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Tinnitus Treatment

Tinnitus is noise or ringing in ears. It can also sound like roaring, clicking, swishing, or buzzing.

“It is a well-known problem and it affects 1 out of 5 people.”

This symptom may last for only weeks or months and then resolve spontaneously, though for some individuals it may last for years. It may be significant enough to interfere with an individual’s activities of daily living.

Tinnitus is a symptom of:

Underlying disease like ear injury
Circulatory system disorder
Age-related hearing loss

With proper and adequate treatment it can be cured and solved properly.

“It’s not a disease itself, but rather a symptom of other problems in the ear, brain, heart, or blood vessels.”

Tinnitus Treatment

Tinnitus treatment starts with the diagnosis of a possible underlying and treatable condition that links to the symptoms. If it’s associated with a health condition, then a doctor can undertake necessary steps to reduce the noise.

1. Removal of earwax

Is to remove impacted earwax. Built-up earwax can harden and block the ear canal which leads to:

Hearing loss
Irritation
Tinnitus

After the removal of earwax, the symptoms are relieved largely.

2. Doctor’s advice

If the problem lies in a medication that is being used, the doctor will convince the patient to stop the usage or recommend another medication.

Some of the most common medications that can cause or worsen tinnitus are:

Certain antibiotics, such as polymyxin B, erythromycin, vancomycin, and neomycin.
Some cancer medications, such as mechlorethamine and vincristine.
Diuretic drugs, such as bumetanide, ethacrynic acid, or furosemide.
Antimalarial drugs and certain antidepressants.
Aspirin, when taken in large doses.

3. Treating a blood vessel condition

Underlying vascular conditions may require medication, surgery, or another treatment to address the problem.

4. Taking certain medications

Has been proved to help reduce and remove the symptoms of Tinnitus. Of course, the results vary from patient to patient. It merely depends on the origin of the condition.

“The best solution is to talk with a specialized doctor and take his professional advice.”

Some people find relief from severe tinnitus by taking tricyclic antidepressants, such as amitriptyline and nortriptyline. However, these medications can cause some undesirable side effects, such as blurred visions, dry mouth, and heart problems.
Anticonvulsant medications such as clonazepam and gabapentin have been shown to reduce the loudness and annoyance of tinnitus in some people.
In Brazil, a drug for treating alcoholism, called acamprosate, has been tested for treating tinnitus symptoms with significant success. The drug is currently undergoing studies in the U.S.
Other medications that have been found to quiet symptoms of tinnitus in some people include anti-anxiety medications, antihistamines, and even anesthetics.

5. Hearing Aid

If your tinnitus is accompanied by hearing loss, getting fitted with a hearing aid can work wonders to minimize the annoying rushing or ringing sounds.

Hearing aids bring back the ability to hear ambient background noises, which helps to mask the tinnitus.
If you believe your tinnitus is related to hearing loss, see an audiologist who can help to select and fit a hearing aid that is right for you.
If your hearing is unaffected but the tinnitus remains a problem, you can also get implants that stimulate the auditory nerve using an electrical impulse. This can temporarily stop the tinnitus.

Tinnitus Treatment in a Natural Way

1. Sound Therapy

Is a way of masking or drowning out the internal noise caused by the tinnitus using sound.

Although it does not cure the tinnitus, sound therapy can help patients to forget about their symptoms and allow them to concentrate or rest without distraction.

Sound therapy can be used in two major ways:

Through small, in-ear devices that look similar to hearing aids. These emit low levels of white noise which help to cover up the tinnitus.
Through the use of music or sound machines which can be placed in the patient’s bedroom and other locations to distract them from the tinnitus. White noise, environmental sounds, or even the noise produced by a fan or aquarium can help to cover up the tinnitus.

2. Zinc Supplements

Patients experiencing tinnitus often have low levels of zinc in their system. Some patients have found relief from tinnitus by taking zinc supplements on a daily basis.

Magnesium and B vitamins are also said to ease symptoms. Folic acid is a common supplement for hearing health, and since most individuals with tinnitus also suffer from some degree of hearing loss, eating foods high in Folic acid may potentially help.