Tinnitus

How is Tinnitus Managed?

Because tinnitus can be caused by a variety of conditions, there may be many different ways it can be managed. It is important to know that in many cases, there is no cure, but there are many ways providers can help patients manage their tinnitus.

The first step is a comprehensive evaluation. Most patient’s start with a hearing test and a case history where an audiologist may ask when your symptoms started, what your tinnitus sounds like, and where you hear your tinnitus (ex: left ear, right ear, somewhere in the middle of your head.) You may see an ear, nose, and throat (ENT) provider, as well.

Treatments for Tinnitus

• Hearing loss can be managed with appropriately fit hearing aids, bone anchored implants or cochlear implants. Candidacy for any of these devices is determined by your audiologist. Some of these devices can have special programs built to include sound therapy.
• Sound therapy is an approach where a low-level sound is presented to the ears to provide some sound stimulation and help the mind notice tinnitus less. This can be done with ear-level devices like headphones or hearing aids or with a speaker in the room.
• Tinnitus Retraining Therapy (TRT) or Progressive Tinnitus Management (PTM) are two formalized programs that combine educational counseling, sound therapy, and behavioral health approaches to help patients understand their tinnitus and learn to better manage their emotional reactions and responses. UR Medicine Audiology combines these strategies and works closely with our Psychiatry Department to supplement counseling and medication management, as needed.
• A variety of psychotherapies also known as talk therapies have been shown to be effective in reducing how bothered people are by their tinnitus. Cognitive behavioral therapy is often mentioned, but therapies intended to help manage emotions can be helpful.
• While there are no medications known to cure tinnitus, some medications may be used to manage conditions like anxiety, depression, or other psychiatric problems that can contribute to tinnitus severity.

How to Prevent Tinnitus

• Use hearing protection. Noise is something that can cause hearing loss and tinnitus. Whether working in a noisy environment, attending a loud concert, or using firearms, using hearing protection appropriately is an important way to avoid damage to your ears. Talk with your audiologist about what might be best for your needs.
• Discuss possible side-effects of medications with your prescribing provider. You should weigh the costs and benefits of your medication with that provider.
• Reduce stress in healthful ways with exercise, time with loved ones, and relaxation activities like meditation.