Have you noticed a ringing, hissing, or buzzing sound in your ears? Sounds that no one else can hear? This is called tinnitus, and many people experience it. For some, it is a small annoyance. However, for others, it can make daily life harder by affecting focus, sleep, and overall well-being. The good news is there are medical treatments that can help.
This article will share five treatments that may promote ear-ringing relief.
1. Sound Therapy Techniques
Sound therapy is a common way to help ease tinnitus, the ringing or buzzing in your ears. It uses outside sounds to make the ringing less noticeable or completely mask it.
Many people have found relief with these different sound therapy methods:
White Noise Machines
These devices play soft, soothing sounds like ocean waves, flowing water, or static noise. These sounds can cover up the ringing and create a more peaceful environment.
Hearing Aids with Special Features
Some hearing aids can help with tinnitus. They can help you hear and play specific tones that mask the ringing in your ears.
This helps balance what you hear and makes the tinnitus less noticeable.
Custom Sound Generators
These devices generate sounds that are customized specifically for you. They are adjusted to the specific pitch of your tinnitus, giving you the greatest possible relief.
What is great about sound therapy is that it does not involve medication or surgery. It is a non-invasive option and can work even better when paired with other treatments.
2. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
One type of talk therapy is called cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). It can help you handle the stress and frustration caused by tinnitus.
It does not make the ringing or buzzing go away. Instead, it can change how you feel about it and how much it bothers you.
Tinnitus often feels worse when you are stressed or stuck in negative thinking. A therapist trained in CBT can teach you to spot and change unhelpful thoughts about tinnitus.
You will also learn ways to stay calm and cope better, which can make everyday life easier.
Some techniques include mindfulness to stay in the moment and relaxation exercises to reduce stress. There are also distraction methods to take your focus off the tinnitus.
Many people say CBT helps them feel less upset and more in control of their condition.
3. Medications for Symptom Relief
No drug can cure tinnitus. However, tinnitus can have side effects like sleep disturbances or anxiety. Medication can provide much-needed relief from these side effects.
Your doctor may prescribe one of the following options depending on your symptoms:
Anti-Anxiety Medications (Benzodiazepines)
Anxiety can sometimes be associated with tinnitus. In such cases, medications like alprazolam can help reduce anxiety associated with tinnitus. However, benzodiazepines should be used cautiously due to their risk of dependency.
Antidepressants
Tinnitus-related insomnia and depression can significantly affect daily life. Certain antidepressants, such as amitriptyline or sertraline, may help relieve these symptoms.
Steroids
Steroids may be used on a short-term basis if tinnitus is caused by inflammation or sudden hearing loss. When paired with other treatments, they may improve auditory issues.
Remember, medications for tinnitus are prescribed based on your specific needs. Always consult your ENT specialist to determine which approach is appropriate for you.
4. Tinnitus Retraining Therapy
Tinnitus retraining therapy (TRT) is a treatment that uses both sound and talking to help manage the condition. It aims to retrain your brain to ignore tinnitus.
This long-term treatment has been effective for many individuals struggling to adapt to persistent ear ringing. TRT involves two key components:
Sound Therapy
Patients use wearable sound generators to reduce their perception of tinnitus.
Counseling
Specialized counseling helps patients understand their condition. It also teaches techniques to rewire how the brain processes tinnitus signals.
The retraining process typically takes 12 to 24 months, requiring dedication and consistent follow-up sessions. However, the results can be life-changing for individuals experiencing debilitating tinnitus.
TRT has shown high success rates in reducing tinnitus severity and improving daily functioning.
5. Treatment for Underlying Conditions
Tinnitus is not always a standalone condition. It may be triggered or worsened by underlying medical issues.
Some examples are ear infections, hearing loss, or circulatory system disorders. Treating these root causes can often alleviate tinnitus symptoms significantly.
Removing Earwax Build-up
Excessive earwax can disrupt the ear canal, causing short-term tinnitus. Professional ear cleaning can eliminate the ringing in these cases.
Addressing Hearing Loss
Hearing loss is one of the most common culprits of tinnitus. Studies show that nearly 90 percent of people with tinnitus, temporary or chronic, also experience hearing loss.
Treating hearing loss with hearing aids or cochlear implants may help reduce tinnitus symptoms.
Improving Circulation
Is poor blood flow or high blood pressure making your tinnitus worse? If so, changes to your daily habits and certain medicines might help.
These treatments work by improving blood flow, which can reduce the ringing or buzzing in your ears.
An ENT doctor will check you to see if these issues are causing your tinnitus.
They might suggest specific lifestyle changes. This includes eating healthier, exercising more, or reducing salt intake to manage blood pressure.
They could also recommend medications to help improve your blood circulation.
Effective Ear Ringing Relief in Georgetown, TX
Untreated tinnitus can disrupt many aspects of life. It can lead to difficulty focusing, relaxing, or sleeping. The five solutions discussed offer effective avenues for relief depending on the specifics of your case.
Are you ready to take control of your tinnitus and experience ear-ringing relief? Consult an ENT specialist who understands your condition and can offer personalized treatment options. Georgetown ENT’s board-certified ENT doctor, Dr. Scott Franklin, is here to help. Call (512) 869-0604 today or schedule a consultation to begin your journey toward ear-ringing relief.
We look forward to serving you!
Sources:
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/symptoms/14164-tinnitus
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/tinnitus/symptoms-causes/syc-20350156
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/tinnitus/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20350162
