(HealthDayNews) -- That ringing -- or buzzing, hissing or squealing -- in your ears is driving you to distraction.
Would it help to know that you are not alone?: About 36 million Americans have tinnitus (a Latin word for "ring"), and about 7 million say it bothers them so much they can't lead normal lives.
Tinnitus can result from something as simple as wax buildup in your ears. Other causes include infections, allergies, high or low blood pressure, and damage to the ears from loud noises. It can also be a symptom of a neck aneurysm, which can be fatal. You should visit your doctor if you're having this problem.
But the American Academy of Otolaryngology also suggests cutting down on salt and nerve stimulants. Salt impairs blood circulation, and stimulants like coffee make the problem worse.
And when you go to bed, keep a ticking clock in your room, or play an FM radio to pick up the hissing between two stations. Tinnitus tends to intensify at night because of the relative quiet, so the background noises should help.
