Currently, there is no cure for most types of tinnitus. The goal of treatment is to manage our tinnitus and enable you to habituate so that you are not aware of your tinnitus and it no longer has a negative impact on your life. The most effective way to manage tinnitus is through a combination of some type of sound therapy and counseling.
Sound Therapy Various treatment strategies utilize sound to decrease the loudness or prominence of tinnitus. Sound therapies
can include both wearable (hearing aid-like devices) and non-wearable
devices (such as table-top sound machines or even a whirring fan).
Often, sound, like white noise, is used to completely or partially cover
the tinnitus. Some people refer to this covering of sound as masking.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
Cognitive behavioral therapy is a type of counseling that is based on treating a patient's emotional
reaction to tinnitus rather than the tinnitus itself. To accomplish
this desired change in perception, a counselor will help the patient
identify negative behaviors and thought patterns, then alter them.
Counseling programs are individually designed for patients and are most
effective when coupled with other tinnitus treatments, such as masking
or medication.
Drug Therapy
Many drugs have been researched and studied in an attempt to relieve
tinnitus. Presently, there is no known drug or medication that has been
clinically shown to eliminate tinnitus.
When taking any drug, it is important to discuss the side effects with your physician. For a good discussion on drugs and other supplements that can cause tinnitus, click here.
