.

My advice: If your mental health is suffering because of tinnitus, seek out a cognitive behavioral therapist, specifically one who understands tinnitus. A good therapist can help you find a combination of things that work for you, as well as provide coping techniques. When it comes to tinnitus, I don’t think there’s one magic solution, but a combination of lifestyle and behavioral modifications that can bring relief.

The decrease in my tinnitus suffering has made me calmer, more focused and more satisfied with life overall. My singing and songwriting has never been better, and I have accomplished more this year with my music creation than I have in my entire life. I’m so grateful for how far I’ve come.

This content is not a substitute for professional medical advice or diagnosis. Always consult your physician before pursuing any treatment plan.

Ringing Ears? Try These Doctor-Backed Tinnitus Treatment Options

Rachel Cosma — Mon, 23 Mar 2026 23:00:57 +0000

Many people have experienced an annoying “ringing in the ears” sound on occasion. It may only last a few seconds or a minute, and typically it goes away pretty fast. But for some of us, that piercing noise doesn’t let up and becomes constant, affecting our quality of life. When this happens, it’s called tinnitus—and there are treatment options that can help.

What is tinnitus?

“Tinnitus is the perception of sound in the absence of sound, and the primary symptom is hearing something other people aren’t able to hear,” says Hamid Djalilian, MD, an otolaryngologist, tinnitus specialist, chief medical advisor of NeuroMed Tinnitus Clinic and a professor of otolaryngology at the UC Irvine School of Medicine.

According to the American Tinnitus Association (ATA), tinnitus is an audiological and neurological condition experienced by more than 50 million U.S. adults. The condition can be acute, temporary or chronic. It can occur in one or both ears, or seemingly inside the head. Besides hearing a ringing, buzzing or whooshing sounds, tinnitus symptoms may also include hearing clicking or hissing sounds, says Dr. Djalilian. “In tinnitus patients, the sound may be noticed at night when things are quieter.”

Potential tinnitus causes

While the exact cause of tinnitus isn’t fully clear, the condition has been linked to:

Age-related hearing loss
Exposure to loud noises
Side effects of certain medications
Clogged earwax
An ear infection
Severe head injury

Tinnitus tends to show up more as we age because we have more hearing loss, says Dr. Djalilian. “In women, tinnitus occurs more around menopause because hormonal changes can lead to an increase in brain sensitivity, which is a form of atypical migraine—a migraine without the headache,” he explains. “This can lead to increased attention to the tinnitus, and thus a greater perception of the sound.”

How tinnitus is diagnosed

If you suspect you have tinnitus, schedule a visit with an otolaryngologist (ear, nose and throat specialist). They will perform a physical exam and go over your medical history to find out if there’s an underlying issue first.

“For example, if you have earwax completely blocking your ear canal, that will cause a drop in the hearing and thus cause ringing at the brain level,” Dr. Djalilian explains. “Removal of the wax will then cure the tinnitus as it restores the hearing.”

However, Dr. Djalilian adds, “if the tinnitus occurs as a result of inner ear hearing cell loss, it’s rare that it can be cured in that we can’t make it completely disappear unless we see it in the early stages when the tinnitus is intermittent or less than three months from onset.”

If there isn’t an underlying reason for the ringing in your ears, your doctor will most likely have you see an audiologist, who will conduct a tinnitus matching test. During this test, the audiologist may play various sounds and ask the patient to match it up against the sound they hear internally, says Dr. Djalilian. Once you’ve been diagnosed with tinnitus, you can work with your doctor to explore some of the treatment options below.

Tinnitus treatment options to stop the ringing in your ears

Dr. Djalilian explains that tinnitus treatments focus on managing and easing symptoms. Some techniques that can help include:

Sound therapy

This involves using external sounds to help mask or distract the inner sounds in your head. These outside sounds can come in the form of listening to white noise (such as the whirring of a fan or the hum of an air conditioner) or playing ambient music. “This helps cover up or mask the ringing sound so the brain pays less attention to the ringing sound,” says Dr. Djalilian. “It allows the brain to calm down and not focus on the ringing.”

This treatment option may also be paired with counseling in what’s known as tinnitus retraining therapy (TRT), which involves helping your brain learn to tune out the ringing and any reaction to it.

Craniosacral therapy

This tinnitus treatment is a gentle, hands-on massage of the head, neck and back to help relieve muscle tightness in those areas and calm your nervous system, reducing tension. That’s important, since stress can trigger and exacerbate the ringing in your ears. According to a study in Frontiers of Aging Neuroscience, emotional stress worsens existing tinnitus and is seen as an important indicator of tinnitus severity. (Discover more stress-busting techniques.)

Wearing a hearing aid

Using hearing aids in people with noticeable hearing loss has also been shown to bring some tinnitus relief, since hearing loss and tinnitus often go hand-in-hand. With a hearing aid, you’re amplifying external sounds, and this can assist in drowning out those annoying internal sounds.

If you want to try going the hearing aid route, see an audiologist. They can evaluate and test you so they can determine the best hearing aid option for you. Some hearing aids even come programmed with sound therapy featuring static noises that might help improve your tinnitus treatment.

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)

CBT is a goal-oriented, structured kind of talk therapy that focuses on changing unhealthy thoughts and behaviors, and it’s a treatment that has been shown to help people with tinnitus. According to the American Academy of Audiology, CBT can help you develop coping techniques and find solutions to better manage the ringing in your years.

And there’s evidence it works. One study in The International Journal of Psychiatry in Medicine found tinnitus sufferers who had eight weeks of cognitive behavioral therapy significantly reduced their tinnitus severity, duration, frequency and discomfort compared to the group that didn’t receive CBT. It even improved tinnitus-related sleep problems.

What to do if tinnitus treatments don’t provide enough relief

If you have very bothersome tinnitus and the treatments above haven’t helped stop the ringing in your ears, Dr. Djalilian recommends seeking out a clinic that specializes in tinnitus. “The treatment should involve controlling brain sensitivity that makes tinnitus loud and intrusive by using medication and directed supplements.”

