Tinnitus: A Nasty Noise In The Ear
So many people ask “Is Tinnitus Curable?” Tinnitus, a constant buzzing sound in the ears, is not a medical condition or a disease by itself. It is a symptom or a signal that tells us something is wrong somewhere. It could be treatable, but it is usually hard to put it that way.
If you are frequently experiencing some form of ringing, buzzing or clicking sound in your ears, you may be suffering from Tinnitus. Tinnitus is a perceived sound of ringing in the ears or head.
At one point or another, most people have experienced tinnitus. So widespread is the condition, that the National Institute of Deafness and Other Communication Disorders states nearly 25 million Americans to have experienced tinnitus that lasted at least 300 seconds in the past year.
What Are The Symptoms Of Tinnitus?
Tinnitus is characterized by an annoying perception of sounds in the ears when no actual external sound is produced. The symptoms can include any of the following types of phantom noise in the ears:
- Buzzing
- Ringing
- Roaring
- Swishing
- Clicking
- Hissing
These noises may be very loud or subtle, varying in pitches and present in either one or both ears. In extreme cases, the noise and symptoms of these phantom sounds can rise so high that you find it difficult to concentrate or listen to actual sounds being communicated to you.
Tinnitus may be temporary or permanent, but more often than not, the former is the case. It may manifest in one or multiple ways in you but make sure that if you have one of the symptoms mentioned above, it is time to consider visiting a doctor.
Your doctor decides what treatment options works best for you. But it is very wise to be well informed of the problem and its treatments than go to your doctor without any knowledge.
So, Is Tinnitus Curable?
If you have any symptom of tinnitus, you should see a medical expert for diagnosis and treatment. It is not worth to ignore it as if it is not a big problem. It could be a sign that something serious is going on in your body. The treatment of tinnitus is always subject to the cause.
This is what makes tinnitus hard to treat and cure. Doctors still are trying to pin point the real cause of tinnitus and not yet sure of giving the best answer if someone asked “Is Tinnitus Curable?”
As of today, there are a wide array of methods that can be employed to treat or cure tinnitus but the outcome is usually far from tinnitus cure. Some of treatment options include:
- Drugs (Antidepressants and anti-anxiety medications)
- Stress management
- Biofeedback
- Counselling
- Hearing aids
- Osteopathy
- Cochlear implants
- Physical therapy
- Chiropractic
- Surgery and a couple of other solutions useful for managing tinnitus
- Home Based Remedies
Underlying Cause?
Tinnitus may be present as a result of an underlying medical condition. Especially one closely related to your ears. If after professional diagnosis, your doctor discovers your tinnitus to be as a result of a fundamental health issue, a couple of steps can be taken to get you the tinnitus cure you are looking for. Examples include:
- Earwax removal
- Changing your medications
- Treating an underlying vascular condition – This may require some type of surgery or medications.
Drugs
Is Tinnitus curable with use of prescription medications? You may ask. Medications can be very effective in reducing the severity of the tinnitus. There are some medications that are designed to calm you and help you relieve stress. These type of medications may reduce your stress level and help you have a relaxed mood. By reducing your level of anxiety you will definitely reduce the intensity of tinnitus in your ears.
You may not find any medication specifically prescribed for stopping tinnitus. The medical field wouldn’t rest until it finds the real cure for tinnitus and it may come sooner than we thought it would happen.
None Medical Treatment Options
In some cases, your doctor may employ some none medical treatment options. One of these is white noise treatment. They can use an electronic device to transmit soft and gentle sound in your ear to help you not be preoccupied by your tinnitus.
This white noise treatment will if there is no medication that can help. These treatment options could be any of the undermentioned:
- White noise devices
- Masking devices
- Hearing aids and
- Tinnitus retraining apparatuses
There are other treatment options that are more of “home based” that still can be considered. While there are little scientific evidence to back these treatments for tinnitus, some of these alternative treatments are used by many. They include:
- Acupuncture
- B Vitamins
- Zinc Supplements
- Ginkgo Biloba and
- Hypnosis
How About Helpful Lifestyle hacks to reduce Tinnitus
These methods are not medical techniques but are simple tips that can help you to manage the symptoms of your tinnitus properly.
This is included in the treatment option just to diversify the possibility of getting help for your tinnitus. No medical doctor will tell you that you can get 100% cure for your tinnitus unless the underlying causes are identified. So, here we are considering altering your lifestyle to manage your tinnitus. Some things you can consider include:
- Reduce your stress levels and try to get more sleep
- Avoid exposing your ears to objects that could injure or irritate them
- Avoid loud noises especially at close proximity to your ears
- Reduce your alcohol intake
Can Be Curable
Tinnitus can be curable if the underlying causes are identified and treated accordingly. It should be clear as well that you may not get the ultimate cure you are looking for if the causes are not identified.
Sticking to medical instructions, medications and considering other treatment options will usually help you manage tinnitus effectively. Medication may or may not remove the symptoms of tinnitus for good.
This article may not answer the question “Is Tinnitus Curable?” fully. But, In general, avoiding events and situations that will stress your ear, like loud music, and having less stress in your life, going through a diagnosis and treatment in a medical set up will give you good control of your tinnitus. Tinnitus may not be easily treatable but we can do a lot to control its effect.