Despite tinnitus being a genuine problem for many individuals, understanding just how it works and the potential outcomes of this experience can be elusive to those who suffer from it. That said, tinnitus, while problematic, can actually be effectively treated once you learn more about it and take action. However, treating your tinnitus and improving your quality of life begins with the right information. Let’s take a closer look at what tinnitus is, what causes it, and whether or not it’s something that can be remedied with natural products.
What is tinnitus, and what causes it?
Tinnitus is the sensation of experiencing external noises like ringing, humming, buzzing, roaring, clicking, or hissing in your ears. On rare occasions, tinnitus may be caused by a problem within the ear, but tinnitus generally has no true physical cause, making the external sounds all the more troubling. That said, several conditions and issues that could cause tinnitus includes:
- Exposure to loud noises over the short-term or long-term (for which hearing loss can be a common cause of tinnitus)
- Head and neck injuries
- Impacted earwax
- Various drugs like aspirin, antidepressants, and certain types of antibiotics
- Meniere’s disease
- TMJ syndrome (and other related neck or jaw problems)
- Otosclerosis
- Diabetes
- Autoimmune diseases
- High blood pressure
- Blood vessel conditions
Put simply, there are several reasons why you may have developed tinnitus. But no matter the severity of your tinnitus, some things can be done about it.
Is there a cure for tinnitus?
The answer to the question, “is there a natural cure for tinnitus?” depends upon your situation. The most important first step is to reach out to a hearing health specialist who can administer the proper tests to better determine the issues. If your tinnitus is caused by an underlying medical condition, treating these health conditions (or eliminating the medications or substances contributing to the problem) may lead to the treatment of tinnitus. However, this is only true if tinnitus is a side effect of the real issue you’re experiencing. In some cases, it’s important to know that tinnitus may not be curable.
However, that’s not to say that you can’t experience relief. Many people with tinnitus can lead a better quality of life with the right support and coping mechanisms. Generally, chronic tinnitus — or temporary tinnitus that’s quite severe — can be managed by the following:
- Cognitive-behavioral therapy
- Biofeedback
- Stress management
- Masking devices to hide the sounds of tinnitus.
- Hearing aids to improve your hearing
- White noise machines around the house to help you cope.
- Tinnitus retraining therapy
- Alternative therapies or medications
- Avoiding potential irritants like caffeine and stress
Even though tinnitus symptoms can sometimes seem unbearable, it’s important to know that there are effective treatment options out there for you.
So, can tinnitus be cured? If you’re someone taking a certain medication or someone with an existing health condition that’s at the root of your tinnitus, your tinnitus may go away once you address these issues. In some cases, your tinnitus may go away on its own. However, for others, tinnitus may be chronic. No matter your specific situation, use the guide above to learn more about what tinnitus is, what causes it, and the next steps to help you recover from or cope with these symptoms.