You may be able to prevent ringing in the ears if you:

• Limit or avoid exposure to loud noises, such as music, power tools, gunshots, and industrial machinery.
  • Wear protective earplugs or earmuffs if you cannot avoid loud noises. Do not use wadded-up tissue or cotton balls. These do not protect adequately against loud noises, especially the more dangerous high frequencies, and they may become lodged in the ear canal.
  • Be careful when using stereo headphones. If music is so loud that others can hear it clearly or you can't hear other sounds around you, the volume is too high.
• Cut back on or stop drinking alcohol and beverages containing caffeine.
• Do not smoke or use smokeless tobacco products. Nicotine use may cause tinnitus by reducing blood flow to the structures of the ear. For more information, see the topic Quitting Smoking.
• Exercise regularly. Exercise may prevent tinnitus because it improves blood flow to the structures of the ear. For more information, see the topic Fitness.
• Maintain a healthy weight. Tinnitus occurs more frequently in obese adults. For more information, see the topic Weight Management.