Tinnitus is the perception of sound—such as ringing, buzzing, or roaring in the ears—without an external source. It is usually linked to inner ear damage that changes how the brain processes sound. Causes include loud noise exposure, hearing loss, medications, ear infections, or head injuries.

For some, tinnitus is temporary and mild. For others, constant ringing can disrupt sleep, focus, and emotional well-being. While there is no universal cure, many treatments and lifestyle strategies can help manage tinnitus effectively.

Home Remedies

  • Sound therapy (masking): Use a white noise machine, fan, or ambient music to make tinnitus less noticeable—especially at night.

  • Lifestyle adjustments: Reduce alcohol, quit smoking, and manage stress to lessen symptom severity.

  • Relaxation: Meditation, breathing exercises, or yoga can reduce anxiety and improve sleep.

Medications

Although the FDA has not approved specific drugs for tinnitus, some medications may provide relief:

  • Antidepressants – reduce depression and stress associated with tinnitus.

  • Antihistamines – helpful if allergies or congestion contribute to tinnitus.

  • Anxiolytics – may improve sleep and reduce anxiety.

  • Vasodilators & calcium channel blockers – improve blood flow to the inner ear (mixed results).

  • Anticonvulsants – studied for reducing auditory overactivity, but effectiveness is limited.

Surgeries and Procedures

Surgery is rarely used but may be helpful in certain cases:

  • Lidocaine injections or iontophoresis – calm overactive auditory pathways.

  • Stapedectomy – replaces abnormal middle ear bones (for otosclerosis).

  • Endolymphatic sac shunting – drains inner ear fluid in Ménière’s disease.

  • Tumor removal – if tinnitus is linked to ear or brainstem growths.

Therapies

Sound Therapy

  • Hearing aids: Amplify external sounds, reducing perception of tinnitus.

  • Wearable sound generators: Play soft, soothing sounds continuously.

  • Combination devices: Blend amplification with sound therapy.

Behavioral Therapy

  • Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT): Helps reframe negative thoughts about tinnitus.

  • Tinnitus retraining therapy (TRT): Combines CBT and sound therapy to retrain the brain to “ignore” tinnitus.

Complementary and Alternative Approaches

  • Acupuncture: May improve blood flow and reduce stress, though evidence is limited.

  • Herbal remedies: Panax ginseng and ginkgo biloba show mixed results in small studies.

  • Mindfulness & yoga: Research shows reduced tinnitus distress with regular practice.

Coping Strategies & Support

  • Practice mindfulness meditation to reduce stress.

  • Join tinnitus support groups (such as ATA or Tinnitus Talk).

  • Use apps like Oto or tools like Ida Tinnitus Scales to track progress and get therapy support.

Prevention Tips

  • Wear earplugs or hearing protection in loud environments (concerts, construction, sports events).

  • Avoid long-term noise exposure above 80–85 decibels (equivalent to city traffic).

  • Take breaks from headphones and keep volume levels safe.

When To See a Healthcare Provider

Seek medical attention if:

  • Tinnitus persists longer than a week.

  • It disrupts your sleep, focus, or mood.

  • You also experience hearing loss, dizziness, or ear pain.

An audiologist or ENT may conduct a hearing test, ear exam, or MRI to check for underlying conditions.

A Quick Review

Tinnitus is a common condition where you hear ringing, buzzing, or roaring without an external source. While not always curable, treatments like sound therapy, CBT, lifestyle changes, and stress management can significantly reduce its impact. Protecting your hearing is the best prevention strategy.