Tinnitus treatment

There are many ways you can help manage your tinnitus so you can focus on living life with joy and comfort.


Below you can learn about effective management techniques that can help ease your tinnitus symptoms.

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.

If your  tinnitus is being caused by something that can be treated, such as a neck injury, your tinnitus can improve once that improves.2

With other  causes of tinnitus, such as hearing loss, there isn't a cure. Fortunately, there are very effective options for alleviating the symptoms and preventing further development. Your hearing and well-being go hand-in-hand, so by managing your tinnitus, you can live a more full, present, and joyful life.

Could your tinnitus be linked to hearing loss?

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What are the most effective treatments for tinnitus?

1. Sound therapy
Soothing ocean-like sounds, for example, can help dull tinnitus sounds and make it less noticeable in quiet environments.
2. Hearing aids
Can shift your focus away from your tinnitus to the sounds around you. Some devices also have built-in sound therapy for additional relief.
3. Relaxation & mindfulness
Yoga and meditation have been proven to be particularly effective in relieving tinnitus symptoms.
4. Professional therapy
Mental health specialists use modalities, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy, to help with tinnitus and improve quality of life.1
5. Hearing protection
Earplugs, for example, can offer ear protection in noisy situations and help prevent your tinnitus symptoms from intensifying. 
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Online Tinnitus Test

People with this condition often experience hearing loss too. Our quick online test can help you test for tinnitus and understand what you can do about it if you have tinnitus/hearing loss.

Question 1 - Experiencing ringing or buzzing noises
Do you ever experience ringing or buzzing sounds in your ear(s) when no external sound is present?
Do you ever have trouble falling asleep or concentrating due to any ringing or buzzing sounds in your ear(s)?
Do you ever have trouble following conversations because you don’t hear properly?
Do you find yourself turning up the volume on the TV or radio louder than normal?

Your result:

Indications of tinnitus and hearing loss

Your answers indicate that you may experience symptoms of tinnitus and hearing loss. We recommend that you visit one of our clinics. There are hearing aids that can treat your hearing loss and might give you relief from your tinnitus.*

Book a FREE hearing test in a clinic near you

Book FREE hearing test

* The result of the test may only be used for guidance. Official conclusions about hearing loss/tinnitus can be provided by our certified hearing care experts.

Your result:

Indications of hearing loss

Your answers indicate that you may experience symptoms of hearing loss but no symptoms of tinnitus. We recommend that you visit one of our clinics to to see if you have a hearing loss that should be treated.*

Book a FREE hearing test in a clinic near you

Book FREE hearing test

Your result:

Symptoms of tinnitus indicated

Your answers indicate that you may experience symptoms of tinnitus. We recommend that you read about tinnitus treatment options to learn about how to cope with and find relief from tinnitus symptoms.*

* The result of the test may only be used for guidance. Official conclusions about hearing loss/tinnitus can be provided by our certified hearing care experts.

Your result:

No tinnitus or hearing loss indicated

Your answers indicate that you do not have tinnitus - or that you have non-bothersome tinnitus that is not currently affecting your everyday life. If you experience symptoms of tinnitus in the future, we recommend visiting your local health care provider.

* The result of the test may only be used for guidance. Official conclusions about hearing loss/tinnitus can be provided by our certified hearing care experts.

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What is the latest treatment for tinnitus?

For many, sound amplification (through hearing aid use) effectively manages tinnitus symptoms.

Sound therapy is also a helpful tool, and certain hearing aids come with a built-in program for it. While sound cannot eliminate tinnitus, it can make your tinnitus less noticeable and help shift your attention away from it. Together with your hearing care expert, you can find the sound therapy that provides the most relief.

Hearing aids for tinnitus Causes of tinnitus

Treating tinnitus with Tinnitus SoundSupport™

Oticon hearing aids with Tinnitus SoundSupport™ can help you take control of your tinnitus by playing a wide range of soothing relief sounds including ocean-like sounds and white noise.

Using an app, you can choose different sounds and adjust them until they give the relief you need. You can also stream your favorite music, audiobooks, podcasts, or even relaxation guides.

Book an appointment to demo our hearing aid models with tinnitus features. At Audika, we're also always here to help you tailor your hearing aids and sound therapy programs to suit your personal needs and preferences.


Consequences of untreated tinnitus

Some tinnitus sufferers become sensitive to places with constant talking or loud music, so they begin to avoid such social situations altogether. To others, it is so disturbing that a full night’s sleep can become difficult to achieve. Tinnitus, if left untreated, can lead to the following consequences:

  • Anger
  • Concentration problems
  • Isolation
  • Depression
  • Sensitivity to places with constant talking or loud music
  • Sleep disorder, insomnia

Some people are able to ignore their condition most of the time, but leaving it untreated can have a negative impact on your life if it is experienced over extended periods of time.


