For those who don’t suffer from tinnitus, there are few conditions more complex to comprehend. That’s because unless you’re afflicted with tinnitus, you won’t feel, see or hear the symptoms in the same way you would other conditions.

But for the almost 50 million Americans who experience some form of tinnitus, the problem is very real and can be very challenging to manage. Ringing in the ears is the best definition of tinnitus, but according to the American Tinnitus Association, it can present sufferers with clicking, whistling, hissing, swooshing, and buzzing. Maybe the most discouraging part of tinnitus is that these sounds aren’t perceptible by others, which can lead to disorientation, delayed diagnosis, confusion, and depression.

The number is truly astonishing when you consider that 15 percent of the overall public suffers from tinnitus. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control estimates that roughly 20 million of those people have what’s classified as burdensome chronic tinnitus, while another two million experience symptoms that are extreme and debilitating.

In order to enhance their hearing and drown out the ringing, people with tinnitus frequently try hearing aids. There are commonplace things you can do to reduce the ringing along with wearing hearing aids.

If you have tinnitus here are 10 things to avoid:

• Loud sounds; This one most likely seems obvious, but it’s worth repeating that loud noises can exacerbate the sounds you’re already hearing internally. Be cautious of situations where you’ll hear sounds at an increased volume. This can include concerts, loud restaurants, and construction sites. If you can’t avoid loud settings, consider using earplugs to protect you from some of the noise. Individuals who have loud jobs are particularly benefited by ear plugs.
• Infections; Since a lingering cold can quickly turn into a sinus infection there has always been commentary about the need to find a cure for it. Be sure you’re limiting your exposure to ear and sinus infections because they have can aggravate tinnitus.
• Unsafe blood pressure levels; If you want to keep your tinnitus at bay you should keep track of your blood pressure which can also help safeguard you from other illnesses. It’s important to note that both high and low blood pressure levels can make your tinnitus worse, so you should be persistent about regularly checking your blood pressure.
• Jaw issues; If you’re having jaw pain, you should already be visiting a doctor, but especially if you also have tinnitus. Reducing jaw pain might have some impact on your tinnitus because the jaw and ears share nerves and ligaments.
• Some medicines; Particular medications such as aspirin, for example, are good at reducing pain but they could also trigger tinnitus. Tinnitus can also be impacted by other medication such as prescription cancer drugs or antibiotics. But before you stop taking a medication that was prescribed by your doctor, you should get a consultation.
• Poor sleeping habits; Mom wasn’t kidding around when she said you needed those eight hours each night. Getting an adequate amount of sleep can assist you to avoid tinnitus triggers and also offers a wide variety of other health benefits.
• Smoking; Smoking is another habit that can increase your blood pressure. Also, it can make the tinnitus worse by narrowing the blood vessels to the ears.
• Caffeine; Here’s yet another influencer of blood pressure that can cause a spike in levels. You could also find that too much caffeine changes your sleeping habits.
• Alcohol; Your cholesterol and heart health can be positively affected by drinking a small amount of wine each day, or so the old adage goes. But with regards to alcohol and tinnitus, you can have too much of a good thing. Drinking too much alcohol increases your blood pressure, which makes the ringing more evident for some people.
• Excess earwax; In the grand scheme of how your ears work, it’s a known fact that earwax plays a positive role. Actually, the gunk we all hate actually catches dirt and protects your ears. That said, too much buildup can make tinnitus worse. Your doctor may be able to help you reduce some of the buildup and provide prevention advice to ensure it doesn’t build up to an unsafe level again.

You can take back your life and control your tinnitus symptoms even though there is no known cure. You may be surprised in the changes in your overall health and your tinnitus symptoms if you try these 10 recommendations. If these don’t help, schedule an appointment with a hearing care professional.