Underlying Conditions

Ringing in the ears is not a medical condition of its own. Tinnitus is a symptom of some other underlying condition, such as ear injury, hearing loss or a circulatory problem. Treatment for ringing in the ears depends on the underlying condition causing the ringing.

Treatments

Medications can cause tinnitus, and changing them may stop ringing in the ears. Some blood vessel conditions require surgery or medication to stop ringing in the ears. Large amounts of impacted earwax can be medically removed. White noise machines and hearing aids can suppress the intensity of the ringing. Medications used to treat tinnitus include anti-depressants and other drugs, such as Xanax and Campral.

Prevention

Placing cotton swabs too far in the ear can cause earwax to build up against the eardrum, leading to tinnitus. Patients should avoid loud noises, nicotine and alcohol because they can make tinnitus worse.

Alternative Medicine

Stress can increase the intensity of ringing in the ears. Meditation and deep breathing exercises can help people manage stress, which may ease tinnitus. Though there is not much medical evidence to support other alternative treatment methods for tinnitus, some patients have found relief through acupuncture, hypnosis, and ginkgo and zinc supplements.

Warning

Medications used to treat tinnitus often have unpleasant side effects, including blurred vision, nausea, dry mouth, constipation and dependency. Patients should disclose all other medical conditions and current medications to their doctors to prevent dangerous drug interactions.

Source:

MayoClinic.com: Tinnitus

MedicineNet.com: Tinnitus (Ringing and Other Ear Noise)

American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery: Tinnitus