Sometimes people hear soft noises in their ears after attending loud events or having a head injury. This sound is tinnitus, which typically fades with time. Certain individuals, however, hear it consistently throughout their lives. Although the condition is often harmless, some people can experience pain and stress because of it. Find out below what can exacerbate tinnitus to prevent it from affecting your quality of life.

What Makes Tinnitus More Noticeable?

1. Loud Situations

Putting yourself in noisy environments with large crowds and loud music can leave your ears echoing for hours afterward. Other common causes of tinnitus include setting earbuds or headphones at high volumes or being near alarm systems.

Loud noises damage your hearing, and repeated exposure can cause tinnitus to become permanent. Therefore, try to avoid them as much as possible. If you plan to go to a noisy event, like a concert, remember to bring earplugs to protect your hearing. 

2. Excessive Ear Wax

You might have more difficulty perceiving sounds if it's been a while since you have had your ears cleaned. Although earwax protects the hearing organs from bacteria and dust, it can block the ear canal if there's an excess. As a result, you become more privy to tinnitus's low buzzing or rumbling.

Clean out your ears by visiting a hearing clinic and having them flush out the buildup. Don't attempt to clear blockages yourself, as you can permanently damage your hearing if you cause any physical trauma.

3. Drinking Alcohol

Drinking alcohol affects many bodily functions, including your ears. It causes vessels to expand, increasing blood flow as a result. When this occurs, tinnitus worsens, and delicate hair cells that help you perceive sounds can die off. Excessively drinking alcohol can even lead to permanent hearing loss, so limit your consumption.

If your tinnitus hinders your everyday life, visit Northwest Alabama Hearing Clinic in Hamilton. The licensed audiologist at this hearing clinic performs tests to diagnose your condition and provide personalized treatments, catching problems early to keep you from facing permanent hearing loss. Call (205) 952-9944 to schedule an appointment, or visit their website to learn more about the offered services.