Tinnitus is a condition in which the patient perceives a sound that is not there. Most patients experience a ringing sound in the affected ear, but it can also be another type of sound, such as a clicking or buzzing. Tinnitus is not a disease per se but is instead a symptom that can be due to a variety of diseases. As a result, different cases of tinnitus require different treatments.
Nutrients and Drugs
A variety of different nutrients and drugs can be taken for tinnitus, including benzodiazepines, melatonin and anticonvulsants.
Electrical Stimulation
Another treatment that is effective according to the Journal of Brain Topography, is the use of electrical currents. Often a mild electric current will be applied to the area around the ear.
Surgery
If the cause of the tinnitus is a fistula in the perilymph, surgical removal can cure the tinnitus.
Sound Therapy
In some instances, the University of California has found that exposure to low-toned sound can relieve the symptoms of tinnitus. Tinnitus can also be relieved by masking it with "white noise."
Psychological Therapy
Cognitive behavioral therapy can also be used to help a patient become accustomed to and block out tinnitus.
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