Ringing in the ears can have a variety of causes that are important to try to identify. Currently, there is no specific treatment proven to be effective for tinnitus.
What Are The Treatments For Ringing In The Ears?
If the tinnitus is due to an identified disease, such as an ear infection or a plug of earwax, implementing a suitable treatment allows removing it. On the other hand, suppose the cause of tinnitus is not identified, and tinnitus reduces the quality of daily life. In that case, there are therapies to live with it better: sound therapy, habituation therapy, cognitive behavioural therapy, etc.
Sound Therapy For Tinnitus
Sound therapy (or masking) is based on the principle of distraction. A small generator produces a “white” sound to mask tinnitus. The device looks like a hearing aid that you wear for several hours a day.
Hearing Aids For Tinnitus
Best Hearing Aids recommended by hearing professionals can be helpful when ringing in the ears is associated with mild hearing loss. In addition, improving hearing skills can help cover up tinnitus.
Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy And Habituation Treatment
With the help of a psychiatrist, strategies are put in place to cope with the occurrence of tinnitus: relaxation, visualization technique, restructuring of thoughts ... Studies have not made it possible to demonstrate that behavioural and cognitive therapy results in a decrease in the intensity of tinnitus, but an improvement in quality of life and a reduction in depression have been observed.Tinnitus Treatment Australia includes different type of therapists.
Drug Treatment For Tinnitus
Drug treatment requires prior specialist medical advice. It is based on the use of vasodilators, the effectiveness of which is poorly established. Certain antiepileptics, antidepressants, or anxiolytics may also be offered, although they have no official indication for tinnitus treatment.
Medicines containing trimetazidine have long been indicated for the treatment of tinnitus. But, in July 2012, the European Medicines Agency (EMA) issued an opinion recommending that trimetazidine no longer be used in the treatment of ringing in the ears. Indeed, the use of this substance involves more risks than expected benefits; neurological adverse effects (stiffness of the arms and legs, slowing of movements, tremors) are sometimes observed. In 2017, several years after the decision to restrict the indications for trimetazidine to the treatment of angina, studies on its use showed that it is still widely prescribed in many countries to treat dizziness and tinnitus. The Medicines Agency (ANSM) had decided to modify its prescription conditions. The initiation of treatment with trimetazidine is now reserved for cardiologists. This initial prescription must be presented with any refill prescriptions which another physician may write.
Other Therapies
Unconventional treatments, such as hypnosis, sophrology, or acupuncture, can help people who suffer from tinnitus, allowing them to let go. EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) is a therapy that uses eye movements for desensitization and reprogramming, especially in the context of post-traumatic stress. This technique also applies to specific tinnitus (psychosomatic or of traumatic origin).
New avenues are currently being studied to try to treat tinnitus: transcranial magnetic stimulation, new drugs.