Flourish in Place Home Care Solutions

Tinnitus is a condition that causes people to hear sounds that do not have an external sound. While many people hear a ringing noise, others describe a roaring, buzzing, or hissing noise. It’s a common problem, affecting 20 percent of people. It can be difficult and frustrating to live with. Sometimes doctors are able to successfully treat the underlying cause of tinnitus. However, when they cannot determine a cause, the objective of treatment is to lessen the symptoms and make them more bearable. If your aging relative suffers from tinnitus, there are also some adjustments they can make to their lifestyle that may help. Here are some ideas to try.

Avoid Triggers

Some people notice that their tinnitus gets worse when they eat or drink certain things. Some medications can also make tinnitus worse. To determine what may trigger your aging relative’s tinnitus, keep a notebook to record foods and drinks they eat and whether they have a worsening of symptoms. When you believe you’ve identified a trigger, eliminate it from their diet for a while and note whether symptoms change. Then, add the food back to their diet to see if symptoms get worse again. If they do, the food is likely a trigger and should be avoided. Some common triggers are:

Caffeine.
Alcohol.
Salt.
Aspirin.

Use White Noise

The noise someone with tinnitus hears may be more obvious and frustrating when the room is quiet. To mask the noise, introduce some white noise. Use a fan set on low or play soft music. You can also purchase a white noise machine or play recordings of nature sounds.

Quit Smoking

Smoking can make tinnitus worse. Cigarettes contain a stimulant, which can make tinnitus noises seem louder. In addition, smoking affects circulation and may impair the blood supply to nerve cells used for hearing.

Manage Stress

Stress is known to make tinnitus worse. Therefore, reducing stress can lessen the noise of tinnitus. Encourage the older adult to try stress management techniques, such as:

Meditation.
Yoga.
Tai Chi.
Deep Breathing.

Encourage Better Sleep

Another thing that can increase tinnitus symptoms is a lack of sleep. Unfortunately, tinnitus can also make it hard to sleep sometimes. Encouraging your aging relative to practice good sleep habits could help. Have them stick to a regular schedule of sleeping and waking. Keep the room at a comfortable temperature and remove distractions. Place a white noise machine in the room or turn on a fan.

Senior care can help older adults to manage tinnitus symptoms. A senior care provider can help to identify and avoid triggers. Senior care providers can also turn on music or white noise to help mask the sound. If the older adult is interested in trying relaxation techniques like yoga or tai chi, a senior care provider can drive them to the classes.