The best 6 tinnitus relief options in 2023

Tinnitus is a common and often misunderstood condition that can have a significant impact on daily life. The ringing in the ears may become chronic and interfere with concentration, sleep, or the overall quality of life. This pushes patients in the search of treatment options to improve their quality of life.

From home remedies to professional consultation, every therapy has its own strengths and weaknesses. Patients suffering from tinnitus can find a wide range of options from do-it-at-home sound therapies to professional behavioral consultation.

Sound therapy has, for the last couple of decades, been an active area of research with new protocols coming up every year. If you have the budget and willingness to go for it, you can also try a combinational therapy using both sound therapy and behavioral consultation. Or, if you prefer to just take medication, there are some drugs that could help with the anxiety surrounding tinnitus.

It is important to note that the effectiveness of different treatment options can vary depending on the individual and the specific type and severity of their tinnitus. Treatment for chronic tinnitus is a trial-and-error process as there is no one-size-fits-all treatment that works for everyone. This process also requires some patience, since it can take weeks or even months to achieve a noticeable improvement. This improvement will be in the form of a less noticeable ringing, when the tinnitus itself can be suppressed, or an overall better quality of life, when the tinnitus cannot be suppressed but you develop better coping mechanisms.

If you are experiencing tinnitus and are interested in exploring treatment options, remember you can always speak with a healthcare professional, such as an audiologist, for guidance and recommendations.

1. Tinnitus retraining therapy (TRT)

Tinnitus retraining therapy is a form of treatment that usually involves a combination of sound therapy and counseling. During counseling, a tinnitus specialist will work with the patient to understand their tinnitus and how it affects them. The specialist will also help the patient develop coping strategies and techniques to manage their tinnitus and reduce its impact on their daily life.

TRT will also include sound therapy, which involves the use of specific sounds or noise to help mask or reduce the perception of tinnitus. This can be done through the use of specialized devices, such as tinnitus maskers or noise generators, or through the use of music or other sounds.

TRT is generally considered a safe and effective treatment for tinnitus and has been shown to be beneficial for many individuals. This therapy option is one of the most recommended by professionals, and institutions such as the British Tinnitus Association.

Despite the institutional support, a significant downside of TRT is the commitment it imposes on patients. Commuting to consultation is a burden not everyone is ready to commit to; it can be a time consuming process, that can leave people feeling unproductive and chipping away your time for leisure activities. Additionally, the price of TRT sessions can quickly add up to an expensive amount, considering that TRT typically involves weekly or biweekly sessions that can cost up to $300 each.

2. Sound therapy

Sound therapy is arguably one of the most active areas of research for tinnitus. From tinnitus masking, to auditory discrimination training, sound therapy includes a wide array of options that have helped many patients reduce their tinnitus.

Since sound therapy is really a family of different individual protocols, each with its own strengths and weaknesses, we will at least describe the main two subfamilies: customized, and non-customized sound therapy.

Non-customized sound therapy involves using noise, nature sounds, or music, without tuning it to the specific needs of each patient.

Customized sound therapy, on the other hand, uses sounds generated based on the specific pitch, bandwidth, or loudness of the patient’s tinnitus.

Even though sound therapy is a popular research area, there is still a lack of consensus over which therapies yield better results. Patients may spend a long time trying different options, which can be frustrating for some. On the flip side, this is an easy to use form of therapy that patients can try at home, using both specialized devices or smartphone applications.

3. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a type of psychotherapy that is commonly used to treat a range of mental health conditions, including tinnitus. CBT is based on the idea that our thoughts, feelings, and behaviors are all interconnected, and that by changing negative or unhealthy patterns of thinking and behavior, we can improve our mental health and overall well-being.

In the context of tinnitus, CBT can be used to help people learn to manage their tinnitus and reduce the impact it has on their daily lives. This may involve identifying and challenging negative thought patterns or beliefs about tinnitus, learning relaxation techniques to reduce stress and anxiety related to tinnitus, and developing strategies for coping with tinnitus on a day-to-day basis.

CBT for tinnitus is typically administered by a trained therapist, and may involve a series of individual or group sessions over a period of several weeks or months. It is generally considered a safe and effective treatment approach for tinnitus, and may be particularly helpful for people who have severe or persistent tinnitus that is affecting their quality of life.

4. Medication

Since tinnitus can be caused by different underlying conditions, it is hard to prescribe medication to reduce its effects and, on top of that, there is no medication that is specifically approved for the treatment of tinnitus. However, some medications may be helpful in reducing the severity of tinnitus or improving the ability to cope with the condition.

