Are you tired of hearing a whooshing sound in your ear? That sound, known as tinnitus, isn’t caused by an external source. It might feel like it’s coming from one or both ears, or even seem like it’s inside your head. This sound can be either constant or occasional, loud or quiet, and can occur at different pitches. For some people, it makes it challenging to hear, work, or sleep.
Tinnitus isn’t actually a disease but rather a signal that something isn’t right with your auditory system. This system includes your ears, the auditory nerve that links your inner ear to your brain, and the brain areas that process sound. One common reason for that whooshing sound is noise-induced hearing loss. Most of us have experienced a brief whooshing after being around loud noises, like at a concert. Some medications, like aspirin and certain antibiotics, can also cause a whooshing sound that usually disappears once you stop taking them.
While there’s no cure for this sound, it can be temporary or last a while, be mild or severe, and come on gradually or all of a sudden. The goal of treatment is to reduce the intensity and presence of the sound. Many methods can help with this.
Mindfulness meditation is a practice that can shift your focus away from the whooshing sound. It’s all about being present with your emotions, thoughts, and sensations, and can involve techniques like breathing exercises and muscle relaxation.
Exercise is also beneficial, as it can help manage issues like stress, depression, anxiety, and sleep problems, which can make the whooshing worse. Keeping active can help you manage stress better, sleep more soundly, and feel healthier overall.
Sometimes, this sound is linked to an irritation in the auditory system or issues with the temporomandibular joint (TMJ). For TMJ-related sounds, dental treatments might help. Removing earwax or foreign objects lodged in the ear can also stop the sound. An ENT specialist can examine your ear for obstructions.
Addressing the whooshing sound often involves a mix of strategies. Since stress, anxiety, and depression can worsen the sound, medications might be suggested by your doctor to make it less bothersome, thus improving your quality of life.
Sound-masking devices can also be useful. These gadgets produce external noises that help drown out the internal whooshing sound. Options range from tabletop sound machines to small ear devices playing white noise, nature sounds, or music. Many people find that these sounds, slightly louder than the tinnitus, can provide relief.
Though sometimes the whooshing can’t be cured, people often get used to it over time. Making some lifestyle adjustments can also help manage symptoms. Try to avoid things that worsen the sound, like loud noises or too much caffeine. Soft music or white noise might help cover the sound in quiet settings. Learning how to manage stress effectively can also be beneficial—whether through relaxation techniques, biofeedback, or exercise.
While alternative medicine therapies for the whooshing sound lack strong evidence, some have tried acupuncture, hypnosis, or supplements like ginkgo biloba, melatonin, or B vitamins.
Dealing with a whooshing sound in your ear can be frustrating. Though there’s no simple solution or cure, treatments like cognitive behavioral therapy and mindfulness meditation offer promising ways to improve your quality of life.
