Can You Prevent Tinnitus?

Tinnitus – or a phantom ringing in the ears – is an underlying issue that affects over 50 million adults in the US. It is worsened by lifestyle, environmental and medical factors – but is it preventable? To answer this question, it is important to know that tinnitus is not a medical condition in itself but more a symptom of other underlying conditions. 

For example, conditions such as anemia, diabetes, Meniere's disease, otosclerosis and hypothyroidism can be the triggering factors for tinnitus. Tinnitus can also be a consequence of noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) and age-related hearing loss. 

Ultimately, when trying to prevent tinnitus, it is important to identify its underlying cause. While it might not be preventable if it arises because of a disease, there is a lot you can do to lower the chances of experiencing it as a symptom of hearing loss. Speaking to your audiologist should always be the first step towards preventing and treating tinnitus. 

Avoid prolonged exposure to loud noises

While tinnitus does not cause hearing loss – the two are closely related. The two most common causes of hearing loss are aging and prolonged exposure to loud noises. In both cases, hearing loss is caused by damage to the hair cells that line the hearing canal and are responsible for transmitting signals to the brain. These cells are sound-sensitive, and they can decline with age or because of trauma. 

The hair cell damage happens, it is likely for you also to experience tinnitus because the signals the brain receives are disrupted. Therefore, you can prevent tinnitus because of NIHL by selecting the right environment for your daily activities. 

For example, your work environment might be the one where you are more often exposed to loud noises. You can prevent hair cell damage by limiting the time during which your hearing is exposed to loud bangs, music or machinery. You should also consider using hearing protection devices. 

Lead a healthy lifestyle

Some of the medical conditions that cause hearing loss might not be preventable. However, conducting a healthy lifestyle can reduce the incidence of certain triggering factors.

For example, a nutritious diet and an active lifestyle can help you look after your cardiovascular system. Reducing alcohol, tobacco and sodium can lower blood pressure and allow unrestricted blood flow to the ear. This, in turn, can help you prevent tinnitus.

A healthy lifestyle can also lower the incidence of diabetes, cancer and obesity, diseases that have tinnitus as a common side symptom. 

Consult your audiologist

It can be difficult to craft a plan to prevent tinnitus without understanding its triggers. Speaking to an expert audiologist should always be the first step to understand what lifestyle and environmental factors need to be modified for you to have a lower risk of developing tinnitus.

Audiologists can also perform earwax removals and address blockages to ensure that they won't impede your hearing. Lastly, your audiologist might also recommend adequate hearing protection devices for the environment you are often in and allow you to protect your hearing for years to come.