Ringing in the Ears Treatments

Medication

Antidepressants may be helpful in some patients. If Meniere's disease (a relatively common cause of tinnitus) is diagnosed, medications specific to that disorder may be prescribed.

Other mediations include valium .

Mechanical Devices

Devices include:

• Hearing aid—sometimes relieves tinnitus and improves hearing in some people with hearing loss
• Tinnitus masker—a device that emits a low level of white noise to help cover up the internal sensations and block out external noises

Lifestyle and Self-care Measures

Measures to discuss with your doctor if no cure or specific treatment is available include:

• Learn and practice stress management and relaxation techniques.
• Biofeedback may help. Biofeedback teaches people how to control body functions they normally do not think about.
• Consider seeing a counselor to develop new coping skills and relaxation techniques.
• Consider joining a support group .
• Avoid anything that makes tinnitus sensations worse, such as:
  • Loud noises
  • Alcohol
  • Smoking
  • Salt
  • Caffeine
• Exercise regularly to improve circulation.
• Make time to relax and get enough sleep .
• Playing a radio or a white-noise machine for about 30 minutes at bedtime may help relieve the ringing sensations at night.

Surgery

Surgery may help relieve certain causes of tinnitus if the cause of the tinnitus is treated.

• Tinnitus caused by a tumor frequently subsides after the growth is removed.
• If the tinnitus is due to wax build-up, it can be relieved by cleaning the ears.
• Abnormalities in blood vessels which lead to tinnitus can sometimes be corrected with surgery.
• Surgery may also be an option for patients with Meniere's disease, but is usually performed only for disabling dizziness.