A Comprehensive Guide to Tinnitus Treatment

Have you been experiencing tinnitus? There are treatments available to help you manage tinnitus and improve your quality of life. The first step is to talk to an audiologist, who can evaluate the severity of your tinnitus and recommend the best treatment plan based on your individual needs.

For one person, losing weight and exercising can help reduce their symptoms significantly. For another, pausing medication and finding an alternative with their doctor can help to reduce your symptoms of tinnitus, Some, despite their best efforts, may experience tinnitus in waves throughout their entire life, and in these cases, treatments may involve methods to reduce their impact.

To give you a clearer idea of what these options are, this will take a closer look at some of the common treatments for tinnitus below. This way, you can understand what might work best for you.

Sound Therapy

This can include white noise machines, nature apps or even simple background noise like a fan. Some hearing aids now offer built-in sound therapy options too. This can be used continually, or when you have a period of tinnitus that is lasting longer.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

This therapy helps develop coping strategies that help you change negative thought patterns that tinnitus could sometimes exacerbate. Many find their symptoms less bothersome after CBT, even if the actual sound remains unchanged.

Tinnitus Retraining Therapy (TRT)

TRT aims to help your brain tune out tinnitus over time. It’s a longer-term approach but can provide lasting relief for many. It does this by combining sound therapy with educational counseling.

Hearing Aids

For those with hearing loss alongside tinnitus, hearing aids can help with hearing clarity, comfort and tuning. Some can also provide sound masking options. Talk with your audiologist, if you are experiencing both hearing loss and tinnitus as this could be the right treatment for you.

Mindfulness and Meditation

Mindfulness helps individuals focus on the present moment by improving our concentration. By practicing mindfulness, you can learn to shift your attention away from the sound of tinnitus and focus on other sensations or simply the stillness around you. This can reduce the stress associated with tinnitus and allow you to see it as just another background noise.

Stress can exacerbate almost any health issue, and tinnitus counts here as well. Techniques like deep breathing exercises, yoga or massages can help manage stress levels. You may also meditate as discussed or try to write down your concerns and talk with an audiologist about these concerns.

Medication Review

As discussed above, tinnitus can sometimes be a side effect of certain medications. Your doctor might suggest altering dosages or switching to alternatives if appropriate.

Diet and Nutrition

Diet doesn’t always play a part, but it can. Under professional guidance, a new diet might lead to symptom improvement. Some find certain foods or drinks trigger or worsen their tinnitus.

If you are experiencing tinnitus and want to know the available treatments to help reduce your symptoms, schedule an appointment with an audiologist. They can help you find the right treatment for you.