There is no universal treatment approach for tinnitus although the main thrust aims toward alleviating the fight or flight response of the sympathetic nervous system. Examples of treatment may be gamma knife radiosurgery for the presence of tumors, medications like propranolol, clonazepam, lidocaine, tricyclic antidepressants, carbemazepine, anticonvulsants, benzodiazepines, avoidance of alcohol, nicotine, salt and caffeine, consumption of zinc, melatonin, sertraline, lipflavonoids, acamprosate and etidronate and other vitamins.
Other treatable causative factors for the condition like allergy, infection and earwax buildup may also be targeted in order to alleviate tinnitus. Some forms of surgery may be done but are not fully effective. Patients may also undergo methods and retraining techniques that help mask the ringing sound.
There are cognitive therapy and Tinnitus Retraining Therapy as well. Hypnosis, biofeedback, herbal medications like ginkgo, acupuncture, electrical stimulation, cochlear implants and hyperbaric oxygen chamber may also be used to treat the condition and results may vary depending on the underlying causes and response of the patient. Affected individuals may also undergo psychotherapy and counseling to help deal with the long-term effects.
It is possible for tinnitus to get better over time but this may not mean that the ear has returned to optimum condition. Ear damage is permanent and irreversible so the improvement may be due to the adjustments made by the patient in order to cope. Patients can help themselves by learning how to mask the noise with the use of soft sounds from fans and radios. They should avoid irritants like alcohol and caffeine and stick to a sound diet. Hearing aids can also help make external noise seem louder which also masks the ringing noise. Stress management is also useful for providing relief.
The prognosis of tinnitus depends on the underlying factors as well as the personal response of the individual to the distressing effects. Severe causes may result in long term or permanent tinnitus while other mild and treatable conditions may eliminate the problem altogether.