In addition, these specialists can address stress, sleep problems and dietary factors that trigger the loud tinnitus with coaching, cognitive behavioral therapy and sound therapy, he adds.

“The important thing to know is that bothersome tinnitus is treatable medically and we have had great results when we approach it in a comprehensive manner,” says Dr. Djalilian.

This content is not a substitute for professional medical advice or diagnosis. Always consult your physician before pursuing any treatment plan.

How To Improve Hearing Naturally: 9 Easy Fixes an Expert Says Really Work

Alexandria Brooks — Mon, 23 Mar 2026 14:10:00 +0000

Constantly turning up the TV or asking loved ones to repeat themselves? About a third of us will deal with some degree of hearing loss by age 65, according to Harvard researchers—and that number climbs to 50 percent by the time we hit our mid-70s. The good news? Mild hearing loss doesn’t have to affect your quality of life. If you’re wondering how to improve your hearing naturally, these science-backed tips are a great place to start.

How to improve hearing naturally

You already know the basics like wearing hearing protection in noisy environments (like at concerts while mowing the lawn). But there’s so much more you can do to protect your hearing health. Here’s what works:

Schedule a hearing test

“The number one thing people can do to protect their hearing is get a hearing screening, which most people haven’t had since the third grade, and keep monitoring it,” reveals clinical audiologist Dawn Heiman, AuD. She suggests starting at age 40 to get a baseline, which can help you and your doctor better track—and treat—any changes as soon as they arise.

Skip the cottons swabs

According to the American Academy of Otolaryngology, earwax blockage is one of the most common causes of hearing loss, and it’s often caused by our attempts to remove wax with cotton swabs. While alternative remedies like ear candling may feel good, there’s no evidence they’re actually effective, Dr. Heiman notes. “There’s also a chance you could burn yourself,” she adds. “I recommend over-the-counter ear drops if you feel wax building up. They’re usually made with a mixture of hydrogen peroxide and mineral oil, and they’re very safe and effective.”

Open a window

Closing your windows to keep your home at a comfortable temperature puts you in close contact with household allergens. This causes the body to release histamine that clogs what’s known as the middle ears, the area of the ears where sound is processed. Instead of the added cost (and potential side effects) of using antihistamines, simply open a window.

Experts at Allergy & Asthma Centers S.C. note that opening your windows, especially after cleaning, allows airborne allergens to escape while ushering in fresh air. Also smart? Switching on an air purifier to whisk away indoor allergens. One option: The Coway Airmega Mighty2 AP-1512N air purifier.

Try hearing assistance earbuds

Hearing loss can make it difficult to listen and understand conversations, including those that occur over the phone. For those with sensorineural hearing loss, where the inner ear or auditory nerves are damaged, the issue is especially acute. A small study in iScience, however, suggests that smartphone-bundled earbuds can serve as hearing assistance devices for adults with mild-to-moderate hearing loss.

The researchers found that these earbuds met four of the five criteria for personal sound amplification products. The researchers also found that in quiet environments with no background noise and when noise approached study participants laterally, those using earbuds showed similar improvements in speech recognition performance as those using premium hearing aids.

Hearing aids are now available over the counter and can be purchased without a prescription. If you’re an AirPods user, you may already have built-in support. The AirPods Pro include a feature called Hearing Aid designed to help folks with mild to moderate hearing loss.

Savor sweet potatoes

Whether roasted, mashed or baked into a pie, sweet potatoes may help improve your hearing naturally. They’re packed with vitamin A, which protects the cells in your inner ear from free radical damage that can lead to hearing loss. A study in the Journal of Nutrition, Health and Aging of more than 3,000 adults over 50 found that those with the most vitamin A in their diets had a 47 percent lower risk of hearing loss compared to those with the least.

Listen to music

“We don’t hear with our ears, we hear with our brains—and our brains love music,” says Dr. Heiman. “Research shows trying to learn a musical instrument at any stage of life improves our ability to hear background noise.” Simply listening to your favorite song may stimulate the parts of the brain that help you hear, she adds. “The entire brain lights up when music is playing.”

Enjoy a tuna melt

A study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found people who consistently ate at least two servings of tuna or other fatty fish per week as part of a healthy diet lowered their risk of hearing loss by 42 percent. And even a single weekly serving of fish had a significant protective effect. The omega-3 fatty acids in seafood boost blood flow to the cochlea, the part of the inner ear involved in hearing.

Sip a smoothie

Your favorite smoothie ingredients—milk, yogurt, bananas and berries—brim with magnesium, a mineral that may help improve your hearing naturally, according to research in the American Journal of Otolaryngology. Magnesium dilates blood vessels, boosting nourishing blood flow to the ear. Tip: For an added magnesium boost, stir Solaray Extra-Strength Magnesium Glycinate Powder into your smoothie.

Focus on folate

Folate, also known as vitamin B9, plays an important role in more than just your overall health. It also helps improve your hearing naturally. In fact, a Brigham and Women’s Hospital study found that people over 60 with higher folate levels were more than 20 percent less likely to develop hearing loss.

Folate helps prevent age-related hearing loss—one of the most common types of hearing loss—by supporting blood flow to the cochlea. Find it in foods like peanuts, beans, eggs and broccoli as well as fortified cereals, pasta and orange juice.

This content is not a substitute for professional medical advice or diagnosis. Always consult your physician before pursuing any treatment plan.

Free Hearing Aids for the Holidays? See if You Qualify

lmaxbauer — Tue, 11 Nov 2025 18:00:55 +0000

Money is tight, especially around the holidays. So we were excited to hear that hundreds of Americans with hearing loss can get access to free hearing aids over the next two months. It’s all thanks to donations from the non-profit Beltone Hearing Care Foundation. (Last year at this time, they gave out 1,250 free pairs!) Keep reading to learn how you can have a chance to hear those sleigh bells jingling a little better this season—for free—with this special giveaway.

Why Beltone gives away free hearing aids each holiday season

There are nearly 50 million Americans with hearing loss, according to recent estimates from the Hearing Loss Association of America. Tools such as hearing aids can be key to not only boosting people’s hearing health, but also their mental and physical wellbeing.

