Tinnitus

Education about tinnitus is very important. Patients may be reassured by learning that there are large numbers of people who have tinnitus, but only a minority of them suffer from disabling tinnitus.

Patient support groups and information websites may be helpful. American Tinnitus Association Opens in new window Cure is unlikely, and the treatment goal is habituation to the tinnitus. Hypersensitivity to sound or hyperacusis may benefit from ear plugs or desensitization therapy. Pleasant background sound may be used if tinnitus is worse in silent environments. Attention may be distracted from tinnitus by keeping busy, either by work or by socialising. It is recommended that a trial of dietary modification should be considered. We advise patients to avoid salt, caffeine, alcohol, simple sugars, monosodium glutamate, aspartame, sweeteners, food colorings, and dyes. Exposure to loud noises should be avoided, or ear plugs used when in noisy environments.