While tinnitus may go away on its own in some cases, in some cases it may last for a long time and affect the quality of life. Treatment for tinnitus may vary depending on the underlying causes. Individuals suffering from tinnitus should contact an otolaryngologist or hearing aid specialist to evaluate the situation and get information about appropriate treatment methods.
Tinnitus is characterized by the presence of disturbing sounds felt in the ear. Right tinnitus or left tinnitus means that the tinnitus is heard in only one ear. The causes of tinnitus can be various. Causes of tinnitus in the right ear can include ear infections, hearing loss, earwax congestion, eardrum injuries, middle ear problems, temporal bone fractures or trauma. Also, in some cases, tinnitus in the right ear can be a symptom of other health problems such as sinusitis, temporomandibular joint disorders, vascular diseases or muscle spasms.
Causes of left tinnitus may include inner ear problems, hearing loss, Meniere’s disease, acoustic neuroma, otosclerosis, temporal bone fractures or trauma. Likewise, tinnitus in the left ear can be a symptom of other health problems such as sinusitis, TMJ disorders, vascular disease, or muscle spasms. The exact cause of tinnitus sometimes cannot be determined, in which case it is called idiopathic tinnitus. Individuals experiencing tinnitus, whether with right or left tinnitus, should be evaluated by an otolaryngologist or audiologist and informed about appropriate treatment options.
What are the causes of persistent tinnitus?
The causes of persistent tinnitus may differ from person to person. However, below are some commonly accepted reasons. The causes of persistent tinnitus can be:
- Hearing loss
- Meniere’s Disease
- Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) disorders
- Otitis Media
- drug side effects
- stress and anxiety
- Vascular diseases
How is tinnitus treated?
Tinnitus treatment can be applied in different ways depending on the determination of the underlying cause of the tinnitus. Treating the underlying cause of tinnitus can help reduce or disappear. For example, if you have hearing loss, infection, or a blockage in the ear, treatment of these problems can alleviate the tinnitus. In some cases, medications can relieve the symptoms of tinnitus. For example, some antidepressants may have positive effects on tinnitus caused by anxiety or depression. However, drug therapy may not always be effective and should be used under the guidance of your doctor. Some methods used in the treatment of tinnitus:
- It is a sound therapy method used to mask tinnitus. The ringing sound can be made less noticeable by providing a pleasant sound source such as white noise, nature sounds or music through special devices or applications.
- Factors such as stress, anxiety or sleep problems can increase tinnitus. For this reason, behavioral treatments such as relaxation techniques, stress management, and sleep regulation can help reduce the effects of tinnitus.
- For some people, alternative treatments such as acupuncture, acupressure, homeopathy, or herbal supplements can relieve tinnitus. However, more scientific evidence is needed about the effectiveness of these treatment modalities.
Tinnitus treatment should be determined on an individual basis, and the same methods may not work for everyone. It is important to consult with an otolaryngologist to determine the most appropriate treatment plan.
What is good for tinnitus?
Treatment of tinnitus varies depending on individual needs and the underlying causes of the tinnitus. It is important to consult an otolaryngologist to determine the most appropriate treatment plan. “How is tinnitus going?” Some methods and treatments that are likely to be good for tinnitus are:
- Voice therapy: It is possible to provide relief by masking the ringing sound with masking methods. Reverberation can be made less noticeable by using a pleasant sound source such as white noise, nature sounds or relaxation music.
- Stress management: Stress and anxiety can increase tinnitus. Methods such as relaxation techniques, meditation, deep breathing exercises or yoga can be used to reduce stress.
- Regular sleep: Adequate and quality sleep can improve overall health and reduce tinnitus. It should be ensured to pay attention to sleep patterns, to sleep in accordance with sleep hygiene and to have a comfortable sleeping environment.
- Diet and lifestyle adjustments: Limiting the consumption of triggers such as salt, caffeine, and alcohol can help reduce tinnitus. It is also important to exercise regularly, maintain a healthy lifestyle, and take care of a healthy diet.
- Medication: In some cases, medications prescribed by the doctor can be used. For example, anxiolytics, antidepressants, or blood circulation regulators can relieve tinnitus symptoms. However, drug therapy may not always be effective and should be used under the guidance of your doctor.