Is it possible to completely cure persistent tinnitus?

Currently, there is no complete cure for persistent tinnitus, but there are many methods and techniques that can help alleviate symptoms and reduce their impact on daily life. In some rare cases, tinnitus may be caused by a specific, treatable medical problem, leading to the disappearance or significant improvement of the tinnitus. For example, if tinnitus is caused by earwax buildup or an ear infection, treating these issues may eliminate the tinnitus. However, for many people, symptoms may persist for months or even years and require ongoing management.

Understanding Persistent Tinnitus

Tinnitus is the perception of sound that has no external source; some may describe it as ringing, buzzing, hissing, or roaring. Tinnitus is considered chronic if it lasts for three months or more [1]. Although the exact causes of tinnitus are not fully understood, most people who suffer from it have some degree of hearing loss [1]. Tinnitus can affect mood, ability to sleep, and concentration, and in severe cases, it may lead to anxiety or depression [1].

Available Treatment Options

Current treatments aim to reduce symptoms and improve quality of life, and include:

• Sound Therapies: These treatments use external sounds to help mask the tinnitus or allow the brain to become accustomed to it. Portable sound generators or smartphone apps that produce relaxing sounds like sea waves or rain can be used [1]. Hearing aids are particularly useful for people who have both hearing loss and tinnitus, as they amplify external sounds, making the tinnitus less noticeable [1].
• Behavioral Therapies: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is a type of psychotherapy that helps individuals identify negative thoughts related to tinnitus and change their response to them, thereby reducing the impact of tinnitus on their lives [1]. Tinnitus Retraining Therapy (TRT) combines counseling and sound therapy to train the brain not to notice the tinnitus [1].
• Medications: There are no specific medications to directly cure tinnitus. However, a doctor may prescribe antidepressants or anti-anxiety medications to improve mood or help with sleep if the tinnitus is affecting these aspects [1]. It is important to note that some medications, such as certain antibiotics and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs like ibuprofen and aspirin), can cause tinnitus as a side effect, especially when taken in high doses [1].

Dietary Supplements and Unproven Solutions

Although many vitamins, herbal extracts, and dietary supplements are marketed as treatments for tinnitus, none have been proven effective [1]. For example, Ginkgo biloba has not been proven effective in alleviating tinnitus symptoms [2]. You should consult a doctor before taking any dietary supplements, as some herbs may interact with other medications in harmful ways [2].

When to See a Doctor?

If you suffer from persistent tinnitus, it is important to visit a primary care physician first. The doctor will examine the ear to check for wax or infection, and will ask about your medical history to see if an underlying condition or medication might be causing the tinnitus [1]. The doctor may then refer you to an otolaryngologist (ENT) or an audiologist for a comprehensive evaluation [1].

You should contact a healthcare provider if the tinnitus began after a head injury, or if it is accompanied by other unexplained symptoms such as dizziness, loss of balance, nausea, or vomiting [3]. You should also consult a doctor if the tinnitus is in only one ear and persists for several weeks or more, or if the tinnitus is pulsatile (a rhythmic sound that follows the heartbeat) [3]. You can read more about Persistent Tinnitus: Possible Causes, Diagnosis, and Relief Options (Arabic).

Medical references

• Tinnitus
• Ginkgo
• Tinnitus