2)Keep busy – take concentration
away from tinnitus and on to other activities.
ie.go for a walk (especially near the water), go
skating, gardening, work as a volunteer.
3)Importance of healthy living including
healthy eating and staying physically active.Relaxation
exercises including breathing exercises can be very useful in controlling the level of
your tinnitus.
4)Importance of understanding from family
and friends.
5)Proper eating – try to avoid or
cut down on caffeine, nicotine, alcohol, ASA and excessive amounts of salt and sugar.Do not eat after supper.Drink plenty of water.
6)For people having difficulty getting to
sleep use relaxation/nature/music tapes at a low volume level to help remove the annoyance
of the tinnitus – can be used with a pillow speaker so partner is not disturbed.This type of SOUND THERAPY can also be used
during the day for people having difficulty coping with their tinnitus.
7)Importance of a self-help group.
8)Realization that the use of medication
to cope with tinnitus is unavoidable and can sometimes be very useful, especially if
depressed because of the tinnitus or other factors.See
your family doctor and discuss this with him/her.
9)Importance of controlling stress in our
lives and understanding the effect stress has on our tinnitus.
10)Importance of understanding your
tinnitus – what is causing it, what affects it and how to control it.
11)Understanding the importance of the
affect loud noises have on our tinnitus.They
can make tinnitus louder temporarily and sometimes permanently and can damage hearing as
well.Wear hearing protection or avoid noise
altogether.
13)Importance of educating the public and
the medical community about tinnitus, especially family doctors and ENT specialists.
14)If you have a hearing loss it is
important to wear hearing aids to enhance the masking benefits of your environment.
15)
Question
your doctor or pharmacist about tinnitus as a possible side effect from any medications
that are being prescribed for you (prescription or over-the-counter).
