Controlling Tinnitus: What works for you?

Yes there is help. Hearing aids that contain masking devices, simple masking devices designed for specific tinnitus levels and frequencies. Music, Nature sounds downloaded to your phone, sound machines on your desktop or in your bedroom. All these things help to mask or disguise tinnitus sounds. However it’s true that there is at present no cure or medication that is proven to control the sounds of tinnitus at the present time but research is ongoing. The American Tinnitus Association has a web site with lots of information and you can find info online. As well there is a list of ototoxic medications that will help you discuss with your doctor what you need to avoid in the way of medications. As well it is wise to use ear plugs in noisy venues to protect your ears. It takes time to get used to having tinnitus but lots of people do adjust. There are over 6 million Americans with tinnitus, many are military or former military people.

@johnson5, I moved your question about what to do about tinnitus to this existing discussion:
- Controlling Tinnitus: What works for you?: https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/tinnitus-control/

I did this so you can read previous posts and connect easily with other members dealing with tinnitus, like @willows

You may also be interested in this related discussion:
- Tinnitus Causes and Exercises for Relief: https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/tinnitus-causes-and-exercises-for-relief/

I am waiting for an appointment with a specialist for Cognitive Behavioural Therapy for tinnitus which I have had on and off for years but mainly since antibiotics few yeas ago; thing is yes medications say can cause tinnitus, or glaucoma, or this or that.... but drs. still prescribe and want you to take them!
With my narrow angle glaucoma a nurse said to me, when i told her I did not want to take a certain medication because of a chance I would lose my sight (anti-depressant) that there are "talking books" at the library _ I was shocked. Sorry I would sooner continue to live with depression in all its horrible states, crying most days and not living quality of life, than lose my sight.... am I being unrealistic and, as they see it, not complying with "doctors orders"??? They think I should take a chance I don't want to take, its horribly stressful........

Valérie, There is a list containing the names of hundreds of ototoxic medications, however in most cases only a very small percentage of people actually have a negative reaction with regards to tinnitus, I am talking between one and three percent of people who use one of these medications have a problem with their tinnitus as a result. Chemotherapy agents, some antibiotics and loop diuretics are ones to beware of. Just something to think about.

I recently had a noise exposure that worsened my tinnitus. For another medical issue, my doctor ordered an MRI. Should I avoid MRI's due to the noise? Will it make things even worse?

I have a lot of ear, neck and head pain on the side of the tinnitus. Hope the pain at least settles down.
Funny thing: if I rub that ear in a circular fashion, hard, the tinnitus stops for a moment.

Never tried that. During my awake hours I also get a banging sound which is difficult to handle. “Whoosh ing” is my constant There are many times I am awakening and and here sounds like machinery until I am fully mobilizing/awake. Makes me wondet if tinnitus truly exists during sleep. Would love some fredback. Carole at sandytoes41@gmail.com

I would say the noise from an MRI is risky for people with tinnitus. I had one at the hospital and they provide regulation ear muffs, as well. Nevertheless I stopped the MRI because I felt it was too loud. If you go ahead make sure they provide you with hearing protection. Best of luck.

Was diagnosed w tinnitus 8 years ago; have there been any new developments in treatment? Thank you,

Hello @joyceposthuma and welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect. I found an existing discussion on tinnitus that I wanted to welcome you into, so you will notice I have moved your post here:
- Controlling Tinnitus: What works for you?: https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/tinnitus-control/

Recent members such as @willows @kvetch @windyshores and @lacy2 may be able to share what they know about recent developments in treatments.

What sort of treatments have you tried and/or been recommended?

Are you still getting relief with taurine for your tinnitus? May I ask, was your tinnitus caused by noise exposure or other methods? When I asked my doctor whether he knew of any cure or help for tinnitus he said “no but please let me know if you do.”