View source for Tinnitus

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==Overview==
Tinnitus ([[International Phonetic Alphabet|IPA pronunciation]]: {{IPA|[tɪ'naɪtəs]}} or {{IPA|['tɪnɪtəs]}},<ref name="ata">[http://www.ata.org American Tinnitus Association | Home | Help For Ringing In The Ears]</ref> from the Latin word for "ringing"<ref name="m-w">[http://m-w.com/cgi-bin/dictionary?book=Dictionary&va=tinnitus Dictionary of tinnitus - Merriam-Webster Online Dictionary]</ref>) is the perception of sound in the [[human]] [[ear]] in the absence of corresponding external sound(s). 

==Pathophysiology==

===Pathophysiology of Subjective Tinnitus===
One of the possible mechanisms relies in the otoacustic emissions. The [[inner ear|inner]] [[ear]] contains thousands of minute hairs which vibrate in response to sound waves and cells which convert neural signals back into acoustical vibrations. The sensing cells are connected with the vibratory cells through a neural feedback loop, whose gain is regulated by the brain. This loop is normally adjusted just below onset of self-oscillation, which gains the ear spectacular sensitivity and selectivity. If something changes, it's easy for the delicate adjustment to cross the barrier of oscillation and tinnitus results. This can actually be measured by a very sensitive microphone outside the ear.

Other possible mechanisms of how things can change in the ear is damage to the receptor cells. Although receptor cells can be regenerated from the adjacent supporting Deiters cells after injury in birds, reptiles, and amphibians, in mammals it is believed that they can be produced only during [[embryogenesis]].  Although mammalian Deiters cells reproduce and position themselves appropriately for regeneration, they have not been observed to [[transdifferentiation|transdifferentiate]] into receptor cells except in tissue culture experiments.<ref name="nih-16525832">[http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=pubmed&cmd=Retrieve&dopt=AbstractPlus&list_uids=16525832 Supporting cell proliferation after hair cell injury in mature guinea pig cochlea in vivo]</ref><ref name="nih-16791196">[http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=pubmed&cmd=Retrieve&dopt=AbstractPlus&list_uids=16791196 Mammalian cochlear supporting cells can divide and trans-differentiate into hair cells]</ref> Therefore, if these hairs become damaged, through prolonged exposure to excessive decibel levels, for instance, then deafness to certain frequencies occurs.  In tinnitus, they may falsely relay information at a certain frequency that an externally audible sound is present, when it is not.

The mechanisms of subjective tinnitus are often obscure. While it is not surprising that direct trauma to the inner ear can cause tinnitus, other apparent causes (e.g., [[temporomandibular joint disorder]] (TMJ) and dental disorders) are difficult to explain. Recent research has proposed that there are two distinct categories of subjective tinnitus: '''Otic''' tinnitus, caused by disorders of the inner ear or the acoustic nerve, and '''somatic''' tinnitus, caused by disorders outside the ear and nerve but still within the head or neck. It is further hypothesized that somatic tinnitus may be due to "central crosstalk" within the brain, as certain head and neck nerves enter the brain near regions known to be involved in hearing.

While most discussions of tinnitus tend to stress physical mechanisms, there is strong evidence that the level of an individual's awareness of their tinnitus can be stress-related, and so should be addressed by improving the state of the nervous system generally, using gradual, unobtrusive, long-term treatments. [http://www.paralumun.com/healthtinn.htm]

===Pathophysiology of Objective Tinnitus===
In a minority of cases, a clinician can perceive an actual sound (''e.g.'', a [[bruit]]) emanating from the patient's ears.  This is called  '''objective tinnitus'''.  Objective tinnitus can arise from muscle spasms that cause clicks or crackling around the middle ear.<ref name="entnet-hearing">[http://www.entnet.org/healthinfo/hearing/tinnitus.cfm ENT Health Information > Hearing > Tinnitus]</ref>  Some people experience a sound that beats in time with the pulse ('''pulsatile tinnitus'''<ref name="rnid-290661">[http://www.rnid.org.uk/information_resources/factsheets/tinnitus/factsheets_leaflets/?ciid=290661 RNID.org.uk: Information and resources: Our factsheets and leaflets: Tinnitus: Factsheets and leaflets]</ref>).  Pulsatile tinnitus is usually objective in nature, resulting from altered blood flow or increased blood turbulence near the ear (such as from [[atherosclerosis]] or venous hum<ref name="nih-6865626">[http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_uids=6865626&dopt=Abstract Diagnosis and cure of venous hum tinnitus]</ref>), but it can also arise as a subjective phenomenon from an increased awareness of blood flow in the ear.<ref name="rnid-290661" /> Rarely, pulsatile tinnitus may be a symptom of potentially life-threatening conditions such as [[carotid artery]] [[aneurysm]]<ref name="nih-15956490">[http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=pubmed&cmd=Retrieve&dopt=AbstractPlus&list_uids=15956490 Otologic manifestations of petrous carotid aneurysms]</ref> or [[carotid artery dissection]].<ref name="nih-15096317">[http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=pubmed&cmd=Retrieve&dopt=AbstractPlus&list_uids=15096317 Carotid Artery Dissection]</ref>

