Treating Tinnitus - Know Your Options Before Going For Treatment

There is no universal treatment approach for tinnitusresults may vary depending on the underlying causes
although the main thrust aims toward alleviating theand response of the patient. Affected individuals may
fight or flight response of the sympathetic nervousalso undergo psychotherapy and counseling to help
system. Examples of treatment may be gamma knifedeal with the long-term effects.
radiosurgery for the presence of tumors, medicationsIt is possible for tinnitus to get better over time but
like propranolol, clonazepam, lidocaine, tricyclicthis may not mean that the ear has returned to
antidepressants, carbemazepine, anticonvulsants,optimum condition. Ear damage is permanent and
benzodiazepines, avoidance of alcohol, nicotine, saltirreversible so the improvement may be due to the
and caffeine, consumption of zinc, melatonin,adjustments made by the patient in order to cope.
sertraline, lipflavonoids, acamprosate and etidronatePatients can help themselves by learning how to
and other vitamins.mask the noise with the use of soft sounds from
Other treatable causative factors for the conditionfans and radios. They should avoid irritants like alcohol
like allergy, infection and earwax buildup may also beand caffeine and stick to a sound diet. Hearing aids
targeted in order to alleviate tinnitus. Some forms ofcan also help make external noise seem louder which
surgery may be done but are not fully effective.also masks the ringing noise. Stress management is
Patients may also undergo methods and retrainingalso useful for providing relief.
techniques that help mask the ringing sound.The prognosis of tinnitus depends on the underlying
There are cognitive therapy and Tinnitus Retrainingfactors as well as the personal response of the
Therapy as well. Hypnosis, biofeedback, herbalindividual to the distressing effects. Severe causes
medications like ginkgo, acupuncture, electricalmay result in long term or permanent tinnitus while
stimulation, cochlear implants and hyperbaric oxygenother mild and treatable conditions may eliminate the
chamber may also be used to treat the condition andproblem altogether.