Treating the cause
If tinnitus is caused by something like an ear infection or earwax, treating it may help. A medicine that causes it may be changed.
Hearing aids
If you have hearing loss, hearing aids can make tinnitus less noticeable, as you hear more of the sounds around you. They are free on the NHS.
Sound therapy
Background sound, such as music, a fan or a sound generator, can distract your brain from tinnitus, especially at night.
Talking therapies
NICE recommends support such as:
- tinnitus counselling and education
- cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), which helps change how you react to tinnitus, and can reduce distress
Some audiology services run tinnitus clinics or group courses.
What does not help
There is no medicine that cures tinnitus. Supplements such as ginkgo biloba are not recommended.
Sources we used
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