Tinnitus can be such a persistent experience that many people just “learn to live with it,” but a compromised hearing experience does not have to be a life sentence.
Two general approaches to treating tinnitus are to
- Reduce the intensity and
- Manage the client’s reaction.
There are a wide variety of tinnitus treatment options available. The best treatment option can vary, based on the cause of your tinnitus. Here are some of the common ones.
Sound therapy and tinnitus masking
Sound therapy or tinnitus masking are common forms of tinnitus treatment.
Sound therapy uses an external source to relax you, reducing the negative impact tinnitus can have on your wellbeing.
Soothing ocean-like sounds, for example, can help dull tinnitus, making it less noticeable in quiet environments.
Tinnitus masking uses an external sound source to eliminate or reduce your awareness of tinnitus.
Sound therapy and/or tinnitus masking can be provided through:
- Apps dedicated to tinnitus relief
- Sound and sleep apps
- Sound therapy machines
- Hearing aids with built-in tinnitus treatment
Hearing aids may be your ideal tinnitus treatment option if you have hearing loss. In Canada, you can only purchase tinnitus hearing aids if you are diagnosed with hearing loss from a licensed hearing care professional.
Cognitive behavioural therapy
There is limited evidence that cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) may help to reduce the negative impact of tinnitus.
CBT uses psychological treatments attention control, imagery training and relaxation methods to create more positive thinking about tinnitus. It may be paired with other treatment options to increase its effectiveness.
Note: HearingLife Canada does not offer cognitive behavioural therapy.
Tinnitus retraining therapy
Tinnitus retraining therapy (TRT) uses a combination of directive counselling and sound therapy.
Note: HearingLife Canada does not offer tinnitus retraining therapy.
Earwax removal
Excessive earwax buildup can cause irritation or blockage in the ear canal, triggering tinnitus. Removing the earwax through proper cleaning techniques or with the assistance of a healthcare professional may help alleviate tinnitus associated with earwax buildup.
If you suspect your tinnitus may be linked to earwax buildup, schedule a professional earwax removal.
What is the latest treatment for tinnitus?
A 2026 study in the American Journal of Audiology observed tinnitus patients who were treated with a combination of sound therapy and a tongue stimulation device. Those with moderate or worse tinnitus reported an improvement to their tinnitus experience.
For those with hearing loss, the new Oticon Zeal™ hearing aid offers some of the latest in tinnitus support.
Do home remedies for tinnitus work?
A variety of issues can trigger tinnitus, so home remedies that target these issues may also offer tinnitus relief:
Relaxation or meditation
Anxiety and stress can intensify tinnitus. Deep breathing exercises, progressive muscle relaxation, meditation and mindfulness, yoga, and Tai Chi may help to reduce stress and ease tension in the body.
Healthy diet and exercise
Eating healthy and staying active can reduce your risk for diseases that trigger tinnitus.
Researchers have suggested that Ginko biloba may help treat tinnitus, but studies remain inconclusive.
Quit smoking
A study suggests that smoking may be a risk factor for tinnitus. If you smoke, consider quitting and observe if your tinnitus improves.
Physical therapy
For tinnitus caused by dysfunction in the spine or temporomandibular joint (TMJ), physical therapy such as cervical spine treatment and jaw exercises may help reduce tinnitus severity.
Consequences of untreated tinnitus
If you suffer from tinnitus, you may be sensitive to places with constant talking or loud music. You may choose to avoid these environments altogether, limiting your social interactions.
Tinnitus is so disruptive that a full night’s sleep can also become difficult to achieve. This may lead to insomnia or other sleep disorders.
Tinnitus, if left untreated, may also lead to:
- Anger
- Concentration problems
- Isolation
- Depression
If you have tinnitus and are experiencing any of these issues, speak to a hearing care professional for coping methods and recommendations.
Is there a cure for tinnitus?
The short answer: It depends on the cause of your tinnitus, so it's always best to consult your doctor or hearing care professional.
If your tinnitus is caused by a condition that can be treated, your tinnitus can improve once the condition improves.
With other tinnitus causes, such as hearing loss, there isn't a cure. Fortunately, there are effective options for management and alleviation. By managing your tinnitus, you can live a more full, present, and joyful life.
FAQs
Katie graduated with a Bachelor of Health Sciences (Honours), with Distinction, from the University of Western Ontario in 2006, followed by a master’s degree in audiology from the same institution in 2008. She began her career providing hearing healthcare as an audiologist at the HearingLife Cambridge clinic. Here, she supported clients in achieving better hearing outcomes for over 13 years.
Sources
1. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6956618/
2. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7209976/
3. https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/neuroscience/articles/10.3389/fnins.2016.00545/full