Understanding Pulsatile Tinnitus

Pulsatile tinnitus can be a sign of a serious medical condition, and anyone experiencing it should consult their healthcare professional.

It is a unique form of tinnitus characterized by rhythmic sounds resembling one's heartbeat, can be an unsettling experience. While relatively rare, this condition occurs due to various factors, often involving disruptions in blood flow around the ear and auditory system. At HearingLife, we are committed to providing comprehensive and effective strategies to help you reduce pulsatile tinnitus and experience long-term relief.


Exploring Relaxation Techniques for Reducing Pulsatile Tinnitus

In rare cases of pulsatile tinnitus, underlying issues related to blood flow and circulation may contribute to the condition. By integrating relaxation techniques into your daily routine, you can potentially alleviate symptoms and improve your overall well-being. These techniques work by promoting relaxation, reducing stress, and indirectly influencing blood flow patterns. Here are some relaxation techniques to consider:

Deep Breathing Exercises: Practicing deep breathing can help calm your nervous system, reducing stress and promoting healthy blood flow. Inhale deeply through your nose for a count of four, hold for a count of four, and exhale slowly through your mouth for a count of six. Repeat this several times, allowing your body to relax with each breath.

Progressive Muscle Relaxation: This technique involves holding and then gradually releasing different muscle groups in your body. Starting from your toes and moving up to your head, you'll release tension and promote relaxation throughout your body.

Meditation and Mindfulness: Engaging in meditation or mindfulness exercises can help you become more aware of your body and sensations. These practices can reduce stress and potentially improve blood flow over the long term.

Yoga and Tai Chi: These gentle forms of exercise combine movement, breath, and mindfulness, contributing to relaxation and improved circulation.


Long-Term Benefits of Relaxation Techniques

While relaxation techniques may not directly target the underlying causes of pulsatile tinnitus, they can play a significant role in managing the condition and promoting long-term relief. By reducing stress and promoting relaxation, you may experience a decrease in the intensity and frequency of pulsatile tinnitus episodes. Additionally, improved overall well-being and reduced stress levels can contribute to better blood flow and circulation, which may indirectly impact the condition.


Consulting a Professional

If you are experiencing pulsatile tinnitus, it's essential to consult a healthcare professional, such as an audiologist or an ear, nose, and throat specialist (ENT). They can conduct a thorough evaluation to identify any underlying causes and recommend appropriate treatment options. It's important to note that while relaxation techniques can be beneficial, they should be used in conjunction with medical guidance for optimal results.


Sound therapy can provide relief from ringing in the ears

Although sound therapy cannot eliminate this, it can be a helpful tool for managing the symptoms. With sound therapy, you listen to different, carefully selected sounds, which can help you feel that your tinnitus is reduced or temporarily gone.

It then becomes easier to hold your attention away from your condition. Plus, it helps you focus on something more pleasant. You can find the sound therapy that gives you the most effective relief from ringing in the ears by working together with your hearing care professional.

Sound therapy can be provided through:

Browse our selection of hearing aids that offer tinnitus features:

FAQs

Katie Koebel, M.Cl.Sc., Reg. CASLPO Senior Manager, Audiology HearingLife Canada

Katie graduated with a Bachelor of Health Sciences (Honours) Degree, with Distinction, from the University of Western Ontario in 2006, followed by a Master's degree in Audiology from the same institution in 2008. Upon completing her studies, she began providing hearing healthcare as an Audiologist at various HearingLife clinics in the Waterloo Region, eventually settling at the Cambridge HearingLife clinic, where she has helped her clients experience better hearing for over 13 years.

Alongside her role as Senior Manager, Audiology at HearingLife, she has been a Part-Time Professor at Conestoga College in the Hearing Instrument Specialist program since 2019, teaching both Clinical Principles 1 and 2 courses.

General_Last_Reviewed 2024-02-07

If you experience sudden onset of hearing
loss or tinnitus, contact an ENT doctor today.

Sources

1. Martinez-Devesa P, Perera R, Theodoulou M, Waddell A. Cognitive behavioural therapy for tinnitus. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2010.
 
2. Cherian, K., Cherian, N., Cook, C., & Kaltenbach, J. A. (2013). Improving tinnitus with mechanical treatment of the cervical spine and jaw. Journal of the American Academy of Audiology, 24(07), 544-555.