Though tinnitus affects countless Americans, many suffer in silence. The constant, grating noise of the disorder can make daily life unbearable. Though there is no real definitive cure for tinnitus, there are numerous methods of treatment that can give the chronic sufferer a new lease on life and help stop tinnitus.

Tinnitus is typically caused by damage to the inner ear. Hair-like cells within the cochlea can become detached and damaged. This is usually the result of prolonged exposure to loud noises. In other cases however, tinnitus may be caused by a temporary source.

For example, impacted ear wax in the ear canal might be the culprit. A doctor can ascertain the problem and fix it with a simple cleaning. If one is inclined to deal with this problem at home, one can clean their ears with Peroxide-based ear drops or a bulb syringe. Readily available in any store, a bulb syringe can be used to squirt warm water into the ear canals with enough pressure to dislodge blocked wax.

The cause of your tinnitus may have nothing to do with your ears. In certain cases, it is a side-effect of a preexisting condition, such as high blood pressure or high cholesterol. For these cases, the solution is a healthier life-style. Simple diet and exercise may help to deal with health issues. This, in turn, will lessen the side-effects, tinnitus among them. The supplement Ginkgo is another solution. Ginkgo can increase your circulation. For others however, arteries may be too close to the inner ear. This is yet another cause of tinnitus. For these individuals, surgery is a viable option.

Did you know that Aspirin can cause tinnitus? It can, along with a number of other medications. Certain antidepressants have been linked to tinnitus, along with antibiotics. At the same time, the use of many recreational drugs can make existing tinnitus worse. Alcohol and marijuana are both possible culprits.

Pre-existing tinnitus can also be worsened by stress. Stress-management, in addition to being an invaluable life skill, is also an important step on the road to tinnitus recovery. Experiment with breathing exercises or take up meditation. Take time for yourself, and don't let the tension become too much.

For some though, tinnitus is so bad that relaxing is impossible. In many cases, depression results. For these individuals, the treatment of depression, while not directly affecting tinnitus, is the best shot for a happier life.

The introduction of an external sound, though not a permanent treatment, can be very effective when treating tinnitus. This method is especially helpful at night, when the symptoms of tinnitus can prevent a sufferer from gaining a full night's sleep. Recordings of constant, pleasant, repetitive sounds are available. In addition, some find that the introduction of white noise has therapeutic properties. These sounds can be introduced to make any quiet environment more bearable.

Tinnitus doesn't have to rule your life. The more you know, the more you can help yourself to stop tinnitus.