Some medications that have been used to treat tinnitus include:

Tricyclic antidepressants: These medications may help to reduce the severity of tinnitus and improve sleep.

Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs): These medications may help to reduce the emotional impact of tinnitus and improve mood.

Benzodiazepines: These medications may help to reduce anxiety and improve sleep in people with tinnitus.

Alpha blockers: These medications may help to reduce the blood pressure in the blood vessels leading to the inner ear, which may help to reduce tinnitus in some people.

It is important to note that medications should only be used as part of a comprehensive treatment plan for tinnitus, and should be prescribed and monitored by a healthcare provider. It is also important to be aware that all medications have potential side effects, and it is important to discuss the risks and benefits with a healthcare provider before starting any medication.

5. Hearing aids

Hearing aids are devices that are worn in or behind the ear and are designed to amplify sounds, making it easier to hear and communicate, however, they may also include other functionalities such as noise reduction or sound generation. Because of this, hearing aids can help manage tinnitus in two main ways, by helping patients tune in the sounds they want to hear, and by reducing the perception of tinnitus.

By amplifying the sounds in the environment, hearing devices will make it easier for people with tinnitus to focus on external sounds, rather than the sound of their tinnitus. These devices can be particularly helpful for people with hearing loss, as they can improve hearing and reduce the strain on the brain that comes from trying to hear and understand conversations in noisy environments. Additionally, the noise reduction technology included in many models can help reduce the impact of background noise. This will make it easier for both people with hearing difficulties and tinnitus patients to hear and understand speech and other sounds in their environment.

Additionally, the sound generation capabilities of sound hearing aids devices can provide therapeutic benefits to tinnitus patients. The most basic form of tinnitus relief that hearing aids can provide is tinnitus masking. Some hearing aids can generate white noise to reduce the perception of ringing. Additionally, some devices may even incorporate customized sound therapy options such as acoustic coordinated reset neuromodulation.

As with every relief option, it is important to note that the effectiveness of hearing aids for tinnitus can vary depending on the individual and the specific type and severity of their tinnitus. This is especially true for hearing aids devices that may be focused towards patients with some degree of hearing loss.

6. Prevention

Prevention, despite not really being a relief option, is an important step to account for when fighting tinnitus. There are several steps you can take to reduce your risk of developing tinnitus or to prevent tinnitus from getting worse if you already have it.

First and foremost, protect your hearing. Avoid loud noises or wear earplugs or other hearing protection when exposed to loud noises. Avoid listening to loud music or using headphones at high volume for extended periods of time.

If you already have tinnitus and sound therapy isn’t working, you can practice stress management techniques. Stress and anxiety can worsen tinnitus, so it is important to limit the impact they can have. This may include techniques such as relaxation techniques, exercise, or seeking support from friends and family.

You should also aim for a healthy lifestyle. A healthy diet, regular exercise, and getting enough sleep can all help to prevent tinnitus or reduce its severity. Limiting tobacco and alcohol consumption can also help reduce the risk of developing tinnitus

It is important to note that tinnitus can have multiple causes, and it is not always possible to prevent the condition. However, taking these steps will put you on the right track to reducing the risk of developing tinnitus.

FAQ

Is tinnitus therapy effective?

The effectiveness of tinnitus therapy can vary depending on the individual and the specific type and severity of their tinnitus. In some cases, tinnitus therapy can provide significant relief, while in other cases it may have limited or no impact. It may be necessary to try several different approaches or combinations of approaches to find the most effective treatment for your tinnitus.

How long does tinnitus therapy take?

The length of tinnitus therapy can vary depending on the specific approach being used. For example, tinnitus retraining therapy (TRT) typically involves weekly sessions with a healthcare professional over the course of several months, while cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) may involve a shorter course of treatment. In some cases, tinnitus therapy may be ongoing, with the goal of helping individuals learn to manage and live with their tinnitus.

What are the side effects of tinnitus therapy?

The side effects of tinnitus therapy can vary depending on the specific approach being used. Some potential side effects of tinnitus therapy may include temporary hearing loss, dizziness, or discomfort with the use of certain sounds or noise. It is important to discuss any potential side effects with a healthcare professional before starting tinnitus therapy.

How much does tinnitus therapy cost?

The cost of tinnitus therapy can vary depending on the specific approach being used and the individual's insurance coverage. Some forms of tinnitus therapy, such as cognitive behavioral therapy or tinnitus retraining therapy, may be covered by insurance, while others may not. It is important to discuss the cost of tinnitus therapy with a healthcare professional and your insurance provider before starting treatment.