Tinnitus therapy

Tinnitus describes the perception of sounds in the ear or head without any external sound source being present. Those affected usually only hear these sounds themselves – they are not perceptible to others.

The symptoms can vary greatly. Those affected often report:

• Whistling, hissing, buzzing or ringing in the ear
• Humming, hissing or rhythmic noises
• Noises in one or both ears
• Permanent or intermittent noises
• Fluctuating volume or pitch

Yes. Tinnitus can be both acute and chronic. Acute tinnitus usually lasts only a few days. If the symptoms persist for more than three months, it is referred to as chronic tinnitus.

Many sufferers notice the ringing in their ears particularly during quiet moments, such as when reading, in the evening or at night. Stress, fatigue or tension can exacerbate the symptoms. In noisy environments, they often disappear from overall perception.

In addition to the actual noises in the ear, additional symptoms may occur, such as:

• Sleep disturbances
• Concentration problems
• Inner restlessness or nervousness
• Irritability
• Dizziness or feeling of pressure in the ear
• Hearing loss

No. The volume can vary greatly. Some people perceive tinnitus as a quiet background noise, while others find it very disturbing or stressful. The intensity can also change within a single day. Tinnitus is usually perceived as louder when stress levels are high or when there is inflammation in the head area.

Yes. Many people find the noises psychologically stressful, especially in cases of persistent tinnitus. Persistent stress, anxiety or depressive moods can further focus perception on the tinnitus and create a vicious circle with poor parasympathetic regulation.

A medical examination is advisable if:

• the noises in your ears occur suddenly
• they are very loud or occur in one ear only
• you also experience hearing loss, dizziness or pain
• the symptoms persist or worsen

Tinnitus itself is not a separate disease, but rather a symptom. However, it should still be taken seriously in order to identify possible causes at an early stage.

Yes. Especially in cases of acute tinnitus, the symptoms can disappear completely. Even in cases of chronic tinnitus, perception and stress can often be significantly improved through targeted measures.

Tinnitus occurs as a result of acute ear disorders or when the processing of auditory stimuli in the ear or brain is disrupted. The most common causes of tinnitus include:

• Noise pollution, e.g. from loud music or machinery
• Sudden hearing loss
• Age-related hearing loss
• Stress and psychological strain
• Circulatory disorders in the inner ear
• Diseases of the inner or middle ear
• Acoustic neuroma
• Ménière’s disease
• Otosclerosis
• Middle ear inflammation

Yes. Stress is one of the most common triggers of tinnitus. Many sufferers notice the noises in their ears particularly during stressful periods in their lives.

Noise is one of the main causes of tinnitus. Acoustic trauma or prolonged exposure to noise can damage the sensory cells in the inner ear. This damage often leads to ringing in the ears, which can be acute or permanent.

Yes. Sudden hearing loss is often accompanied by tinnitus. The exact cause of sudden hearing loss is not always clear, but it is thought to be due to circulatory disorders or inflammatory processes in the inner ear. Tinnitus can occur as a concomitant symptom or as the first symptom.

Tension in the neck, shoulder or jaw area (CMD) can exacerbate tinnitus. Poor posture, teeth grinding or problems with the jaw joint affect nerve pathways and blood circulation and can trigger or exacerbate ringing in the ears.

Yes. Ear-related causes of tinnitus include:

• Middle ear infections
• Inner ear disorders
• Earwax blockage
• Disorders of the auditory nerve
• Otosclerosis

An ENT examination can help to identify such causes.

Restricted blood flow to the inner ear can disrupt the supply to the sensitive hearing cells. This results in faulty nerve signals, which are perceived as tinnitus. High blood pressure or vascular diseases can also play a role here.

Certain medications are considered possible causes of tinnitus. These include some painkillers, antibiotics and diuretics. If you experience ringing in the ears at the same time as taking medication, you should consult your doctor.

Mental stress such as anxiety disorders, depression or chronic stress can trigger or exacerbate tinnitus. Tinnitus does not originate ‘only in the head’, but rather through a change in the way auditory signals are processed in the nervous system.

Since tinnitus can have many different causes, a targeted ENT diagnosis is crucial. Only when the cause is known can appropriate treatment be initiated and the risk of chronic progression reduced.

Tinnitus treatment always depends on the cause, duration and individual severity. The aim is to alleviate the noises in the ear, reduce accompanying symptoms and prevent the condition from becoming chronic. Depending on the findings, medication, technical, therapeutic or accompanying measures are used.

