How To Treat Tinnitus Effectively

Manage Stress

Tinnitus often causes significant psychological stress to patients and their families, and learning to manage stress is a crucial part of treatment. Patients with tinnitus are often referred for long-term counseling, and this can be provided in group or individual sessions. Counselors help patients learn the most appropriate distraction techniques for their circumstances, and they also provide guidance on general methods of anxiety and stress reduction. For example, patients may learn guided meditations, deep breathing exercises, or even yoga poses that could help them relax, and counselors can help patients find ways to make time for themselves and for activities they enjoy.

Reading a favorite book, taking a walk, or playing with a pet could be useful stress management techniques for tinnitus patients. Individuals with tinnitus may need to experiment with various sound therapy devices to manage their stress levels, and it is important for them to let their audiologist or primary care doctor know if a sound therapy device is no longer working.

Reduce Consumption Of Alcohol

Alcohol use may worsen the symptoms associated with tinnitus, and patients with this condition are thus advised to reduce consumption of alcohol. If possible, eliminating alcohol is even better. Patients with tinnitus who choose to drink alcohol may wish to keep a symptom diary in which they record the date, time, amount of alcohol consumed, and any tinnitus symptoms observed before and after drinking the alcohol. This information could help patients learn the amount of alcohol that could worsen their particular symptoms. Individuals trying to reduce their alcohol consumption can speak with their primary care doctor about support groups and other resources in their area.