It is important to keep in mind that tinnitus is a symptom, not a disease. As such, the optimal treatment strategy should be directed toward eliminating the disease, rather than simply alleviating the symptom. Also, because tinnitus may be symptomatic of a more serious disorder, it is important to try to find the medical cause before deciding on treatment.
Preventing and Minimizing Tinnitus Developer Notes:
Here are a few things patients can do to help prevent and minimize tinnitus:
- Reduce exposure to extremely loud noise
- Avoid total silence
- Decrease salt intake
- Monitor one’s blood pressure
- Avoid stimulants such as caffeine and nicotine
- Exercise
- Reduce fatigue
- Manage stress
- Educate yourself
After a careful evaluation, our audiologist may find an identifiable cause and be able to treat or make recommendations to treat the tinnitus. Once you have had a thorough evaluation, an essential part of treatment is your own understanding of the tinnitus (what has caused it, the person’s specific symptoms, and options for treatment).