Today I’m offering a free, in-depth review of some of the causes and treatments of tinnitus. There is a lot of outdated and conflicting information on the internet and even in the medical community and there are a lot more options than you might think to address that hissing, wooshing, chirping, or ringing sound in your head. And no, I’m not talking about a magic pill.
There may be options that work for you that don’t help someone else. This is part of why it is hard to scientifically document an effective treatment method for tinnitus. In large studies there may be some real benefit for specific groups of people and no benefit to others, but when you bunch the subjects all together in one group, it can appear the treatment had zero benefit. Furthermore, there are hundreds of causes of tinnitus. We NEED to rule out certain medically manageable issues (like ear wax, a tumor, noise exposure, or jaw alignment) before trying all different kinds of treatment. Then, we need to work with audiologists and other healthcare providers to figure out what might address your specific tinnitus. It may be challenging to find someone who has up to date knowledge on the subject. Learn more for yourself – watch the video below!
Here is a brief list of the variety of things that can cause or exacerbate tinnitus:
Noise exposure, ototoxic (ear-toxic) chemical or medication (e.g. platinum based chemotherapy, aspirin, certain antibiotics), ear infection, ear wax blockage, misalignment of the jaw, neck tension, tumor in the auditory system, anxiety, lack of sleep, caffeine, allergies, stress, trauma to the ear or head, age related hearing loss, and more.
There is no single, cure-all treatment for tinnitus in everyone. Often times, one person has the best results utilizing multiple interventions. Even still, these treatments may significantly improve tinnitus but not get rid of it completely. It is important to prevent it when possible by using hearing protection in noisy environments and avoiding exposure to ototoxic chemicals. This is why you need to see an Audiologist and Ear Nose and Throat Physician; tinnitus is often complex and the information I provide on this site is not comprehensive.
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Work with me directly to learn more or send your healthcare provider here to learn more.
*Please note a sudden onset of tinnitus and/or hearing loss warrants an immediate visit to an Ear Nose and Throat Physician.
Resources:
American Tinnitus Association and their page on Experimental Treatment Options
The Hearing Center of Excellence: Resources for those in the Armed Forces
The Ida Institute: Hearing and Tinnitus resources for patients and providers