Last week we reported that there does not appear to be a cure for tinnitus. Does that mean there's nothing you can do about that incessant ringing in your ears?
Not necessarily! While there's no shortage of dodgy operators wanting to siphon your cash from your pocket, there are treatments that can help.
The best approach is to avoid the problem in the first place by limiting exposure to excessive noise. That noise can cause permanent hearing loss, which is frequently accompanied by tinnitus.
While there are no proven medications, an article in The Conversation has reported promising research into magnesium. However, this is early work and you should seek professional advice before trying any medication.
The effect of tinnitus is closely associated with brain 'plasticity'. This means the ability of your brain to rewire itself is both part of the problem and part of the solution.
The negative side is a feedback loop between paying attention to something, and your response to it. We pay attention to things that are a threat or unpleasant and, when you're tired or stressed, it will be worse. That sets up a self reinforcing attention-emotion loop that accentuates the problem.
It's like walking a path through long grass - the more you walk it, the deeper it gets, and the more difficult it becomes to escape.
This suggests the core treatment for tinnitus is to reverse the cycle. While you might not learn to like your tinnitus, at least you might accept it. And in doing that, you will pay less attention to it.
One approach that is used with some success is Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT). This uses techniques such as relaxation and imagery. Rather than making the tinnitus quieter, it aims to reduce anxiety by instilling acceptance, and thus making it less bothersome.
Another promising area of research, called 'neuromonics', uses individually 'prescribed acoustic stimulus' that can be administered at home. This is combined with counselling that typically involves face-to-face appointments over a six-month period.
There are also some phone apps that may or may not help. There are a few varieties, such as one which plays tinnitus 'masking' sounds. However you may find this has the effect of drawing your attention to the sound rather than ignoring and accepting it. CBT apps might also be useful as a self-help therapy.
Others offer hearing enhancement which, like a tuned set of hearing aids, compensate for your particular hearing loss.
If you suspect that you have hearing loss, you should certainly visit an audiologist. Get advice before you go however, because there are a few shopfronts who are little more than vendors for expensive products. Also contact your local branch of Better Hearing Australia.
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