That’s especially true during the social winter holidays when you don’t want to miss hearing a word of the conversation from your loved ones or your favorite Bing Crosby Christmas tune on the radio. MJ DeSousa, Beltone audiologist and director of patient experience, says, “During my career, I have seen the life-changing power of hearing aids.”

Now in its third year, this annual giveaway is known as the “Hear for the Holidays” initiative. And in the last decade, the foundation has given away more than 8,300 hearing aids at no cost to recipients. This is all part of Beltone’s mission, which started 85 years ago, to help people hear more clearly.

How to enter: step-by-step guide to this year’s giveaway

Beltone is offering free hearing aids for giveaway winners through November and December 2025, so you don’t want to miss out on your shot to enter. All you need to do to be considered is fill out a short online form and then get a free hearing screening at a Beltone hearing center near you. (There are about 1,200 locations nationwide.)

People who have a minimum hearing loss of 25 decibels are eligible for a chance to receive free hearing aids. Hundreds of winners across the country will be notified by January 31st, and their free hearing aid fittings will take place in February. DeSousa says hearing loss can happen gradually and sneak up on people, so it’s important to get screened.

It’s easy to nominate yourself or someone you love for the chance to receive a free pair. To start the process to see if you can score free hearing aids, use this quick online nomination form. The giveaway ends December 31.

Tip: If you’re not one of the lucky winners, check out our tips on how to get low-cost hearing aids at Costco and what types might be best for your needs.

5 surprising ways hearing better boosts your health and happiness

“When people can hear clearly, they can engage fully,” said David Molella, President of Beltone North America. “Our goal is to make that level of connection more accessible in this highly social season, whether it’s hearing a grandchild’s laughter or being in on the punchline at the dinner table. Hearing aids help restore not only sound, but confidence and clarity.”

It’s no surprise that hearing better can lead to a gift of health benefits. Here are some more perks to using hearing aids:

It boosts your energy

Untreated hearing loss can lead to fatigue. “You have to work so hard. Having to ask to repeat things over and over or misinterpreting conversations can cause stress,” says DeSousa. “This can make everyday conversations exhausting.”

It lifts your mood

Clear, undisrupted hearing paves the way for more meaningful social interaction and reduced feelings of loneliness. DeSousa says, “When someone starts hearing clearly again, you can see their whole demeanor change. They’re smiling more and laughing more.”

Plus, there’s real brain science to it. World-renowned psychiatrist Daniel Amen, MD, shares, “You master your brain by controlling what goes into it, using your five senses.” For example, citing research from the Journal of Positive Psychology, he says, it’s a fact that “you can improve your mood and boost your happiness in just two weeks simply by listening to mood-boosting music.”

It strengthens confidence

Enhanced hearing ability can also empower people to speak up and participate in social situations. DeSousa says, “They’re jumping into conversations they used to shy away from. It’s amazing how people light up once they feel connected again.”

It’s safer

Better hearing strengthens our awareness of our surroundings and even improves our balance, reducing accidents such as slips and falls. DeSousa adds, “Being able to hear an oven timer, a car pulling up or someone calling your name makes a big difference in both independence and awareness of potential hazards.” In fact, regular, all-day use of hearing aids may cut the chances of having a fall by 50 percent, found 2024 research published in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society.

It protects your memory

“When your brain is constantly working overtime to fill in the gaps, it can take a toll,” says DeSousa. “Research consistently shows that safeguarding your hearing supports brain health.” She adds, “With so many dementia risks beyond our control, treating hearing loss through the use of hearing aids can be an empowering step to reducing the risk of cognitive decline.”

This content is not a substitute for professional medical advice or diagnosis. Always consult your physician before pursuing any treatment plan.

Tired of Tinnitus? 7 Ways To Help Stop the Ringing in Your Ears Fast

Isabelle Paquette — Mon, 30 Jun 2025 15:30:35 +0000

Ringing in the ears, also called tinnitus, affects millions each year. This puzzling condition can start suddenly and range from mild annoyance to constant disruption. To help you find relief, we asked experts for tips on how to stop the ringing in your ears—or at least significantly reduce it—using simple, science-backed remedies.

What causes ringing in your ears?

“Tinnitus is the perception of sound when there is no external source of that sound,” says Lachelle Lazarus, an audiologist at the University of Maryland Medical Center. “It can be perceived as a ringing, roaring, hissing or humming.” Symptoms vary from person to person.

“Tinnitus can be consistent or come and go, and the volume can vary a lot—sometimes it’s barely noticeable, while other times it can be loud and distracting,” adds Raj Dasgupta, MD, an ABIM quadruple board-certified physician and medical reviewer for NCOA. “Many people find it frustrating, especially if it disrupts their daily life or sleep.”

As for what triggers ringing in the ears, “there are many factors that can cause and exacerbate tinnitus,” says Lazarus. “Some of these factors include hearing loss, being exposed to [loud] noises and certain medications. Stress can also have a significant role in the bothersome nature of tinnitus.”

Because tinnitus is often tied to age-related hearing loss, your risk of developing this condition can increase over time (though it’s important to note that age itself is not a risk factor).

How to stop ringing in your ears: 7 easy tips

Most of the time, tinnitus cannot be cured. “There are no home remedies that can cure tinnitus itself,” says Lazarus. “However, there are ways that individuals can manage the condition.” Here’s how to make tinnitus less noticeable and help stop the ringing in your ears.

Start your day with calm

The connection between tinnitus and tension means that reducing stress can help stop ringing in your ears. “Stress management is also beneficial to help alleviate the bothersome nature of tinnitus, as tinnitus tends to get worse in stressful environments,” says Lazarus.

Licensed psychotherapist Reneé Zavislak recommends developing a calming daily morning routine. “Choose one thing that is good for you and that takes less than 15 minutes to do, and then do it every morning before you do anything else,” she advises. “Any grounding, calming activity will do. By attending to our nervous systems first thing in the day, we set the tone, making it much easier to maintain the sense of peace as the action of the day kicks in.”

Journaling, meditating, drawing or doing breathwork are all good options for starting the day off on the right foot. Getting in movement throughout the day can extend that sense of calm.

