Remission of Tinnitus

Tinnitus is a condition in which sufferers hear sounds without anything that might be causing the sound. It often manifests as a high pitched whine or ringing in the ears, but some sufferers hear a lower sound like a background growl or rumble. Some even report a sensation like a barely-heard conversation that can’t be made out. Whatever form it takes, it is usually unpleasant to deal with.

Side effects of tinnitus are varied and frustrating. A common effect is to be kept awake by the constant perception of sound. As the house gets quiet when you go to bed, it’s easier to notice the sound. Knowing that the sound can keep you up also causes anxiety in some sufferers; they know they’re going to have to deal with the sound, and feel helpless to deal with it.

Remission of Tinnitus

There are unfortunately not many treatment options that can help deal with tinnitus or put it into remission. Many doctors have observed that tinnitus will go into remission on its own, but if it has not done so within two years of manifesting, it is likely permanent. Spontaneous remission like this is usually observed in tinnitus caused as a side-effect of loud noises such as explosions.

Medical Options

Some medicines can produce a temporary remission of tinnitus symptoms. Benzodiazepan medicines such as clonozepam and alprazolam have shown an effect in about half of the patients who take them for tinnitus symptoms. The problem is, these medications have a strong effect on the nervous system; in fact, they are anti-anxiety medications used to treat serious mood disorders and conditions. They have the potential to be addictive. To make the news even better, going off the medication usually brings back the tinnitus at a stronger level than before the medicine was prescribed.

Distracting Sounds

While the remission of tinnitus might sound like it’s too much to hope for, there are some techniques that can help. Tinnitus is the perception of sound in the absence of a cause. Some patients find that providing a distraction sound can help. For example, an audiobook, white noise generator, or podcast could be played on a soft setting at bedtime, and the brain will listen to it and temporarily forget to pay attention to the tinnitus.

Ultimately, a doctor can probably help you diagnose the condition of tinnitus, but the remission of tinnitus is not something that is easily achieved.

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