Lifestyle Changes and Alternative Treatments for Tinnitus
There are hundreds of treatments claiming to cure tinnitus, and while one treatment may work for one person, it may not work for another. Many people see improvement in their symptoms when they change their diet by eliminating or diminishing their intake of caffeine and other stimulants that may cause tinnitus to worsen. There are also many products available claiming their effectiveness in curing or reducing ringing in the ears; however, many of the studies that have been done on these products have proved them to be no more effective than placebo.
When an individual sees a medical doctor concerning ringing in the ears, the doctor will likely order a series of tests to ensure that the problem isn't caused by a more serious condition like tumors or cancers in the brain. Once these serious health conditions have been ruled out, a doctor may first begin treatment by suggesting certain lifestyle changes. One of these suggestions will likely be avoiding irritants like nicotine, caffeine, and loud noises. Because most people notice tinnitus most when they're in a quiet setting, it is often suggested to find ways to mask the ringing sound. A fan, soft music, and low-volume radio static may help many people suffering from tinnitus, particularly at night when they are trying to sleep. Alcohol consumption may also be a factor that determines the severity of ringing in the ears. Alcohol increases the force of blood by dilating blood vessels, creating more blood flow to the inner ear; therefore, decreasing alcohol consumption may greatly reduce the symptoms of tinnitus.
Although there is little evidence that supports alternative treatments as helpful in tinnitus treatment, some individuals swear by their effectiveness. Alternative treatments for tinnitus include acupuncture, hypnosis, gingko biloba, zinc supplements, and B vitamins. Transcranial magnetic stimulation has been shown to successfully reduce tinnitus in some people. It is a painless, noninvasive therapy that is being utilized mostly in Europe and is being used more and more frequently in the US.
Unfortunately, tinnitus may not always improve or go away with treatment. Seeing a counselor or psychologist may help some individuals discover ways to cope with the problem. It may also help with other problems that have been linked to tinnitus such as anxiety and depression. There are also support groups for people suffering from tinnitus, and discussing the condition in a group setting may be beneficial in learning coping skills that have helped others. Seeing an audiologist may also provide tinnitus sufferers with treatments that may be effective.
Because there are so many treatments and products that claim to treat tinnitus, individuals can find an array of websites that provide lists of possibly effective remedies. It may take trying many different things before you find the treatment that will work best for you. To find a tinnitus specialist in Las Vegas, NV, simply search the Internet for specialists near you.