“That doesn’t have to mean exercise in the punishing-workout sense,” Zavislak says. “Dancing around the house is my favorite recommendation, as the combination of movement and music is profoundly soothing to the nervous system. Both exercise and music both help lower cortisol, our primary stress hormone. Plus, music activates the brain’s pleasure center, lowering feelings of anxiety and depression.”

Try a noise machine

“Using sound from a fan or a noise machine when the tinnitus is distracting can be beneficial, as it helps the brain become accustomed to the tinnitus,” Lazarus says.

Research in Therapeutic Advances in Chronic Disease suggests that many different forms of noise can be useful—from white noise to pink noise to brown noise—so experiment to find what works best for you.

Tip: Some audiologists can provide customized sound stimulation, which is white noise with frequencies and tones catered to your specific tinnitus symptoms. Talk to your doctor about this option if regular white noise isn’t working for you.

Consider curcumin

An Italian study suggests that curcumin, a potent compound in turmeric spice, may help stop the ringing in your ears by improving the body’s cell-cleaning system. This soothes tinnitus symptoms by helping cells in the inner ear canal better process sound.

Practice mindfulness

One of the most effective ways to help stop the ringing in your ears is by managing your own reaction to the bothersome sound, says Dr. Dasgupta. “Mindfulness practices, such as meditation and deep breathing, can help you feel calmer,” he says.

One mindfulness technique Zavislak suggests for people with tinnitus is visualization, or imagining yourself coexisting peacefully with your tinnitus.

“Practice seeing yourself happily participating in your favorite activities while the tinnitus is active,” Zavislak says. “In other words, picture yourself experiencing tinnitus and not reacting to it. By practicing this in your mind, you create a path in the brain that reinforces this behavior.”

Do a ‘sensory scan’

Zavislak also recommends using a technique called “sensory scans” to train your brain to lean into other senses for relief from the ringing in your ears.

“Spend one minute hyperfocusing on one piece of stimuli for each sense, omitting sound,” Zavislak explains. “Choose one thing that you see, and then to look at it as if you have never seen it before, focusing as hard as possible only on that one piece of visual stimuli for one full minute or more. Then repeat that with touch, taste and smell.”

Tip: “If those don’t do the trick, you could try cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), which helps change how you react to the sounds, or tinnitus retraining therapy (TRT), which combines sound therapy with counseling,” Dr. Dasgupta advises.

Take melatonin

Ringing in your ears can disrupt sleep. And in a cruel twist, common sleep aids like benzodiazepines can make tinnitus worse. To the rescue: Melatonin. This natural sleep hormone not only helps people fall asleep faster and stay asleep longer, according to Yale research, but a Spanish study found it can reduce your chances of being bothered by tinnitus by 40 percent.

Ask about hearing aids

If your tinnitus is tied to hearing loss, getting fitted for hearing aids may help stop the ringing in your ears. “We often notice that when an individual with both hearing loss and tinnitus uses a hearing aid as amplification for the hearing loss, the tinnitus can subside,” notes Lazarus.

How to stop ringing in your ears: The bottom line

“Tinnitus often brings along feelings of anxiety or irritation,” Dr. Dasgupta says. “Consulting with an audiologist or an ear, nose and throat doctor (ENT) can provide more personalized tinnitus treatment options and support to improve your situation.”

This content is not a substitute for professional medical advice or diagnosis. Always consult your physician before pursuing any treatment plan.

Is Funky-Colored Ear Wax a Cause for Concern? When To See a Doc + the Right Way To Clean Your Ears

Rachel Cosma — Wed, 28 Feb 2024 18:10:00 +0000

You probably don’t think much about your ear wax, unless you see it collecting on a pair of earbuds or earplugs. That buildup might look offputting, but it’s actually a boon to your health. But what happens when your typically yellow ear wax turns dark in color? Could it signal an underlying health issue? We asked top ear doctors to weigh in on whether dark ear wax is cause for concern, plus the best ways to remove excess wax safely (hint: it’s not with a cotton swab).

Ear wax: The ears’ natural cleanser

Ear wax often gets a bad rap because of its color and texture, but it’s a normal byproduct of healthy ears. “Otherwise known as cerumen, ear wax is a natural substance produced by glands in the outer half of the ear canal,” explains Maura Cosetti, MD, an otolaryngologist (ear, nose, and throat doctor) and Director of the Ear Institute of New York Eye and Ear Infirmary (NYEE) of Mount Sinai in New York City.

“Ear wax serves many purposes,” adds Viral Tejani, AuD, PhD, a Senior Cochlear Implant Clinical Research Audiologist and assistant professor of otolaryngology head and neck surgery at Case Western Reserve University. “It naturally migrates out of the ear canals and, along the way, traps dead skin cells, dirt and hair. It’s a natural cleanser and protective mechanism.”

Once ear wax makes it to the opening of your ear canals, it falls out or gets washed away when you bathe. Since ear wax plays such a vital role, it’s best to leave it alone. Using cotton swabs to clean your ears and/or excessively scrubbing them with soap and water can end up doing more harm than good. (More on that below.)

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What normal, healthy ear wax looks like

“There is a wide variety of ear wax,” Dr. Cosetti says. “Just like each ear is uniquely different, ear wax may be different from one person to the next.” It comes in a range of colors, from yellow and orange to brown and black. Textures also vary. For example, some folks’ ear wax is dry and scaly, while others’ is wet and gooey.

Ear wax naturally collects inside the ear canals and sticks to its walls in clumps. This buildup is what comes out on your fingernail when you scratch your inner ear. It’s what prevents dirt, debris and microorganisms from entering your body.

What causes dark ear wax?

If you suddenly notice dark ear wax, it’s likely not a cause for concern. Here’s why:

“Dark ear wax usually occurs when your ear wax has been sitting impacted in your ear for a long time,” says Hadassah Kupfer, AuD, a doctor of audiology in New York City. “This can occur because of excessive Q-tip use or because of the shape of your ear canal.”

