What Are the Treatment Options for Tinnitus?
Aug 24, 2022
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Xu Gang
Introduction
The primary treatment approaches for tinnitus include pharmacotherapy, counseling and communication, sound therapy, and symptomatic management. Commonly prescribed medications include enteric-coated aspirin, citicoline, vitamin B complex, and Chuanqiong (Ligusticum chuanxiong)—all of which may effectively reduce tinnitus symptoms. In addition, patients should adopt healthy ear-care habits. Tinnitus manifests in various forms—it may be acute or chronic, continuous or intermittent.
Tinnitus is a very common symptom, primarily characterized by phantom noises perceived in the ear—such as hissing, buzzing, or cicada-like sounds. However, tinnitus can also be serious: mild cases may resolve spontaneously or with treatment, whereas severe cases can significantly impact a patient’s physical and mental health. So, what are the available treatments for tinnitus?
What Are the Treatment Options for Tinnitus?
Primary treatment approaches for tinnitus include pharmacotherapy, counseling and communication support, sound therapy, and symptomatic management. Commonly prescribed medications include enteric-coated aspirin, citicoline, vitamin B complex, and Chuanqiong (Ligusticum chuanxiong)—all of which may help reduce tinnitus symptoms. Additionally, patients should adopt healthy ear-care habits.
Tinnitus manifests in various forms—it may be acute or chronic, continuous or intermittent. Patients commonly perceive sounds such as cicada chirping, humming, or clicking. Primarily, tinnitus affects psychological well-being and, in severe cases, may even contribute to hearing loss, thereby substantially impairing quality of life. Tinnitus can occur unilaterally or bilaterally and may be perceived as originating from within the ear, inside the brain, outside the skull, or seemingly from the surrounding air. When the sound is perceived as arising from within or outside the skull, it is termed “craniophony”; when perceived as emanating from the environment, it appears airborne.
High-pitched, persistent tinnitus is the most common type and is typically associated with sensorineural hearing loss, indicating cochlear damage. Low-pitched tinnitus is frequently observed in Ménière’s disease or idiopathic tinnitus. Pulsatile tinnitus—synchronized with the heartbeat—is caused by vascular abnormalities such as arterial diverticula or arteriovenous fistulas, and constitutes a form of objective (physical) tinnitus. We hope this information proves helpful. Wishing you good health and a joyful life!
