Can You Get Rid of Tinnitus?

People who experience tinnitus often wonder two things: why are my ears ringing, and is there a way to get rid of it? These questions are completely understandable, as tinnitus can be confusing to understand if you have never experienced it before. The severity of tinnitus can vary greatly from person to person, and it may even come and go based on factors like lifestyle and overall hearing health. Understanding these fluctuations can be challenging, but recognizing the complexity of tinnitus is an important step in addressing it. So, with so many varieties of tinnitus, you may wonder if you can get rid of tinnitus.

Can You Get Rid of Tinnitus?

Many people wonder if it’s possible to get treat tinnitus completely. Unfortunately, there is currently no cure for these symptoms of an underlying condition as it often results from underlying issues in the inner ear, like damage or age-related changes. However, there are various ways to manage and get relief from these symptoms you may be experiencing. An audiologist can help you understand how to manage your symptoms, and which treatment option might be the right option for you.

Sound Masking

Sound masking is a popular method of managing tinnitus and can be the easiest to use. It involves using external noise to cover up the internal sound of tinnitus and can be achieved in a few ways. This can be white noise, nature sounds or even music. Some people might have white noise machines to sleep with in their bedrooms, for example. Many find that having a constant, soothing background noise helps make the tinnitus less noticeable and more manageable during the intense periods.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

While CBT doesn’t eliminate tinnitus, it can change your response to it. This therapy teaches you coping strategies and helps reshape negative thoughts about tinnitus. As a result, when the sound is present, you can wait calmly for it to fade without getting anxious or overthinking. It’s like retraining your brain to be less disturbed by the noise, similar to how individuals often tune out the sound of a washing machine or the traffic outside their homes. Many people find this approach to be very effective in enhancing their quality of life with tinnitus and in dealing with other challenges as well. Talk with an audiologist if you think CBT might be right for you.

Hearing Aids

For those whose tinnitus is related to hearing loss, hearing aids can be a great treatment option. Hearing aids help to amplify outside sounds and can help mask the internal noise of tinnitus. They can reduce the strain of trying to hear, which might be contributing to the tinnitus in the first place. On top of that, some have sound masking measures in place to help combat tinnitus when you need it.

Have you been experiencing a ringing or buzzing noise? If so, schedule an appointment with an audiologist as you may be experiencing tinnitus. They will help you find the most effective ways to manage your symptoms.