== Causes of subjective tinnitus ==
Tinnitus can have many different causes, but most commonly results from otologic disorders - the same conditions that cause hearing loss.  The most common cause is noise-induced hearing loss, resulting from exposure to excessive or loud noises. [[Ototoxicity|Ototoxic]] drugs can cause tinnitus either secondary to hearing loss or without hearing loss, and may increase the damage done by exposure to loud noise, even at doses that are not in themselves ototoxic.<ref name="nih-7035098">[http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=pubmed&cmd=Retrieve&dopt=AbstractPlus&list_uids=7035098 Ototoxic drugs and noise]</ref>

==Common Causes of Tinnitus<ref name="nih-14727828">[http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=pubmed&cmd=Retrieve&dopt=AbstractPlus&list_uids=14727828 Diagnostic approach to tinnitus]</ref>==
*Otologic problems and [[hearing loss]]:
** Conductive hearing loss
*** External [[ear infection]]
*** Acoustic shock
*** Cerumen ([[earwax]]) impaction
*** Middle ear effusion
** [[Sensorineural hearing loss]]
*** Excessive or loud noise
*** [[Presbycusis]] (age-associated hearing loss)
*** [[Ménière's disease]]
*** [[Acoustic neuroma]]
*** [[Mercury (element)|mercury]] or [[lead]] [[poison]]ing
*** [[Ototoxic]] medications
**** [[Analgesics]]:
***** [[Aspirin]]
***** [[Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs]]
**** [[Antibiotics]]:
***** [[Aminoglycosides]]  e.g. [[gentamicin]]
***** [[Chloramphenicol]]
***** [[Erythromycin]]
***** [[Tetracycline]]
***** [[Vancomycin]]
**** [[Chemotherapy]] and [[antiviral]] drugs:
***** [[Bleomycin]]
***** [[Interferon]]
***** Pegylated interferon-alpha-2b
***** [[Cisplatin]]
***** [[Mechlorethamine]]
***** [[Methotrexate]]
***** [[Vincristine]]
**** Loop [[diuretics]]:
***** [[Bumetanide]]
***** [[Ethacrynic acid]]
***** [[Furosemide]]
**** Others:
***** [[Chloroquine]]
***** [[Quinine]]
***** [[Hydroxychloroquine]]
***** [[Oxcarbazepine]]
***** [[Rizatriptan]]

*[[Neurologic]] disorders:
**[[Multiple sclerosis]]
**[[Head injury]]
***[[Skull]] fracture
***Closed head injury
***[[Whiplash (medicine)|Whiplash]] injury
***[[Temporomandibular joint disorder]]

*[[Metabolic]] disorders:
**[[Thyroid]] disorder
**[[Hyperlipidemia]]
**[[Vitamin B12]] deficiency

*[[Psychogenic]] disorders:
**[[Clinical depression|Depression]]
**[[Anxiety]]

*Other causes:
**[[Fibromyalgia]]
**[[Hypertonia]] (Muscle Tension)
**[[Thoracic outlet syndrome]] 
**[[Lyme disease]]
**Hypnogogia
**[[Sleep paralysis]]

