Tinnitus treatment depends on what is causing the symptom. Treatment may involve simple measures, such as removing impacted earwax, taking antibiotics for an infection, or using a hearing aid.
In many cases, however, a combination of treatments is needed. This may include sound therapy, medication to manage related anxiety or depression, and treatment of an underlying condition, such as high blood pressure or diabetes.
Tinnitus is often related to hearing loss caused by prolonged exposure to loud noise or by age-related changes in hearing. For this reason, tinnitus is more common in older adults.
Some of the most commonly used tinnitus treatments include:
1. Medications
There is no single medication that can cure tinnitus. However, some medications may be prescribed to manage related conditions or help relieve symptoms associated with tinnitus.
Options may include:
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Anxiety medications or antidepressants, such as lorazepam or sertraline, which may help manage anxiety or depression related to tinnitus. They may also help with sleep problems that trigger or worsen tinnitus.
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Medications used to treat associated vertigo, such as meclizine, which may be helpful when tinnitus occurs along with dizziness caused by a vestibular disorder.
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Antihistamines, which may sometimes be prescribed when tinnitus occurs with allergies, congestion, or an underlying balance disorder.
These medications should only be taken under a doctor’s supervision. When appropriate, they should be used for a limited period or for as long as the doctor recommends.
Medication may also be necessary when tinnitus is associated with a condition such as diabetes, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, or hyperthyroidism. These conditions should be treated according to the doctor’s instructions.
Certain medications can cause or worsen tinnitus, including some anti-inflammatory drugs, chemotherapy drugs, antibiotics, and diuretics. A doctor should be informed if tinnitus begins or becomes worse after starting a medication so that the need for an adjustment or replacement can be evaluated.
Medications should not be stopped or replaced without medical guidance.
2. Hearing aids
Many people with tinnitus also have significant hearing loss. Hearing aids can make external sounds easier to hear, which may reduce the attention given to tinnitus, an internally perceived sound.
3. Sound therapy
Sound therapy uses background sounds to make tinnitus less noticeable. It may include white noise, music, or nature sounds, with the goal of reducing silence and drawing attention away from the tinnitus.
Specialized sound-producing devices are available in different sizes and price ranges. These devices may be helpful when recommended by an otolaryngologist, also known as an ear, nose, and throat doctor, or an audiologist.
4. Behavioral therapy
Behavioral therapy, including tinnitus retraining therapy, uses relaxation techniques, thought restructuring, and gradual habituation to help people feel more comfortable with tinnitus.
Sound training and other techniques may be used to help the person pay less attention to the noise. Therapy may be provided individually or in a group.
Behavioral therapy can also help a person develop new coping strategies for times when tinnitus becomes more noticeable or difficult to ignore.
5. Dietary changes
Some people regularly consume foods or substances that may trigger or worsen tinnitus. Limiting sugary foods, caffeine, alcohol, and artificial sweeteners such as aspartame may be recommended as part of tinnitus treatment, along with quitting smoking.
Reducing salt, saturated fat, and trans fat may also be recommended, particularly when tinnitus is associated with high blood pressure. Intake of dairy products and fried foods may also need to be evaluated based on individual symptoms and medical guidance.
Some dietary supplements marketed for hearing health contain substances such as GABA, ginkgo biloba, L-theanine, zinc, selenium, melatonin, and vitamins B3, B6, and B12. However, these supplements are not FDA-approved to treat tinnitus, and there is not enough consistent evidence to confirm that they relieve tinnitus symptoms.
Supplements may also cause side effects or interact with medications. They should only be taken after consulting a doctor or another qualified healthcare professional.
6. Dental treatments
Temporomandibular joint dysfunction, or TMJ dysfunction, is one possible cause of tinnitus. People with this condition may be advised to undergo dental treatment.
Treatment for TMJ may include wearing a rigid oral appliance over the teeth while sleeping. Physical therapy with posture-correction exercises may also be recommended.
7. Alternative therapies
Some therapies that may contribute to tinnitus management include:
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Acupuncture: Acupuncture practitioners may assess the neck and cervical spine because tension or other problems in this area may contribute to tinnitus symptoms in some people. However, evidence supporting acupuncture as an effective tinnitus treatment remains limited.
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Relaxation techniques: These techniques may help improve sleep, reduce anxiety, and relieve tension in the muscles of the head and neck.
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Music therapy: Music selected according to an individual’s preferences or delivered through a structured music-based program may help reduce awareness of tinnitus and make the sound feel less bothersome.
Stress-relieving practices such as yoga and meditation may also be helpful. Stress and anxiety are common factors that can trigger or worsen tinnitus.