“The longer ear wax stays in your ear canal, the more it oxidizes,” adds Bopanna Ballachanda, PhD, an adjunct faculty member at San Jose State University, and the President of the American Academy of Audiology. “Hair and dust particles accumulate on the ear wax, making it look dark brown or black.” In other words, dark ear wax occurs because of the other substances in your ears, not the wax itself. (Click through to learn how impacted ear wax can dampen your hearing — plus discover how to hear better.)

The best way to remove dark ear wax

All of the doctors we spoke to said our ears do a fantastic job of clearing out wax on their own. Dr. Cosetti even says that most people can even go their entire lives without cleaning their ears. However, since ear wax naturally migrates out of your ears, it’s normal to get mild buildup on wearable devices like hearing aids, earbuds and earplugs.

If that’s a concern, there are plenty of ways to keep your ears clean without damaging your eardrums. Dr. Kupfer’s recommendation: use a clean towel.

“Wrap a damp towel around your pinky finger to clean the outer portion of your ear where wax may be seen,” she says. “You can even pull up and out on the pinna — the floppy part of your ear lobe — to widen the ear canal space for somewhat deeper access.” This lets you clean out any earwax buildup near your ear canal while staying at a safe depth, something Dr. Kupfer says can’t be done with a cotton swab. (Check out the video below for a visual illustration.)

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Why you should never use cotton swabs

Dr. Cosetti says that since ear wax is produced in the outer half of the ear canal, cotton swabs aren’t ideal for cleaning it. Instead of removing ear wax, they often plug it up. “In general it’s not a good idea to stick anything inside your ear canal,” Dr. Cosetti says. “It can push the wax deeper and you can injure sensitive parts of your ear, such as your eardrum.” (Check out the video below for a visual illustration.)

Similarly, overcleaning your ears with cotton swabs can affect their natural lubrication. This “causes the ear canal to become very dry, raw and itchy,” Dr. Kupfer explains. “If you know that you’re prone to ear wax buildup, just maintain your ear hygiene with ear drops or visit your doctor every month or more often as needed.”

When to see a doctor about dark ear wax

Dr. Tejani says to make an appointment with your primary care physician or an ear, nose and throat doctor (ENT) if you experience:

Ear drainage (especially if it’s foul-smelling)
Itchiness or a feeling of fullness in your ears
Difficulty hearing
The sensation of water being trapped in your ears

Although these symptoms can occur for various reasons, one of the most common culprits is ear wax buildup. Dr. Kupfer says there are several options for professional ear wax removal. Your doctor might recommend “suction, manual removal using a curette — a small surgical instrument — or water lavage, such as the famous Earigator, which we use in my practice.” These treatments safely eliminate buildup without causing damage.

“Remember that ear wax is normal,” Dr. Tejani adds. “You should only worry about ear wax if it’s excessive. I’ve looked in many ears during my career. When I see a little wax, I don’t worry and leave it alone.”

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More ways to safely remove ear dark wax at home

If your doctor determines that your ears produce an excessive amount of wax, they might recommend cleaning your ears at home. Though rarely needed, Dr. Tejani says there are several options.

Rinse with hydrogen peroxide

Lie down on your side, drape an old towel under your head, then pour a capful of hydrogen peroxide into your ear, letting it sit for a few minutes. “If you feel some fizzing, that’s normal,” Dr. Tejani says. “Then tilt your head to the side so the hydrogen peroxide drains out.”

Tip: Pouring the hydrogen peroxide into your ear can be tricky if you don’t have someone on hand to help out. In that case, pour the hydrogen peroxide onto a cotton ball, then gently squeeze the liquid into your ear canal. (Click through for 10 more brilliant uses for hydrogen peroxide.)

Oil your inner ear

Your doctor might recommend oiling your inner ear if you have hardened ear wax. Similar to how oil lubricates machinery, this helps soften your ear wax so it can naturally be expelled. “Put a couple of drops of mineral oil into your ear before bedtime,” Dr. Tejani says. “When you wake up, you can use a washcloth to wipe off any wax or oil that comes out.” Tip: You might want to drape an old towel over your pillow before bed to catch any oil that makes its way out overnight. (Check out the video below for more details.)

If you don’t have mineral oil, Dr. Ballachanda says olive oil or another type of cooking oil will do just fine. However, only use a few drops and make sure the oil is at room temperature — hot oil could damage your inner ear.

The best ear wax removal drops

Sometimes, dark ear wax buildup can be stubborn and tricky to remove. If your ears continue to feel itchy or stuffed up, Dr. Kupfer recommends Debrox Ear Wax Removal Kit.

Debrox contains carbamide peroxide, a diluted form of hydrogen peroxide. When placed into your ear canal, it creates a foam that softens and loosens your ear wax, allowing it to drain. One thing to keep in mind: “Debrox must be used for several days before it’s fully effective,” Dr. Kupfer says. “It takes time to gradually dissolve and loosen the ear wax so it can make its way out of the ear canal.”

For more ways to safeguard your hearing:

Ever Get an Annoying Crackling Sound in Your Ear? MD Shares the Easy Fix You Already Have on Hand

Top MD Warns That Even Slight Hearing Loss Can Increase Your Risk of Dementia — 8 Natural Ways to Improve Hearing Today

MD-Approved Tricks to Sharpen Hearing Naturally — No Hearing Aid Required

This content is not a substitute for professional medical advice or diagnosis. Always consult your physician before pursuing any treatment plan.

Ever Get an Annoying Crackling Sound in Your Ear? MD Shares the Easy Fix You Already Have on Hand

Rachel Cosma — Tue, 16 Jan 2024 20:34:26 +0000

You’re going about your day tackling one to-do after the next, when suddenly a strange sound stops you in your tracks. There’s something crackling inside of your ear. You give your ear a scratch, but that doesn’t get rid of the crackling sound. So what is it?

If you’re panicking about a bug crawling around inside your head, take a deep breath: That problem is relatively rare. More likely it’s just a small issue related to built-up earwax or sinus congestion. Even better, the culprit behind the crispy-crunching is often something you can fix at home. Here’s how to tell what’s making that annoying noise, and how to get rid of a crackling sound in your ear the easy way.

Is it normal to have a crackling sound in your ear?

