Tinnitus can be treated in various ways by addressing its underlying causes, getting cognitive behavioural therapy, and masking its symptoms through alternate stimuli.
The following piece discusses how to alleviate tinnitus immediately, with possible natural steps, and when to see a medical professional. Furthermore, it runs over the potential tinnitus treatments you can get from a private audiologist.
Tinnitus cannot be cured, but methods and interventions may be used to assist in managing tinnitus symptoms and how they affect the enjoyment of daily life and emotional well-being.
Tinnitus treatments try to alleviate the problems that tinnitus might bring on.
Private Audiologist Tinnitus Diagnosis and Treatment
It is important to note that although the below natural remedies may help to reduce tinnitus symptoms, private audiologists specialise in diagnosing and treating tinnitus.
Tinnitus diagnosis — The most accurate way to diagnose tinnitus is through:
- speech discrimination
- pure tone audiometry
- tinnitus matching
- hearing tests (to ensure that you don’t have hearing loss, which may contribute to tinnitus symptoms).
Tinnitus Treatment — Customised sound therapy involves using various sounds, such as white noise, to mask the tinnitus and help the brain focus less on tinnitus sound. This can be provided by external devices or through hearing aids and other types of wearable devices.
Principle audiologist Lee Fletcher (RHAD) (BSHAA) is known for leading advances in advanced tinnitus diagnosis and treatment at Regain Hearing Clinics in London and Kent. We asked him about his methods:
“We provide in-depth consultations, beginning with a complete assessment using the Tinnitus Handicap Inventory (THI). The results help to accurately evaluate your tinnitus symptoms. In addition, we run three crucial tests: tinnitus matching, speech discrimination, and pure tone audiometry.
“A combination of approaches, including sound therapy, cutting-edge tinnitus apps, and cognitive behavioural therapy, are used in our customised tinnitus treatment. At Regain Hearing, our private audiologists are aware of the impact of tinnitus symptoms, such as sleep problems and anxiety, and our revolutionary tinnitus treatment plans are often incredibly effective for reducing or even eliminating tinnitus symptoms.”
5 Natural Ways to Help Relieve Tinnitus
1. RelaxationTechniques for Tinnitus Symptoms
Meditation — Through mindfulness meditation, you learn how to pay attention to emotions, sensations, and thoughts, which could potentially reduce anxiety.
In a study of several trials, it was discovered that six out of seven tinnitus studies showed that mindful meditation substantially alleviated tinnitus symptoms.
The data is clinically sufficient in scale to indicate using mindfulness meditation could serve as a valuable remedy to relieve the discomfort and stress tinnitus symptoms can cause.
Yoga — is a blend of mind-body techniques. Practising yoga once per week for three months has been shown in a clinical study to improve tinnitus symptoms, such as anxiety and depression.
Sound therapy for Tinnitus Relief
Masking — is a sort of sound therapy that may be helpful for tinnitus relief. Treatment requires utilising various sounds to mask tinnitus sounds, which may be beneficial in reducing persistent or tiresome tinnitus noise.
Music, white noise, background noise, or specific sounds might all be used as masking sounds.
2. Acupuncture to Reduce Tinnitus Symptoms
This Chinese therapy has been practised for a few thousand years to relieve a wide range of medical conditions. The technique entails placing tiny needles at various depths into different parts of the body.
Studies on the effectiveness of acupuncture as a treatment for tinnitus have indicated that acupuncture may help improve sleep and quality of life in general, reduce anxiety, and decrease the intensity and severity of tinnitus symptoms.
3. Natural Supplements for Relief From Chronic Tinnitus
Ginseng Biloba — has been used for many years for positive effects on overall health and wellness.
Ginseng may safeguard against noise-induced hearing loss and cochlear deterioration, leading researchers to conclude that it may be beneficial for the relief of tinnitus. According to one study, 3,000 milligrams of ginseng daily helped to significantly reduce severe and chronic tinnitus symptoms — more than those who took ginkgo biloba or lower quantities.
However, ginseng can cause side effects like intestinal problems, menstrual irregularities, and insomnia, and if you take any other medication, you should always speak with your GP before you start to take it.
Ginkgo Biloba — Studies have examined whether ginkgo biloba could offer a beneficial remedy for relieving tinnitus symptoms. Experts think that the extract’s vasodilatory and antioxidant properties could reduce tinnitus.
Ginkgo can interfere with anticoagulant medication, which decreases the formation of blood clots. As a result, ginkgo is not suitable for anyone who has any type of bleeding disorder, such as haemophilia. If you use other prescription medications, always inform your doctor before taking ginkgo biloba.
Zinc, a vital mineral, helps to support the nerve signals related to hearing. Some researchers think that a low zinc level can obstruct those signals, which may contribute to the development of tinnitus symptoms.
Zinc — A study published in the American Journal of Otolaryngology found that 100 participants with low zinc levels also had tinnitus.
According to a different study published in Otology and Neurotology, participants who received zinc supplementation, compared to those who received a placebo, stated that their tinnitus symptoms were less severe.
4. Give up Smoking, Vaping, and Nicotine Products
In connection to tinnitus symptoms, smoking has two different consequences. Primarily, it could decrease blood flow to the auditory nerve cells. Furthermore, smoking is a stimulant and might increase the volume of tinnitus sound. Therefore, it is believed that quitting may significantly decrease the adverse effects of tinnitus.
5. Neck Muscle Exercises for Tinnitus
Neck muscle exercises are an excellent preventative treatment for ear infections, which could aggravate tinnitus symptoms. By doing neck exercises regularly throughout the day, you help to relieve pressure in the ear canal. But be careful not to overdo it, and take a moment to relax if you experience any discomfort or pain.
Tinnitus Treatment: Summary
There is no recognised cure for tinnitus. But gradually, it tends to get more manageable and less difficult to cope with. Though tinnitus is commonly disruptive, it shouldn’t have the power to dictate how you live. Strategies are available to manage the symptoms and live an enjoyable life. At present, audiologists who concentrate on treating tinnitus offer a variety of cutting-edge and effective approaches for relief from tinnitus.