If you’ve ever experienced a strange ringing or buzzing sound in your ears, it may be tinnitus. According to the American Tinnitus Association, the condition affects more than 50 million Americans. In some cases, tinnitus is temporary, but in other instances, it may be a chronic condition.
“Tinnitus is the perception of sound—such as ringing, buzzing, or hissing—in the absence of an external source,” explains Timothy Ryan, M.D., an otolaryngologist and lead ear, nose, and throat physician with Wellstar Health System. “While there is not currently a universal cure, there are several evidence-based treatments that can significantly reduce its impact on quality of life.”
Meet the Experts: Timothy Ryan, M.D., an otolaryngologist and lead ear, nose, and throat physician with Wellstar Health System; William H. Martin, PhD, a tinnitus specialist and co-director of Dangerous Decibels; Craig Newman, PhD, section head of audiology at the Cleveland Clinic; Michael Seidman, M.D., board-certified otolaryngologist and neurotologist with AdventHealth
For some people, tinnitus is a mild nuisance that goes away without intervention. Dr. Ryan notes that most tinnitus will resolve within six weeks. But for others, it can be debilitating. “Tinnitus can keep people from concentrating, sleeping, and enjoying everyday activities,” says William H. Martin, PhD, a tinnitus specialist and co-director of Dangerous Decibels.
Ahead, experts explain why tinnitus happens and share proven treatment ideas that can provide relief.
Why it happens
According to the Cleveland Clinic, damage to the inner ear can cause tinnitus. Common causes include hearing loss, exposure to loud noises, dental issues, head and neck injuries, and certain ear conditions. It can also be caused by certain medications or by autoimmune diseases. Stress, lack of sleep, anxiety, and drinking alcohol can all make tinnitus symptoms worse.
“In most people, there’s no cure,” says Craig Newman, PhD, section head of audiology at the Cleveland Clinic, “but some strategies can bring relief.”
How is tinnitus diagnosed?
“Diagnosing tinnitus begins with a detailed medical history and examination by an ENT physician,” says Dr. Ryan. “We want to understand when the tinnitus started, whether it affects one or both ears, what it sounds like, and whether it is associated with hearing loss, dizziness, ear pain, or other symptoms.”
Dr. Ryan notes that nearly all patients undergo a 15-to 30-minute hearing test, since hearing loss is one of the most common contributors to tinnitus.
“Additional testing depends on the individual’s symptoms,” he says. “For example, patients with tinnitus in only one ear, pulsatile tinnitus that beats with the heartbeat, or neurological symptoms may require imaging studies such as an MRI or CT scan to evaluate for less common but important underlying conditions.”
Tinnitus treatments
According to experts, certain therapies, lifestyle modifications, and medical devices can ease persistent tinnitus symptoms. If you’re experiencing tinnitus, here are some options to discuss with your healthcare provider.
Mental health treatments
Research published in 2023 found that tinnitus correlates with symptoms of depression and anxiety. “If you think of tinnitus as threatening, the brain pays more attention, and the experience becomes even more disturbing,” Newman says. Identifying negative or irrational thoughts (This noise is going to drive me insane) and consciously thinking more positively (I’ve dealt with this before) may help. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) may help patients manage the emotional response to tinnitus.
Correct posture
With more and more of us slumping over our various screens, doctors are realizing that muscle-nerve connections in the neck may also promote tinnitus in people who spend a lot of time slouching at a computer or gazing down at mobile devices. “Sitting up straight can make a difference,” Newman says. “Your ears should be in alignment with your shoulders and hips.”
Dental care
Grinding your teeth, chewing gum, and eating chewy food may be potential tinnitus triggers. “There’s a connection between the centers of the brain that control the muscles for chewing and those connected to the auditory system,” Newman says. One 2012 study linked the severity of jaw pain from temporomandibular disorders (TMD) and that of tinnitus. Other research suggests that people with TMD are more prone to tinnitus and can sometimes control the sound in their heads simply by moving their jaws. Avoiding chewy foods and getting a special dental device to control clenching and grinding may help ease the problem.
Nutritional supplements
B vitamins and zinc may help some people with tinnitus, says Michael Seidman, M.D., board-certified otolaryngologist and neurotologist with AdventHealth. For example, research has linked tinnitus with deficiencies of vitamin B12 and zinc, both of which are essential for normal nerve function.
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“Although many supplements and over-the-counter remedies are marketed for tinnitus, most have limited scientific evidence supporting their effectiveness,” says Dr. Ryan. “Patients should discuss these products with their healthcare provider before starting them. They are generally safe, so why not try them? If they work for you, great!”
Sleep hygiene
Improving sleep habits—and getting more shut-eye—can help take the edge off tinnitus-related anxiety, which may make tinnitus itself feel less troublesome. “Steps like keeping a regular bedtime, avoiding caffeine in the afternoon or later, taking a shower before turning in, reflecting on the positive things that happened during the day and jotting them down in a journal, and setting aside a ‘worry time’ (that’s not right before you go to bed) can all make a difference,” Newman says.
Sound therapy
Machines that produce soothing nature sounds can fade tinnitus into the background. That can be especially helpful at night when you’re trying to fall asleep. “White noise machines, smartphone apps, or environmental sound generators can be used to make tinnitus less noticeable,” says Dr. Ryan.
Managing meds
According to the Mayo Clinic, medications including nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), certain antibiotics, cancer medications, medications used to treat malaria, and certain antidepressants can cause or worsen tinnitus.
If you’re speaking to a healthcare provider about your tinnitus symptoms, be sure to share information about all the medications and supplements you take. They may be able to identify one that is exacerbating your symptoms and find a suitable alternative.
Removing earwax
Ears should be self-cleaning, but in some people, dense packs of wax can build up and irritate the eardrum. Though it doesn’t help everyone, having a doctor or nurse extract a blockage may improve hearing and help quiet tinnitus.
Hearing aids
For patients with hearing loss, hearing aids can reduce tinnitus symptoms, according to Dr. Ryan. The devices “often reduce the perception of tinnitus by improving access to environmental sounds,” he explains.
Tinnitus retraining therapy
Dr. Ryan explains that tinnitus retraining therapy (TRT) combines two of the options above: Mental health counseling and sound therapy. It’s designed to help the brain gradually habituate to the tinnitus.
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