Tinnitus Treatments

By Michael Rairigh, AuD

Tinnitus is one of the most commonly reported problems among all physicians, including primary care physicians, otolaryngologist/ENT (Ear, Nose, and Throat) physicians, and audiologists. Tinnitus is defined as any noise that is heard or produced by the ear. Patients subjective descriptions of tinnitus include ringing, humming, buzzing, hissing, crickets, musical instruments, or even a roaring (fan like) sound. The exact cause of tinnitus can not always been identified; however, the more common causes include hearing loss, an acoustic neuroma (tumor compressing the auditory nerve), Menieres disease, trauma to the ear, dietary imbalance, prescription drugs, and circulatory issues (i.e. high blood pressure/hypertension, high cholesterol).
There are many presumed treatments for tinnitus that can be purchased over-the-counter. Some of these treatments include Tinnitus “Arch” relief tablets, Lipoflavinoid tablets, Quietus tablets, and T-gone remedies (natural supplements) to name a few. These tablets work by distributing vitamins and minerals throughout your body, which are purported to relieve your tinnitus. In my experience, every patient that I have seen who has tried these remedies has reported no such relief. I believe that these treatments work on the theory of the placebo effect. The placebo effect refers to Since I am taking something to make me feel better I do feel better.
The only known tinnitus treatments that have been shown to provide relief or suppression of tinnitus include Hearing devices, tinnitus masking devices, the Neuromonics tinnitus treatment program, and dietary changes. In addition, some cases of drug intake modification (changing your medications) may also provide resolution of tinnitus. The treatment plan chosen will be based on a few key items. First the person suffering from tinnitus should have a diagnostic hearing evaluation (typically covered by health insurance), a tinnitus evaluation, and fill out a tinnitus handicap survey to evaluate how their life is affected by their tinnitus. Once these things have been assessed, and the cause of your tinnitus can be identified the best treatment program for each patient will be recommended. Some people will have a few options for treatment, while others may only have one.
If you are interested in having your tinnitus evaluated please locate an audiologist for a comprehensive diagnostic hearing evaluation. There could be multiple reasons for experiencing tinnitus, and listening to the all possible causes and treatments will be important to your success with a treatment program if you would choose to pursue help.