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New tinnitus guidance published

Tuesday 16th December 2014
New guidelines have been published on how to manage tinnitus, which could help the millions of people who suffer with it. Image Credit: Thinkstock/Hemera
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It is estimated that around six million people in the UK suffer with some kind of tinnitus, with around 600,000 having a severe form of the condition. However, with there being no cure and very few effective treatments, many people are unaware of how to deal with the situation, especially when it starts interfering with their sleep pattern or daily life.

The American Academy of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, has published new guidelines on how to treat the condition. Based on the latest research, the body recommends that around a fifth of all patients suffering with tinnitus will need some form of medical intervention, while mild forms can go away by themselves.

Dr Sujana Chandresekhar, a co-author of the new treatment guidelines, said the process of discovering which patients need help should begin with a "targeted history and physical exam". This should involve a hearing test, and advice and support telling them about the choices they have when it comes to managing their problem.

According to the Academy, for the right patients this should be followed up with a number of routine scans and MRIs to diagnose the condition. The guidelines also suggest that some people, who also experience hearing loss, could benefit from having a hearing aid evaluation.

It states that using medications such as antidepressants and anticonvulsants are not a recommended option for patients suffering with tinnitus, but clinicians may want to pursue dietary supplements. The Academy's recommendations cite Ginkgo biloba, melatonin and zinc, as potential treatment options, while a technique called transcranial magnetic stimulation can help patients by using magnetic fields to stimulate nerve cells in the brain.

Although there is no cure, the guidance urges patients with persistent tinnitus to investigate some of the strategies recommended. This can involve learning techniques and strategies to take their mind off the constant ringing or buzzing, which can help them better manage the condition and cope.

Written by James Puckle

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