While there is no known cure for most forms of tinnitus, there are many treatment options available that may alleviate the symptoms. 

Tinnitus Retraining Therapy

Please see Tinnitus Home page link provided under Resources for this most effective treatment option for bothersome tinnitus. 

Counseling

Professional counseling will attempt to help the patient deal with the stress and distress associated with tinnitus.  One form of counseling often used in the treatment of tinnitus is cognitive-behavioral therapy.  This type of therapy is often used with people who are dealing with chronic pain.  Its goal is to help the individual identify maladaptive reactions, behaviors and beliefs about their condition and retrain their responses in a way that facilitates a less reactive and judgmental response. 

Hearing Aids

Hearing aids are among the most effective form of treatment for tinnitus, especially if it accompanies a hearing loss, as it often does.  Hearing aids may help by amplifying environmental sounds, reducing or masking out (covering up) the tinnitus heard when in a quieter situation.  In addition, treating the hearing loss increases the ability to hear and communicate better, reducing the fatigue and stress in one’s life, thus reducing the impact of stress on their tinnitus.

Tinnitus Maskers

For those who do not have hearing loss, tinnitus maskers can be helpful.  Maskers are devices that create a sound that may reduce or cover up (mask) the tinnitus.  The can come in a hearing aid-like device that puts the sound directly in the ear or they can come in a tabletop device that generates the masking sound in the immediate environment.  Audiotapes and CDs can also provide relief, used with either speakers or earphones. 

Medications

Medications that may help tinnitus sufferers can be antidepressants and antianxiety medications, as they can address the psychological reaction to the tinnitus, reducing stress levels.  Antihistamines can also help those who suffer from allergies and sinus problems. 

Stress management, relaxation, and biofeedback techniques are also treatments to help one cope with the tinnitus and possible provide a tool to relieve or eliminate the effects of the tinnitus.

What can be done on my part to minimize the tinnitus?

Do not avoid sound.  Having sound around such as a fan or music in the background will help your brain focus on other sounds rather than the tinnitus.  However, do avoid loud noise or music, etc and wear ear protection when in loud environments or using loud machinery.  Control blood pressure and stress levels.  Exercise.  Learn to relax.  Get adequate rest.  Eat healthy.  For some people it helps to avoid caffeine, tobacco and alcohol.  Learn more about tinnitus.

Should you have tinnitus, consult an otolaryngologist, an Ear, Nose and Throat specialist, to determine if your tinnitus is related to a condition that requires medical or surgical treatment.  If not, you may then want to consult an audiologist about the non-medical treatments for tinnitus.