== Complete Differential Diagnosis of Tinnitus== 
*[[Acoustic neuroma]]
*Acute or chronic [[otitis media]]
*[[Alcohol]]
*[[Aminoglycosides]]
*[[Anemia]]
*[[Antidepressant]]s
*[[Anxiety]]
*Arterial [[bruit]]s
:*Abberant [[carotid artery]]
:*[[Carotid stenosis]]
:*Persistant stapedial artery
*[[Arteriovenous malformation]]
*[[Aspirin]]
*AV shunts
*[[Bruxism]]
*Cardiac [[arrhythmias]]
*[[Cerumen]]
*Cervival osteochondrosis
*[[Depression]]
*[[Diabetes mellitus]]
*[[Diuretics]]
*[[Epilepsy]]
*Eustation tube dysfunction
*External auditory canal obstruction
*Faulty jaw position
*Foreign body against [[tympanic membrane]]
*Glomus tympanicum
*Hallucinations
*Heavy metals
*Heavy [[smoking]]
*High jugular bulb
*[[Hypertension]]
*[[Hyperthyroidism]]
*[[Hypertension]]
*[[Hypothyroidism]]
*[[Indomethacin]]
*Inner ear disease
*[[Meniere Disease]]
*[[Meningitis]]
*Middle ear disease
*[[Multiple Sclerosis]]
*[[Nasopharyngeal carcinoma]]
*Noise induced [[hearing loss]]
*[[Omeprazole]]
*[[Otosclerosis]]
*Palatial [[myoclonus]]
*[[Piroxicam]]
*[[Pregnancy]]
*[[Presbycusis]] (age related hearing loss)
*[[Pseudotumor cerebri]]
*[[Quinine]]
*[[Stapedius]] spasm
*Tooth abnormalities
*Tooth extractions
*Temporal lobe [[tumor]]
*[[Venous hum]]s
*[[Vitamin A]] deficency
*[[Vitamin B]] deficency

==Diagnosis==
===Symptoms===
Tinnitus can be perceived in one or both ears or in the head. It is usually described as a ringing noise, but in some patients it takes the form of a high pitched whining, buzzing, hissing, humming, or whistling sound, or as ticking, clicking, roaring, "crickets" or "locusts", tunes, songs, or beeping.<ref name="rnid-about">[http://www.rnid.org.uk/information_resources/tinnitus/about_tinnitus/what_is_tinnitus/ RNID.org.uk: Information and resources: Tinnitus: About tinnitus: What is tinnitus]</ref> It has also been described as a "whooshing" sound, as of wind or waves.<ref name="nih-ency">[http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/003043.htm Medline Plus Medical Encyclopedia: Ear noises or buzzing]</ref>  Tinnitus is not itself a [[disease]] but a [[symptom]] resulting from a range of underlying causes, including ear infections, foreign objects or wax in the ear, and injury from loud noises. Tinnitus is also a side-effect of some oral medications, such as [[aspirin]], and may also result from an abnormally low level of [[serotonin]] activity.

The sound perceived may range from a quiet background noise to one that can be heard even over loud external sounds.  The term "tinnitus" usually refers to more severe cases.  Heller and Bergman (1953) conducted a study of 80 tinnitus-free university students placed in a soundproofed room found that 93% reported hearing a buzzing, pulsing or whistling sound.  Cohort studies have demonstrated that damage to hearing (among other [[noise health effects|health effects]]) from unnatural levels of noise exposure is very widespread in industrialized countries.<ref name="nih-16105247">[http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=pubmed&cmd=Retrieve&dopt=AbstractPlus&list_uids=16105247 Noise exposure and subjective hearing symptoms among school children in Sweden]</ref>

Because tinnitus is often defined as a subjective phenomenon, it is difficult to measure using objective tests, such as by comparison to noise of known frequency and intensity, as in an audiometric test.  The condition is often rated clinically on a simple scale from "slight" to "catastrophic" according to the practical difficulties it imposes, such as interference with sleep, quiet activities, or normal daily activities.<ref name="otohns-1030">[http://www.otohns.net/default.asp?id=1030 Guidelines for the Grading of Tinnitus Severity]</ref>  For research purposes, the more elaborate Tinnitus Handicap Inventory is often used.<ref name="nih-8630207">[http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_uids=8630207 Development of the Tinnitus Handicap Inventory]</ref>

===Physical examination===
The ears should be examined for wax and a foreign body.

===Measuring tinnitus===
The basis of quantitative measurement of tinnitus relies on the brain’s tendency to select out only the loudest sounds heard. Based on this tendency, the amplitude of a patient's tinnitus can be measured by playing sample sounds of known amplitude and asking the patient which he or she hears. The tinnitus will always be equal to- or less than sample noises heard by the patient. This method works very well to gauge objective tinnitus (see above.) For example: if a patient has a pulsatile [[paraganglioma]] in his ear, he will not be able to hear the blood flow through the tumor when the sample noise is 5 decibels louder than the noise produced by the blood. As sound amplitude is gradually decreased, the tinnitus will become audible, and the level at which it does so provides an estimate of the amplitude of the objective tinnitus.