You’re unlikely to hear any snap–crackle–popping if all’s well with your ears. In fact, several different conditions can potentially cause a crackling sensation. “I wouldn’t call it common, but it’s something I see somewhat regularly,” says Kevin Brown, MD, PhD, Joseph P. Riddle Distinguished Professor of Otolaryngology — Head and Neck Surgery and Neurosurgery at the University of North Carolina School of Medicine in Chapel Hill, NC.

Top causes of a crackling sound in your ear

So what exactly is making that awful racket? Here’s a look at the most likely contenders, according to our experts.

1. Earwax buildup

Any kind of foreign object in your ear canal can muffle your hearing and potentially cause crackling or rustling noises, says Courtney Voelker, MD, PhD, a board-certified neurotologist and Director of the Adult & Pediatric Cochlear Implant Program at Pacific Neuroscience Institute in Santa Monica, CA. “The most common is earwax,” she adds. (But yes, in rare instances, it could be a bug. Yuck.) If you have a lot of buildup, you might also feel pain or fullness in your ear, hear ringing in your ears or even feel dizzy.

2. Cold, allergies or a sinus infection

Any kind of upper respiratory problem that can stuff up your nose can also stuff up your ears. “If you were to draw a straight line from the front of your nose to the back of your throat, that’s your middle ear space, the cavity of your inner ear,” Dr. Brown explains. “On the right and left sides, you have openings for your eustachian tubes, the tubes that connect the middle ears to the back of the throat.”

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So when your nasal cavities get filled with fluid or mucus caused by an illness or allergies, the fluid can spill into your eustachian tubes and middle ear space. “That fluid can give you that Rice Krispy-like crackling sound,” says Dr. Brown. (Click through to learn if sinus infections are contagious, plus how to treat them.)

3. Ear infection

Ear infections, which often stem from a cold, can also cause your middle ear to become filled with fluid, creating a crackling sound, Dr. Voelker says. You might also have trouble hearing, feel ear pain or notice foul-smelling fluid draining from your ear.

4. Ear drum injury

While far less common, damage to your ear drum (the membrane separating your outer ear from your inner ear) can also make you hear rustling noises. “The injury can lead to bruising or swelling that can cause crackling,” explains Dr. Voelker.

5. TMJ disorder

Temporomandibular joint disorder, better known as TMJ, can cause pain and inflammation in your jaw joint. While the condition doesn’t actually make your ears crackle, it can sometimes feel that way. “TMJ can cause popping of the jaw joint, and people sometimes think the popping sound is coming from their ear,” Dr. Voelker says. The condition, which often stems from grinding your teeth, also causes jaw aching or soreness, stiffness, facial pain and headaches. (Click through to learn how a masseter muscle massage can alleviate TMJ pain.)

TMJ can cause pain and a crackling sound in your ear near where the jaw hinges
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How to get rid of a crackling sound in your ear

The best way to get rid of that pesky crackling sound in your ear depends on what’s causing it, say both Dr. Brown and Dr. Voelker.

For earwax: Give it the flush

If you’re prone to having a lot of earwax and suspect that buildup is to blame, getting rid of the gunk can ease the crackling sound in your ear (and help you hear better overall). The best part: It’s easy to do with simple ingredients you likely already have on hand.

To loosen up the wax, fill a shot glass or small cup with a 1:1 mixture of hydrogen peroxide and water. Then dab a cotton ball into the mixture and, lying on the side of your unaffected ear, squeeze the liquid into the ear that’s experiencing the crackling, recommends Dr. Brown. Lie on your side and relax for a few minutes while the mixture absorbs into the wax.

“The hydrogen peroxide solution loosens up the wax away from your skin so it comes out more easily,” Dr. Voelker says. Your body will move the wax out on its own, or eventually it’ll make your ear a little itchy and it’ll come out when you scratch your ear. Just don’t use a Q-tip to try to scoop the wax out. “It just pushes the earwax farther into your ear and can damage your eardrum,” she explains.

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Tip: Let your doctor know if the wax doesn’t start to loosen up with this DIY method after a few days. “A lot of times there’s so much in there that you can’t get it out yourself, and that’s the time to have a pro do it,” says Dr. Voelker.

For congestion: Do the rinse and pop

If your ears are plugged up with mucus from a cold, allergies or a sinus infection, Dr. Voelker has go-to “rinse and pop” strategy for clearing them out. First, use an over-the-counter nasal rinse like the NeilMed Sinus Rinse Kit (Buy from Amazon, $11.48) to flush mucus and any irritating allergies out of your nasal passages, which are connected to your eustachian tubes. Then take a few spritzes of an over-the-counter nasal spray like fluticasone, which helps calm inflammation around your nasal passages and the opening of your eustachian tubes. One to try: Amazon Basic Care Allergy Relief Nasal Spray (Buy from Amazon, $32.39).

After unclogging your sinuses, close your mouth and pinch your nose. Then very gently blow, like how you would if you were trying to pop your ears when you’re on an airplane. “That will force air up the eustachian tube into the middle ear space, causing the fluid in the middle ear space that’s causing the crackling sound to get displaced,” Dr. Voelker explains.

Some folks may notice an immediate improvement. But in others cases (like with a severe sinus infection or seasonal allergies), you may need to do this daily for up to 6 to 8 weeks for all of the fluid buildup to drain out of your ear and completely stop the crackling noise, says Dr. Voelker. (Click through to learn how a sleeping with a humidifier on your nightstand eases sinus congestion, too.)

For a visual guide, check out the video below.

A quick fix: Chew gum

If you’re experiencing only mild sinus congestion and need an on-the-go fix to get rid of the crackling sound in your ears, chewing a stick of gum might be enough to do the trick. “Chewing motions, in moderation, can open up the eustachian tube so the fluid can drain down,” Dr. Voelker explains. Just don’t chomp endlessly, since overworking your jaw can make it ache, she adds.

When to see a doctor about a crackling sound in your ear

It’s generally fine to try to get rid of crackling sound in your ear at home as long as you’re not experiencing symptoms that could signal something more serious.

