The first time I became aware of the sound, I was a little girl who had just started sleeping alone. I ran to mother’s room because I thought abasezi (night dancers) had camped outside my window. After a few incidences I was taken to the doctor and my ears checked and found to be perfectly okay. The noise has never stopped though I later put a name to it- Tinnitus or ringing ears.
You become aware of the ringing when the environment is dead silent. Sounds of ringing, buzzing, hissing, chirping or whistling. The noise is intermittent and varies in loudness. In rare cases, the sound beats in sync with your heart . Although harmless, this condition can be quite disturbing especially when trying to concentrate or fall asleep.
Causes of Tinnitus include; excessive exposure to loud noise, wax buildup, infections to the ears, underactive auditory/hearing nerves, drugs like sedatives and antidepressants and injuries to the head neck or jaw, among others. Although the ringing never goes away even after one treats the underlying condition, there are still ways to circumvent the noises with these ingenious tricks.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Aside from treating infections that may contribute to tinnitus, apple cider vinegar also balances the alkaline level in the body hence improving blood circulation to the ear. Mix two teaspoons of apple cider vinegar and a little honey in a glass of water to lessen the ringing sensation in the ears.
Onions
Chop one small onion and microwave the pieces for a minute or two. Allow it to cool and then strain out the juice. Put 2 or 3 drops of the juice in the ears and leave it for about five minutes. Turn your head to let the juice drain out. Do this a few times a week.
Garlic
Garlic helps reduce inflammation while improving blood circulation. Fry two crushed garlic cloves in one tablespoon of vegetable oil. After straining and letting it cool, put two or three drops of the oil into the ear canal. Do this daily before going to sleep for at least a week.