Objective tinnitus, however, is quite uncommon. Often patients with pulsatile tumors will report other coexistent sounds, distinct from the pulsatile noise, that will persist even after their tumor has been removed. This is generally subjective tinnitus, which, unlike the objective form, cannot be tested by comparative methods.

If a subject is focused on a sample noise, they can often detect it to levels below 5 decibels, which would indicate that their tinnitus would be almost impossible to hear. Conversely, if the same test subject is told to focus only on their tinnitus, they will report hearing the sound even when test noises exceed 70 decibels, making the tinnitus louder than a ringing phone. This quantification method suggests that subjective tinnitus relates only to what the patient is attempting to hear. Patients actively complaining about tinnitus could thus be assumed to be people who have become obsessed with the noise. This is only partially true. The problem is involuntary; generally complaining patients simply cannot override or ignore their tinnitus. The noise is often present in both quiet and noisy environments, and can become quite intrusive to their daily lives.

Subjective tinnitus may not always be correlated with ear malfunction or hearing loss. Even people with near-perfect hearing may still complain of it. Tinnitus may also have a connection to memory problems, anxiety, fatigue or a general state of poor health.

==Prevention==
Tinnitus and hearing loss can be permanent conditions, thus, precautionary measures are advisable. If a ringing in the ears is audible after exposure to a loud environment, such as a rock concert or a work place, it means that damage has been done.  Prolonged exposure to noise levels as low as 70 dB can result in damage to hearing ''(see [[noise health effects]])''.  If it is not possible to limit exposure, earplugs or ear defenders should be worn.  For musicians and DJs, special musicians' earplugs can lower the volume of the music without distorting the sound and can prevent tinnitus from developing in later years.

It is also important to check medications for potential [[ototoxicity]].  [[Ototoxicity]] can be cumulative between medications, or can greatly increase the damage done by noise.  If ototoxic medications must be administered, close attention by the physician to prescription details, such as dose and dosage interval, can reduce the damage done.<ref name="ingenta-4">[http://www.ingentaconnect.com/content/tandf/soto/2001/00000121/00000005/art00004 IngentaConnect Drug-induced Otoxicity: Current Status]</ref>

==Treatment==
There are many treatments that are effective for objective tinnitus. But there are no clear effective treatments for subjective tinnitus.  Conversely, tinnitus may resolve without any treatment. In the subjective tinnitus the treatment of the associated problems like fatigue, anxiety and a bad healthy status is essential to achieve success. Effective treatments include:

''Objective tinnitus:''
* Gamma knife radiosurgery ''(glomus jugulare)''<ref name="nih-16272947">[http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=pubmed&cmd=Retrieve&dopt=AbstractPlus&list_uids=16272947 Treatment of glomus jugulare tumors in patients with advanced age: planned limited surgical resection followed by staged gamma knife radiosurgery: a preliminary report]</ref>
* Shielding of cochlea by teflon implant<ref name="nih-16331169">[http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=pubmed&cmd=Retrieve&dopt=AbstractPlus&list_uids=16331169 Pulsatile tinnitus and the intrameatal vascular loop: why do we not hear our carotids?]</ref>
* Botulinum toxin ''(palatal tremor)''<ref name="nih-16845571">[http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=pubmed&cmd=Retrieve&dopt=AbstractPlus&list_uids=16845571 Botulinum toxin is effective and safe for palatal tremor: a report of five cases and a review of the literature]</ref>
* Propranolol and clonazepam ''(arterial anatomic variation)''<ref name="nih-16446904">[http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=pubmed&cmd=Retrieve&dopt=AbstractPlus&list_uids=16446904 Pulsatile tinnitus: treatment with clonazepam and propranolol]</ref>

