If you've been struggling with the persistent sound of ringing or buzzing in your ears, it's a condition that's known as tinnitus. The noise can be quite bothersome, particularly in quiet spaces. While you're waiting for a visit with your audiologist for a hearing test, there are a few things that you can do that may help improve the symptoms.

Identify Triggers

Tinnitus is unique to each person who suffers from it. The things that trigger the sound can vary widely and may seem to have little rhyme or reason. It's often helpful to try to determine what's causing it or what kinds of things make it worse. Keep a journal or written log of your symptoms as well as what you've been doing when it happens. Sometimes you'll find that medications, specific foods, or even certain environments can trigger it.

Evaluate Your Lifestyle

Some of the things that you do every day can actually contribute to tinnitus symptoms. For example, because smoking restricts blood flow, it can be a trigger. It's in your best interest to quit smoking if you're struggling with tinnitus or any other hearing problems.

If you're not sleeping well, that can lead to worsening symptoms as well. Unfortunately, this can create a circular situation where you struggle to sleep because of your tinnitus symptoms and then the lack of sleep can then make the symptoms worse. Try adding some background noise when you sleep to make it easier.

Add Some Background Noise

For many people, tinnitus is more pronounced when in a quiet room. If you find this to be the case, you can ease it by adding some soft noise in the background. Whether it's music, a white noise system, or even the television, having some kind of sound may help to minimize the ringing in your ears.

Protect Your Ears

Sometimes tinnitus develops as a temporary condition due to exposure to excessively loud noises. If you're going to a concert, working on a factory floor, or spending time in any other loud environment, wear ear protection at all times. This will protect your ears from the damage that can lead to tinnitus.

You don't have to suffer with tinnitus symptoms forever. With the tips presented here and the help of your audiologist, you can better manage the sounds you're hearing. Make sure you schedule a hearing test regularly to monitor for any signs of hearing loss in addition to the tinnitus symptoms.