The first step is a comprehensive ENT diagnosis with hearing tests, ear examination and, if necessary, further procedures. Based on this, the ENT doctor will develop an individual treatment plan. Early treatment is crucial, especially in cases of acute tinnitus.

The following measures are often considered for acute tinnitus:

• Medication to improve blood circulation
• Anti-inflammatory therapies
• Cortisone, e.g. as an infusion or tablet
• Protecting your hearing and reducing stress

Prompt treatment increases the chance that the symptoms will disappear completely.

In cases of chronic tinnitus, the focus is not on completely eliminating the noise, but rather on learning to cope with it. The following methods have proven effective:

• Hearing aids or noise generators to mask the noise
• Tinnitus retraining therapy (TRT)
• Hearing therapy and counselling
• Relaxation techniques and stress management

The aim is to reduce the perception of tinnitus and improve quality of life.

Yes. Hearing aids can be very effective if you also have hearing loss. They improve your hearing and reduce the perception of tinnitus, as the brain processes more external sounds again.

Stress significantly influences the perception of tinnitus. Therefore, stress reduction is an important part of tinnitus treatment. Relaxation techniques, breathing techniques or psychological support can help to make tinnitus less stressful.

There is no specific ‘tinnitus tablet’. Medication is mainly used for acute tinnitus or to treat accompanying conditions such as sleep disorders or anxiety. The choice of medication is made individually by the ENT doctor.

A complete cure is possible, especially in cases of acute tinnitus. In cases of chronic tinnitus, the noise often cannot be completely eliminated, but the symptoms can be significantly alleviated and made manageable.

The duration depends on the type of tinnitus. Acute tinnitus is usually treated over a period of days or weeks. Chronic tinnitus often requires a longer-term therapeutic process with regular care.

The earlier treatment begins, the better the chances of success. If you experience sudden tinnitus, unilateral ear noises or additional symptoms such as hearing loss or dizziness, you should consult an ENT specialist as soon as possible.

Tinnitus is not a uniform clinical picture. Its causes, severity and impact vary greatly. Individually tailored tinnitus treatment enables targeted therapy and significantly improves the prognosis.

Tinnitus therapy encompasses all medical and therapeutic measures aimed at alleviating ear noises and reducing the burden on those affected. Since tinnitus can have very different causes, the therapy is individually tailored to each person’s situation.

Depending on the type and duration of tinnitus, various therapeutic approaches are possible:

• Medication for acute tinnitus
• Hearing therapy measures
• Tinnitus retraining therapy (TRT)
• Use of hearing aids or noise generators
• Neuroscientific procedures
• Individualised relaxation and stress management techniques
• Acupuncture
• Alternative therapies
• Homeopathy
• Parasympathetic training
• Tinnitus counselling

The first step is a comprehensive ENT diagnosis with hearing tests, ear examinations and an analysis of the stress system. An individual treatment plan is then developed based on the cause, duration and personal stress levels. Regular follow-up appointments are also part of tinnitus treatment.

Treatment should begin as early as possible. Prompt treatment improves the chances of success, especially in cases of sudden or severely debilitating tinnitus. Treatment is also beneficial for chronic tinnitus, as it can significantly improve quality of life.

In acute tinnitus, the focus is on treating possible triggers, such as circulatory disorders or inflammation. In chronic tinnitus, therapy aims to change the perception of the noises in the ear, improve parasympathetic regulation and make it easier to cope with.

Tinnitus retraining therapy is a proven component of tinnitus treatment. It combines education, hearing therapy, acupuncture and neuroscientific methods. The aim is for the brain to increasingly block out the tinnitus and perceive it as less disturbing.

Yes. Stress often intensifies the perception of tinnitus. That is why individualised relaxation exercises, breathing techniques or accompanying neuroscientific procedures are an important part of tinnitus therapy. Better stress management can significantly reduce symptoms.

Even in cases of long-standing tinnitus, therapy can help. Although the noise cannot always be completely eliminated, in many cases the distress it causes is significantly reduced. Many sufferers report feeling more relaxed, sleeping better and enjoying a higher quality of life.

The duration depends on the individual case. Acute tinnitus is usually treated over a limited period of time. In the case of chronic tinnitus, treatment is often long-term and gradual.

A personalised tinnitus therapy takes both medical and personal factors into account and offers the best chance of lasting improvement.