How to Treat Tinnitus
Tinnitus is a condition where one hears a sound in the absence of any actual noise or sound. Tinnitus is usually a symptom of an underlying problem, which can include ear infection, earwax buildup and slight injury from loud external noises. Tinnitus can be rated from mild to catastrophic, based on clinical tests. This means that it can range from irritating to downright obtrusive, getting in the way of normal activities like sleeping, studying and other normal activities.
Types of Tinnitus
Objective Tinnitus
Once you’ve had your ears checked, your doctor will diagnose your tinnitus as either objective tinnitus or subjective tinnitus. Objective tinnitus means that the sound that you hear is actually produced within your ear, usually muscle spasms that cause the clicking or crackling sounds. Objective tinnitus can also be detected by its beating in time with your pulse.
Subjective Tinnitus
Subjective tinnitus can be further subdivided to otic tinnitus and somatic tinnitus. Otic tinnitus is caused by disorders or injury in your inner ear or acoustic nerve. Somatic tinnitus is caused by injury outside the ear but anywhere within the neck and head area.
Treatment
There are several options to treat objective tinnitus. However, none of them ensure that the treatment will provide a long-term solution. They can, however, minimize the effects of tinnitus. Here are your options:
Clearing ear canal. Objective tinnitus can be caused by ear blockage, so make sure that your doctor clears your ear canal properly.
Masking noise. For cases when tinnitus gets in the way of normal activities like sleeping, a masking noise device can be used. Masking noise devices are usually clipped to your ear and will produce a more comforting sound that will overpower the buzzing or ringing in your ear.
Avoidance of salt, nicotine, alcohol and caffeine.
Surgery. Surgery, like the other treatments, do not ensure that your tinnitus will be completely cured. What the surgery will do is where the auditory nerve will be divided.
Tricylic antidepressants. These antidepressants have shown themselves to be an effective treatment against tinnitus.
Cochlear implant. For those who are seriously deafened due to their tinnitus, a cochlear implant is used to lessen the effects of the tinnitus.
Relaxation techniques. Relaxation techniques in the form of meditation, yoga and tai chi help regulate your blood circulation. Breathing exercises also help.
Exercise. Like relaxation techniques, different forms of vigorous exercise can help regulate your blood circulation better, which in turn can improve or lessen your tinnitus.
Avoid aspirin. Aspirin has been found to aggravate tinnitus, so find alternatives to taking this medication.
Natural remedies. There are a couple of natural remedies to help treat tinnitus. They include magnesium, molasses, baking soda and vinegar. Taking gingko biloba in pill form is also touted to be very effective.
Avoid loud noises. It goes without saying that loud noise is very bad for anyone who is suffering from tinnitus. When going to concerts or construction sites, anywhere where you can be exposed to loud noises, make sure to bring ear plugs to protect your ears.
Alternative medicine. Hypnosis and acupuncture have been tried by some, but results vary from patient to patient.