''Subjective tinnitus:''
* Drugs and nutrients
** [[Lidocaine]], injection into the inner ear found to surpress the tinnitus for 20 minutes, according to a Swedish study. <ref>[http://www.lakemedelsvarlden.nu/article.asp?articleID=4893&articleCategoryID=2&issueID=113 Swedish website about tinnitus]</ref>
** Benzodiazepines (xanax, ativan, klonopin)
** Avoidance of caffeine, nicotine, salt<ref>Rogers, June: "Only When I Eat: Hope at Last". Ki Publishing Co-operative. UK ISBN 0951 0769 06</ref><ref name="nih-3374234">[http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=pubmed&cmd=Retrieve&dopt=AbstractPlus&list_uids=3374234 Vascular decompression of the cochlear nerve in tinnitus sufferers]</ref><ref name="nih-9092280">[http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=pubmed&cmd=Retrieve&dopt=AbstractPlus&list_uids=9092280 Meniere's disease: differential diagnosis and treatment]</ref>
** Avoidance of ''or'' consumption of alcohol<ref name="nih-8838550">[http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=pubmed&cmd=Retrieve&dopt=AbstractPlus&list_uids=8838550 Patients' reports of the effect of alcohol on tinnitus]</ref><ref name="nih-9092280" />
** Zinc supplementation ''(where serum zinc deficiency is present)''<ref name="nih-12544035">[http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=pubmed&cmd=Retrieve&dopt=AbstractPlus&list_uids=12544035 The role of zinc in the treatment of tinnitus]</ref><ref name="nih-12393036">[http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=pubmed&cmd=Retrieve&dopt=AbstractPlus&list_uids=12393036 The role of zinc in management of tinnitus]</ref><ref name="nih-1872515">[http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=pubmed&cmd=Retrieve&dopt=AbstractPlus&list_uids=1872515 Zinc in the management of tinnitus. Placebo-controlled trial]</ref>
** Acamprosate<ref name="nih-16612523">[http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=pubmed&cmd=Retrieve&dopt=AbstractPlus&list_uids=16612523 Tinnitus treatment with acamprosate: double-blind study]</ref>
** Etidronate ''or'' sodium fluoride ''(otosclerosis)''<ref name="nih-9210803">[http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=pubmed&cmd=Retrieve&dopt=AbstractPlus&list_uids=9210803 Etidronate for the the neurotologic symptoms of otosclerosis: preliminary study] [sic]</ref>
** Lignocaine ''or'' anticonvulsants ''(usually in patients responsive to white noise masking)''<ref name="nih-6799263">[http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=pubmed&cmd=Retrieve&dopt=AbstractPlus&list_uids=6799263 Drugs in the treatment of tinnitus]</ref>
** Carbemazepine<ref name="nih-16514262">[http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=pubmed&cmd=Retrieve&dopt=AbstractPlus&list_uids=16514262 Typewriter tinnitus: a carbamazepine-responsive syndrome related to auditory nerve vascular compression]</ref>
** Melatonin ''(especially for those with sleep disturbance)''<ref name="nih-16455366">[http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=pubmed&cmd=Retrieve&dopt=AbstractPlus&list_uids=16455366 The effects of melatonin on tinnitus and sleep]</ref>
** Sertraline<ref name="nih-16415703">[http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=pubmed&cmd=Retrieve&dopt=AbstractPlus&list_uids=16415703 The effects of sertraline on severe tinnitus suffering--a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study]</ref>
** Vitamin combinations ''([[Lipo-Flavanoid|lipo-flavonoid]])''<ref>Williams HL, Maher FT, Corbin KB, et al: Eriodictyol glycoside in the treatment of Meniere’s disease. Ann Otol Rhinol Laryngol 72:1082, 1963.</ref>
* Electrical stimulation
** Transcranial magnetic stimulation or transcranial direct current stimulation<ref name="nih-16845596">[http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=pubmed&cmd=Retrieve&dopt=AbstractPlus&list_uids=16845596 Transcranial magnetic stimulation for the treatment of tinnitus: a new coil positioning method and first results]</ref><ref name="nih-16930367">[http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=pubmed&cmd=Retrieve&dopt=AbstractPlus&list_uids=16930367 Transient tinnitus suppression induced by repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation and transcranial direct current stimulation]</ref>
** Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation<ref name="nih-16556347">[http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=pubmed&cmd=Retrieve&dopt=AbstractPlus&list_uids=16556347 Treatment of tinnitus with transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation improves patients' quality of life]</ref>
** Direct stimulation of auditory cortex by implanted electrodes<ref name="nih-16514263">[http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=pubmed&cmd=Retrieve&dopt=AbstractPlus&list_uids=16514263 Primary and secondary auditory cortex stimulation for intractable tinnitus]</ref>
* Surgery
** Repair of perilymph fistula<ref name="nih-11137360">[http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=pubmed&cmd=Retrieve&dopt=AbstractPlus&list_uids=11137360 Perilymph fistula--45 case analysis]</ref>
* External sound
** Low-pitched sound treatment has shown some positive, encouraging  results.[http://today.uci.edu/news/release_detail.asp?key=1570 (UC, Irvine press release)]
** Tinnitus masking<ref name="stanford-dattorro">[http://www.stanford.edu/~dattorro/Tin/tin.html Tinnitus masker - sonic designs by Jon Dattorro...]</ref> ([[white noise]])
** [[Tinnitus retraining therapy]]<ref name="nih-16274808">[http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=pubmed&cmd=Retrieve&dopt=AbstractPlus&list_uids=16274808 Long-term clinical trial of tinnitus retraining therapy]</ref><ref name="nih-16640064">[http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=pubmed&cmd=Retrieve&dopt=AbstractPlus&list_uids=16640064 Outcomes of clinical trial: tinnitus masking versus tinnitus retraining therapy]</ref>
** Auditive stimulation therapy (music therapy)<ref name="nih-16639917">[http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=pubmed&cmd=Retrieve&dopt=AbstractPlus&list_uids=16639917 Auditive stimulation therapy as an intervention in subacute and chronic tinnitus: a prospective observational study]</ref>
** Compensation for lost frequencies by use of a hearing aid.<ref>[http://www.ohsu.edu/ohrc/tinnitusclinic/compTreatments.html OHSU Tinnitus Clinic: Comprehensive Treatment Programs including Tinnitus Retraining Therapy (TRT)]</ref>
** Ultrasonic bone-conduction external acoustic stimulation<ref name="nih-16639909">[http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=pubmed&cmd=Retrieve&dopt=AbstractPlus&list_uids=16639909 Ultra-high-frequency ultrasonic external acoustic stimulation for tinnitus relief: a method for patient selection]</ref><ref name="nih-16419683">[http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=pubmed&cmd=Retrieve&dopt=AbstractPlus&list_uids=16419683 Tinnitus improvement with ultra-high-frequency vibration therapy]</ref>
** Avoidance of outside noise ''(exogenous tinnitus)''<ref name="nih-16639912">[http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=pubmed&cmd=Retrieve&dopt=AbstractPlus&list_uids=16639912 Subdividing tinnitus into bruits and endogenous, exogenous, and other forms]</ref>
* Psychological
** Cognitive behavior therapy<ref name="nih-16379495">[http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=pubmed&cmd=Retrieve&dopt=AbstractPlus&list_uids=16379495 Treatment of tinnitus in the elderly: a controlled trial of cognitive behavior therapy]</ref>
* Light-based
** [[Photobiomodulation]] (a.k.a. Low Level Laser Therapy); efficacy is debated<ref>http://www.tinnitusformula.com/infocenter/articles/treatments/LLLT.aspx</ref>

