How can Tinnitus be Treated?
Treatment options include -
Hearing Aids
Many people with tinnitus also have hearing loss. Wearing a hearing aid makes it easier for them to hear.
Maskers
Maskers are small electronic devices that use sound to make tinnitus less noticeable. Maskers do not make tinnitus go away, but they make the ringing or roaring seem softer.
Medication
Many drugs have been researched and used as tinnitus relief agents. Anti-anxiety drugs and antidepressants like nortriptyline, antihistamines, anticonvulsants, and even anesthetics like lidocaine have been successfully used to treat tinnitus patients.
Treating the underlying cause of tinnitus
If the ringing in the ears is due to another health condition, the doctor may be able to take steps that could reduce the noise, such as removing impacted earwax or treating an
Tinnitus retraining therapy
This treatment uses a combination of counseling and maskers. Otolaryngologists and audiologists help the patient to learn how to deal with tinnitus in a better way. The therapy tries to retrain the subconscious parts of the brain to ignore the sound of tinnitus. After a while, some people learn how to avoid thinking about their tinnitus. It takes time for this treatment to work, but it can be very helpful.
Lifestyle changes
It can help reduce tinnitus. Being well rested and reducing stress and anxiety can lower the intensity of tinnitus as well as increase the quality of life for the individual.
Relaxing
Learning how to relax is very helpful if the noise in the ears frustrates the patient. Stress worsens tinnitus symptoms.. By relaxing, one has a chance to rest and deal better with the sound.
Counseling
People with tinnitus may become depressed. Talking with a counselor or people in tinnitus support groups may be helpful.
Alternative treatments
Some people take minerals such as magnesium or zinc, herbal preparations such as Ginkgo biloba, homeopathic remedies, or vitamin B for tinnitus and found them to be helpful. Others have experienced tinnitus relief with acupuncture, sacral therapy, magnets, hyperbaric oxygen, or hypnosis.
