Can You Get Rid of Tinnitus? Exploring Your Options
Tinnitus, often described as a ringing, buzzing, or hissing in the ears, affects millions. While there isn’t always a definitive way to get rid of tinnitus, some strategies target specific causes, and many options can reduce symptoms. This guide explores potential solutions and lifestyle changes to help you manage tinnitus effectively.
Find out all about tinnitus causes and symptoms.
What Causes Tinnitus?
Understanding the underlying cause of tinnitus is the first step toward effective management. Here are the most common causes and remedies for each:
- Hearing Loss: Age-related or noise-induced hearing loss often accompanies tinnitus. Hearing aids can address both issues by amplifying external sounds, which mask internal ringing. Studies show hearing aids reduce tinnitus severity and improve quality of life.
- Loud Noise Exposure: Prolonged exposure damages delicate inner ear structures. Prevent further damage by wearing earplugs or earmuffs in noisy environments. Avoiding loud noise altogether can stop tinnitus from worsening.
- Health Conditions: Conditions like diabetes, high blood pressure, or thyroid imbalances may contribute. Managing these conditions with medication and lifestyle changes often alleviates tinnitus.
- Ear Infections and Wax Buildup: Blockages can amplify internal sounds. A healthcare provider can remove earwax safely or treat infections, often resolving tinnitus entirely.
- Medication Side Effects: Certain drugs, like high doses of aspirin or specific antibiotics, can cause tinnitus. If a medication triggers tinnitus, your doctor may adjust the dosage or prescribe an alternative.
- Jaw Alignment Issues (TMJ Disorders): Misaligned jaws can contribute to tinnitus. Treatment options include physical therapy, dental appliances, or surgery to correct the alignment.
Identifying the cause often leads to targeted remedies, making it easier to manage or eliminate symptoms.
Can You Get Rid of Tinnitus Completely?
In some cases, addressing the root cause can eliminate tinnitus entirely. For instance:
- Stopping Trigger Medications: If your tinnitus results from a specific drug, discontinuing or switching medications may resolve it.
- Treating Ear Infections or Wax Buildup: Removing blockages or treating infections often eliminates the ringing.
- Managing Underlying Health Conditions: Controlling high blood pressure or thyroid imbalances frequently reduces or eliminates tinnitus.
However, if no specific cause is identified, management focuses on reducing the perception of tinnitus rather than curing it.
Effective Ways to Get Rid of Tinnitus Symptoms
While getting rid of tinnitus isn’t always possible, the following strategies significantly reduce symptoms:
1. Hearing Aids
Hearing aids are a top choice for those with hearing loss and tinnitus. They amplify environmental sounds, making internal noises less noticeable. Many modern hearing aids include masking features that produce soothing background sounds. A 2021 study emphasized that hearing aids improve tinnitus-related quality of life for most users.
Contact us to get a free hearing aid evaluation and trial.
2. Sound Therapy
Sound therapy uses external sounds to distract from tinnitus. Options include:
- White Noise Machines: Devices emit consistent, soothing sounds to mask tinnitus.
- Nature Sound Apps: Sounds like ocean waves or rainfall provide calming backgrounds.
- Custom Soundscapes: Hearing care providers can tailor sound therapy to your needs.
Research shows sound therapy is especially effective when combined with other treatments like counseling or hearing aids.
3. Relaxation Techniques
Stress exacerbates tinnitus, but relaxation techniques can help. These include:
- Yoga: Practicing yoga regularly reduces stress and improves tinnitus severity. A study found that weekly yoga sessions over three months significantly eased symptoms.
- Meditation: Mindfulness meditation trains your brain to accept and manage tinnitus rather than fight it, reducing emotional distress.
- Deep Breathing: Controlled breathing lowers stress hormones, which often intensify tinnitus.
4. Lifestyle Adjustments
Simple lifestyle changes can reduce tinnitus severity:
- Limit Caffeine: Reducing or eliminating coffee and soda can lessen symptoms in some individuals.
- Avoid Loud Noises: Use ear protection in noisy environments like concerts or construction sites.
- Stay Active: Exercise improves blood flow and reduces stress, which supports ear health.
- Eat a Balanced Diet: Nutrient-rich foods promote overall health, potentially improving tinnitus.
5. Certain Medications
Some medications target tinnitus severity by addressing underlying brain hyperactivity or oxidative stress. For example:
- Amitriptyline and Gabapentin: These brain-acting medications show promise in reducing the perception of tinnitus.
- Acamprosate: Known for its effect on brain modulation, it has demonstrated improvements in symptom severity.
- Intra-Tympanic Dexamethasone and Melatonin: This combination provides anti-inflammatory and antioxidant benefits, reducing tinnitus for patients without treatable origins.
While these medications show positive results in studies, clinicians recommend cautious selection due to varying responses and limited research.
6. Professional Treatments
Medical treatments target underlying causes or symptoms:
- Earwax Removal: A healthcare provider can safely remove blockages.
- Jaw Therapy: Physical therapy or dental corrections address TMJ-related tinnitus.
- Health Condition Management: Treating diabetes, high blood pressure, or thyroid issues often reduces symptoms.
Natural Remedies for Tinnitus Relief
Natural remedies may complement medical treatments, though results vary:
- Acupuncture: While evidence is mixed, some studies suggest acupuncture reduces tinnitus severity by improving blood flow.
- Ginkgo Biloba and Red Ginseng: Herbal supplements show promise in reducing symptoms, though further research is needed.
- Yoga and Meditation: Combining physical and mental relaxation helps manage stress and reduces the emotional impact of tinnitus.
- Dietary Adjustments: Limiting salt and sugar supports ear health and may reduce tinnitus severity.
- Vitamins and Minerals: Zinc and vitamin B12 deficiencies have been linked to tinnitus, and supplements may help.
Always consult a healthcare provider before trying new remedies to ensure safety and compatibility with existing treatments.
Learn more about Ginkgo Biloba and tinnitus.
Why Contact a Hearing Care Provider?
Hearing care providers offer specialized support for tinnitus management. They provide:
- Comprehensive Evaluations: Providers identify underlying causes and tailor treatment plans.
- Hearing Aid Fittings: Modern hearing aids amplify sounds and include features designed to mask tinnitus.
- Custom Sound Therapy Plans: Providers design personalized soundscapes to reduce tinnitus perception.
- Ongoing Support: Regular follow-ups ensure treatments remain effective and adjust as needed.
- Counseling and Education: Understanding tinnitus helps you manage it more effectively.
Working with a hearing care provider gives you access to advanced tools and evidence-based strategies to improve your quality of life.
Take the First Step
Tinnitus doesn’t have to control your life. Whether you want to get rid of tinnitus or simply reduce its impact, we are here to help. Contact American Hearing + Audiology today to explore personalized solutions and start your journey to relief.