“If you have ear pain, drainage or a foul smell coming from your ears, you should go right to the doctor since that could indicate an ear infection,” Dr. Voelker says. That’s especially true if you have diabetes or are immunocompromised, which can cause even mild infections to quickly turn serious. If you have an infection, your doctor may recommend treating it with antibiotics.

You should also let your doctor know if you’re struggling with earwax buildup that you can’t clear on your own. They can use more powerful irrigation techniques to safely flush the wax out without damaging your eardrum.

For more ways to sharpen and protect your hearing:

MD-Approved Tricks to Sharpen Hearing Naturally — No Hearing Aid Required

Top MD Warns That Even Slight Hearing Loss Can Increase Your Risk of Dementia — 8 Natural Ways to Improve Hearing Today

Heardle Is Like Wordle For Songs: How This Daily ‘Name That Tune’ Game Can Boost Brain Power + Improve Hearing

This content is not a substitute for professional medical advice or diagnosis. Always consult your physician before pursuing any treatment plan.

Top MD Warns That Even Slight Hearing Loss Can Increase Your Risk of Dementia — 8 Natural Ways to Improve Hearing Today

pbontekoe — Tue, 29 Aug 2023 17:38:17 +0000

If you find yourself turning up the volume louder than usual on your TV or phone, straining to hear in loud restaurants or asking people to repeat themselves, keep reading! Hearing loss is incredibly common as we age, leaving many women looking for ways to improve hearing. The great news is there are many simple strategies that have been proven to help.

As many as one in three people between ages 65 and 75 have some form of hearing loss for a variety of reasons, including exposure to loud noises and health conditions like diabetes. And while hearing aids can certainly help, many of us aren’t ready to take the plunge. (If you are, check out this article on our sister site to find out how to save on hearing aids.)

Why it’s vital to improve hearing

A certain amount of hearing loss is to be expected as we get older, but the more severe the impairment, the higher the risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease, according to research from Johns Hopkins University. “Hearing loss and the risk of dementia seem in proportion to each other — in other words, if one has double the hearing loss, one will probably have double the risk of dementia,” explains otologist/neurotologist Justin S. Golub, MD, associate professor, Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, New York-Presbyterian/Columbia University Irving Medical Center.

That’s largely because when we’re struggling to hear, our brain is forced to work harder on this lower-level task, instead of on higher executive functions that keep us sharp, like flexing our creativity and solving problems. Says Dr. Golub, “Part of maintaining brain health is always digesting interesting information, thinking critically and making memories. You can’t do that as well if you’re just focused on trying to pick out which words are being spoken in a conversation.”

Simple ways to improve hearing

Turn on the TV in the background

To preserve your hearing, practice chatting with someone while the TV is on low in the background. A recent Harvard study of older adults suggests that doing so helps people learn to discern specific sounds and tune out white noise, improving hearing by 25%.

Pop in earplugs before exposing ears to loud noise

While noise damage is a common cause of hearing loss, most of it can be prevented simply by using earplugs, assures Dr. Golub. Consider doing just that when you’re drying your hair in the morning, as the average blow-dryer emits a near-deafening 60 to 95 decibels, enough to cause damage over the long-term. Luckily, earplugs are shown to reduce the risk.

Indeed, dampening loud noise of any kind is the best thing you can do for your hearing, notes Dr. Golub. “Some smartphones can even tell you if the music you’re listening to on your headphones is too loud.” For Androids, download the free sound meter app; for iPhones, open the Health app and select “Hearing.” Says Dr. Golub, “You can make easy decisions like this today that will have a big impact on your hearing 20 years from now.”

Cleanse ear canals with a little oil

In general, you don’t need to remove earwax, but if you experience muffled hearing, wax buildup may be to blame, says Heather Moday, MD, director of the Moday Center in Philadelphia. And removing built-up earwax makes voices sound clearer. However, she advises against trendy earwax-removing candles, which are hollow cones surrounded by wax that you place in the ear canal.

“The theory is that they heat and soften earwax, but there’s no evidence they work and they’re risky to use,” she says. “Putting anything in your ear can damage the eardrum, and a melting candle close to your face can lead to burns. (Click through to learn what dark ear wax means — and how to get rid of it.)

The safe way to remove earwax, according to Dr. Moday: Use a dropper to place 3 to 5 drops of baby oil or mineral oil in your ear to soften and loosen wax. After 24 hours, fill a bulb syringe with warm water, place a few drops in your ear, then tilt it toward your shoulder to let the oil, water and wax drain out. If this doesn’t help, your doctor can use a tool to safely remove excess wax.

Breathe this way

If your hearing is muffled thanks to a cold, a simple breathing exercise can help, says Dr. Moday. Your eustachian tube, the small passage connecting your middle ear and throat, can clog with excess mucus from a cold, muffling hearing, she explains.

But you can prevent and treat this problem with the Buteyko breathing method. Research shows it’s more effective at keeping ears clear than medication. To do: Sit upright, exhale, plug your nose and hold your breath until you feel the urge to breathe. Breathe normally for 10 seconds, then repeat the cycle five times. The method normalizes ear pressure to prevent eustachian-tube blockages.

Try ginkgo biloba

If constant ringing or buzzing sounds (a condition known as tinnitus) make hearing difficult, taking 240 mg. of ginkgo daily could quiet that racket, suggests German research in the International Journal of Clinical Pharmacology, helping you hear 40% more clearly. The study authors explain that ginkgo is rich in compounds called glycosides that calm overactive ear nerves. Note: Check with a doctor before supplementing.

Lean in

When you’re having trouble tracking what someone is saying, try leaning in from your right side, cupping your right ear, suggests Dr. Moday. Researchers in the Journal of the Acoustical Society of America found that the strategy improves hearing by 40%. That’s because sounds that go into your right ear are processed by the left side of your brain (the side that’s best at understanding language), plus a cupped hand catches incoming sound waves and funnels them straight into that ear.

Serve up root veggies

Delicious budget-friendly carrots, potatoes, beets, and other root veggies are good for your hearing. These root vegetables brim with nutrients (potassium, manganese and vitamin C) that strengthen the tiny blood vessels that shuttle oxygen-rich blood to your inner ear, says Dr. Moday. To make the most of these gems, click through for a delicious root-vegetable stew.

