1. Make every effort to avoid nervous anxiety for this only stimulates an already tense auditory system.

2. Make every attempt to obtain adequate rest and avoid fatigue.

3. The use of nerve stimulants is to be avoided. Therefore, excessive amounts of coffee (caffeine) and smoking (nicotine) should be avoided.

4. Learn as quickly as possible to accept the existence of the head noises as an annoying reality and then promptly and completely ignore it as much as possible.

5. Tinnitus will not cause you to go deaf, will not result in your losing your mind or cause your death, so immediately forget such distracting and terrifying thoughts.

6. Tinnitus is usually more marked after one retires and his/her surroundings become quiet. Any noise in the room, such as a loud ticking clock or an automatic radio which turns off after your are asleep, will serve to mask the irritating head noises and make them less annoying.

7. If one sleeps in an elevated position with one or two pillows, less congestion to the head will result and the tinnitus may be less noticeable.

8. Sedatives of various types may be used occasionally for temporary relief.

9. Aspirin or ibuprofen-containing drugs should be avoided if possible. All "arthritis medicines" may make tinnitus worse.

10. Daily exercise is important.

11. Decrease your intake of salt.

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