Although there are no specific cures for tinnitus, anything that brings the person out of the "fight or flight" stress response helps symptoms recede over a period of time. Calming body-based therapies, counseling and psychotherapy help restore well-being, which in turn allows tinnitus to settle. Chronic tinnitus can be quite stressful psychologically, as it distracts the affected individual from mental tasks and interferes with sleep, particularly when there is no external sound. Additional steps in reducing the impact of tinnitus on adverse health consequences include: a review of medications that may have tinnitus as a side effect; a physical exam to reveal possible underlying health conditions that may aggravate tinnitus; receiving adequate rest each day; and seeking a physician's advice concerning a sleep aid to allow for a better sleep pattern.

==Related Chapters==
* [[Absolute threshold of hearing]]
* [[Auditory system]]
* [[Audiologist]]
* [[Ear]]
* [[Hearing impairment]]
* [[Hyperacusis]]
* [[Noise health effects]]

== External Links ==
* {{DMOZ|Health/Conditions_and_Diseases/Ear,_Nose_and_Throat/Ear/Tinnitus/}}

==References==
{{Reflist|2}}

{{Diseases of the ear and mastoid process}}
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[[he:טיניטוס]]
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[[zh:耳鸣]]

[[Category:Otolaryngology]]
[[Category:Signs and symptoms]]
[[Category:Primary care]]

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