Tinnitus does not have one specific cure, since it is usually actually a byproduct of a different health problem such as hearing loss or a myriad of other causes. However, there are many different tinnitus treatments that can alleviate the symptoms and make life manageable for the most severe tinnitus sufferer.
One of the effective tinnitus treatments include being prescribed antidepressant or antianxiety medications, although they are not 100% effective for all sufferers. Another of the treatments that is helpful includes Auditory Habituation, or TRT (Tinnitus Retraining Therapy.) There are 2 components to this treatment, including directive counseling as well as low-level sound generators. Directive counseling is used to educate the tinnitus sufferer as to what exactly is going on a scientific level that is individualized to the patient. This counseling also includes ways to cope with the effects of tinnitus.
Low-level sound generators are a hearing-aid type of device that is inserted into the ear and generates a soft noise over a broadband. The brain recognizes both sounds, and over time, the ear will become desensitized to the tinnitus, making it much easier to tolerate. Tinnitus Retraining Therapy has an 80% rate of significant improvement in sufferers when undergone correctly. Most TRT tinnitus treatments last for around an 18-24 month program.
Acoustic sound therapy is another of the many tinnitus treatments that can reduce the bothersome ringing in the ears. The use of acoustic therapy is in essence just using an outside source of sound to cover up the internal ringing in the ear. Sound generators also known as tinnitus maskers provide white noise in a hearing aid form of casein that emits sound directly into the ear, covering up the whistling sounds. Treatments including hearing aids may also help, as they amplify the outside sounds, and many who use them report some sort of reduction in their tinnitus in addition to their increased hearing. Sound generators are tinnitus treatments that provide white noise such as waves or outdoor ambience is also helpful. Some people find the use of electric fans, radios, and other electronic sound devices help in taking the mind off of the internal buzzing that tinnitus causes. Music therapy, notably with mellow classical music, has also proven effective to some patients and with the above options, can be used as a successful treatment.
Sometimes, tinnitus treatments go beyond the physical and healing internally must be undertaken in order to get relief. Some of these treatments include Cognitive-Behavioral therapy, stress management and the use of support groups. Using techniques such as hypnosis, naturopathy, and relaxation including the practices of acupuncture and massage have also been proven to be effective treatment. There is a major correlation between stress levels and distressing levels of tinnitus- so it is very important to be able to maintain one’s composure when dealing with this condition in order to treat it effectively.
Biofeedback is another form of the many tinnitus treatments that allows the patient to be able to detect involuntary body processes by the senses, being able to control them using the mind. This used in addition to counseling may be a very helpful addition to tinnitus treatments if nothing else seems to be working.
In addition to the various treatments available, there are things one can do in order to prevent it in the first place. Reducing one’s exposure to very loud noises such as loud construction machinery, airplanes, and/or rock concerts is one way to make sure that hearing is protected. If you are required to be around these types of environments frequently, make sure to wear earphones whenever possible. Also, making sure to not listen to headphones at a very high volume for extended periods of time will go a long way in preventing tinnitus as well.
Preventing tinnitus goes beyond the ears, however and there some dietary prevention measures you can take. Decreasing one’s intake of salt, caffeine, nicotine and other stimulants can be one of the more successful treatments, as is making sure to exercise regularly, and maintain a low blood pressure. Finding ways to manage stress effectively and getting adequate rest is also extremely important in managing tinnitus as well as remaining healthy overall.
If you feel that you may be suffering from tinnitus- it is important to make a visit with your doctor as it may be a result of an underlying health issue that needs to be checked out first. But with the many tinnitus treatments available, it can be managed in a way to allow you to enjoy a normal lfie.