Move your body

Exercise outsmarts hearing loss, say University of Florida scientists. In an animal study, they tracked mice from 6 to 24 months of age (the human equivalent of 25 to 60 years) and found that sedentary animals lost 60% of their hearing over time; mice that exercised lost only 40%. Study author Shinishi Someya, PhD, says exercise boosts blood flow to the inner ear, protecting against the loss of capillaries and sound receptor cells that dims hearing.

Click through for more stories on hearing loss:

7 Everyday Sounds That May Cause Ear Damage — And How to Prevent Hearing Loss

Expert Advice: ‘Do OTC Hearing Aids Really Work?’

Say What? New Study Finds Link Between Hearing Loss and Healthy Diet

This content is not a substitute for professional medical advice or diagnosis. Always consult your physician before pursuing any treatment plan.

Is It Hearing Loss or Impacted Earwax? Audiologist Helps You Learn the Difference (and How To Treat It)

Jenna Cartusciello — Tue, 15 Nov 2022 21:30:00 +0000

Impacted earwax is very common, and it gets even more common as you get older. The reason? Earwax becomes less pliant with age, and is therefore more likely to get stuck. It can also cause non-permanent hearing loss, making it hard to discern whether your difficulty hearing is caused by impacted wax or true hearing loss (or both).

So, how can a person tell the difference, and why is it important to know? While men are almost twice as likely as women to have hearing loss before they reach 70, one out of eight women (at any age) have at least some trouble hearing. Losing the ability to hear puts mature adults at greater risk of social isolation, anxiety, and depression — and determining the cause of hearing loss is the first step to improving a person’s quality of life. To learn more, we reached out to Dr. Robin Carson, audiologist at Carson Hearing Care and expert for Eosera.

What are the most common causes of hearing loss?

A: The most common causes for hearing loss at any age are noise exposure, family history, illness, medication, and most often, the aging process. We recommend hearing testing for anybody over the age of 50. Just like the nerves and every other part of our body, our hearing becomes less sensitive as we age. It’s important to get a baseline audiogram from a hearing healthcare professional to determine next steps.

How can you tell if you have impacted earwax or true hearing loss?

A: Hearing loss caused by impacted earwax often feels like a sense of fullness in the ear canal. That sensation is sometimes accompanied by other symptoms like pain or irritation. It can easily be remedied, which is why it’s important to rule out before buying a hearing aid. To determine if it’s just wax causing your hearing loss, visit a professional or use an over-the-counter device like a Smart Otoscope, which gives you a look into your ear canal.

Is it okay to remove impacted earwax at home?

A: There are great over-the-counter earwax remedies. My personal preference that I recommend to my own patients is Earwax MD, which dissolves wax and works as quickly as 15 minutes. Using these drops is an excellent way to clear the ear of earwax and works very well.

Do you recommend ear candling (i.e. ear coning)?

A: I’m not a big fan of ear coning. I’ve never actually seen results that are convincing enough to prove that it works well. Even in our office when wax is an issue, we use drops and a flushing technique to remove it. It should go without saying that Q-tips should also be avoided when cleaning out the ear canal, as they can cause further damage.

If you visit an audiologist for earwax removal, what does the procedure entail?

A: When patients come in with earwax impaction, the first thing we determine by looking in the ear is whether or not we can see the eardrum and if the issue is, in fact, earwax. If there is no wax present, we would then test the hearing to look for other concerns. There are several techniques we use in the office depending upon the type of wax that we see. Sometimes, we need to use drops to soften the wax, but we do use flushing to remove the wax after it is softened. We also use a curette [an instrument that gently scrapes out wax] in some cases. The earwax removal process is quick and easy. Sometimes, audiologists will send the patient home with instructions to take care of it on their own.

Why is it important to visit an audiologist, regardless of the cause of hearing loss?

A: We highly encourage a baseline audiogram for everybody over the age of 50. It’s important to get a baseline so we understand over time what changes and what is happening with an individual’s hearing. It’s so important to visit a professional, because occasionally there is hearing loss present that’s due to something more significant than earwax or the aging process. A hearing care professional is well-equipped to identify any significant underlying concerns and/or mechanical issues with the ear that would require a referral to a physician.

It’s always surprising to me that our local physicians don’t require a baseline audiogram as a part of a routine annual physical examination. Hearing healthcare professionals can quickly identify if ear wax is the concern. If not, they can continue with audiometric testing to determine which part of the ear may need further attention. If hearing loss is sensorineural in nature, being appropriately fitted with amplification sooner rather than later is so important. An audiologist is very well trained, and [an appointment] is a great place to start to understand what’s going on with your ears, and why you might be experiencing hearing loss.

If an audiologist determines that a hearing aid is necessary, there’s also quite a bit that goes into the fitting and aftercare process to make sure everything is working correctly. This can be hard for a patient to do on their own if they’re new to the process.

If you need a hearing aid, can an audiologist recommend an OTC one?

A: Your provider can guide you as to whether or not an OTC product is a viable option, or if something prescriptive is best for you. There are many options and an auditory health care provider should be able to offer affordable solutions under their care.

While people with mild to moderate hearing loss might be excellent candidates for OTC hearing aids [with or without an audiology visit], anything more severe should be treated by a professional. It’s also important to understand that finding a provider is equally if not more important than the device itself. Routine follow-up care and monitoring of hearing on an annual basis is critical for a successful outcome with hearing instruments.

What should you do if your hearing aid causes impacted earwax?

A: Hearing aids (along with any ear device) can increase the chances of earwax impaction, itch, and pain. Users should develop a regular earwax softening routine, and treat irritation with OTC products. If hearing devices are fit poorly, there is a chance of further damage to your hearing.

We must not forget the significant consequences of untreated hearing loss, such as cognitive decline, social isolation, and fatigue. These can be avoided or improved when devices are fit properly, using best practices from a professional hearing healthcare provider.

This content is not a substitute for professional medical advice or diagnosis. Always consult your physician before pursuing any treatment plan.

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