Tinnitus treatment is one of the most frequent consultations in audiology. Each patient experiences it differently: a brief buzz, a constant beep, a sound that appears in silence, or a noise that becomes difficult to ignore.
The good news is that, heading into 2026, we have clear tools, consolidated evidence and well-defined protocols to help each person live with their tinnitus more calmly and with greater control.
What is tinnitus and why is there no universal cure?
Tinnitus is the perception of an internal sound that does not come from any external source. Its pitch, intensity and frequency can vary, and it may appear due to multiple causes: changes in the inner ear, muscle tension, neurological alterations, stress or hearing loss.
There is no single cure because tinnitus is a symptom, not a disease. Even so, we have treatments capable of reducing its impact, supporting habituation and improving the patient’s quality of life.
Evidence-based treatments
TRT (Tinnitus Retraining Therapy)
TRT combines therapeutic sounds with professional counselling. Its goal is to teach the brain to stop reacting to tinnitus as something bothersome or threatening.
It is especially useful for patients with anxiety or strong sound sensitivity.
Sound therapy and maskers
White noise, soft sounds or specific sound generators help reduce the perception of tinnitus, particularly in silence or at night.
It is an accessible and effective resource that can be adjusted to each person.
Hearing aids with masking functions
For patients with hearing loss, hearing aids are often the most effective treatment.
Amplification reduces the contrast of tinnitus, and masking programs provide additional sound that supports habituation.
Cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT)
When tinnitus causes worry, insomnia or stress, CBT helps improve the patient’s relationship with the sound. It does not eliminate tinnitus, but it does reduce its emotional impact—something that transforms the patient’s experience.
Mindfulness and relaxation techniques
Highly useful for people whose tinnitus intensifies with daily tension.
These techniques reduce hyper-alertness, improve rest and accelerate natural habituation.
Neuromodulation
An option for specific cases of chronic tinnitus that do not respond to other therapies. It requires specialised supervision to determine whether the patient profile is suitable.
When treatments work
Tinnitus types that respond better
- Tinnitus associated with hearing loss
- Tensional tinnitus (cervical, jaw, bruxism)
- Tinnitus influenced by stress or anxiety
- Somatosensory tinnitus
The cause makes the difference
Successful treatment depends largely on correctly identifying what is causing the tinnitus.
Examples:
- If there is cervical or jaw tension, physiotherapy is usually key.
- If anxiety reinforces tinnitus, CBT and mindfulness work very well.
- If hearing loss exists, hearing aids tend to make the biggest difference.
A good initial diagnosis is essential to guide each case.
The audiologist’s role
Audiologists do more than assess hearing: they accompany, educate, reassure and guide the patient throughout the process.
The clinical relationship and continuous follow-up are decisive factors for therapeutic success.
Follow-up protocol for tinnitus patients
Initial evaluation: THI, type, frequency
Includes audiometry, tinnitus characterisation and questionnaires such as the THI.
This information helps build a treatment plan tailored to each case.
Reviews every 3 months
Tinnitus evolves—and so does the patient. Regular check-ups allow adjustments to sound therapy, hearing aids and habituation strategies.
Custom fields in Audyum’s anamnesis
With Audyum, you can neatly record essential information such as:
- Type of tinnitus
- Evolution between visits
- Emotional impact
- Changes in intensity
- Detailed clinical observations
This enables precise and professional follow-up.
Appointment plans and automatic reminders
Tinnitus treatment requires consistency. With Audyum, you can schedule quarterly reviews and activate SMS reminders, ensuring continuity without additional administrative burden.
A multidisciplinary approach enhances results.
Frequently asked questions
Can tinnitus disappear on its own?
Yes—especially in cases related to acute processes or temporary stress.
Can anxiety intensify it?
Yes. Anxiety amplifies the perception of the sound and makes it feel more present.
Can I live a normal life with tinnitus?
In most cases, yes.
With appropriate treatment and regular follow-up, tinnitus stops limiting daily life.
When to refer to other specialists
- ENT: when treatable medical causes are suspected
- Psychologist: when emotional impact is high
- Physiotherapist: if there is cervical tension, bruxism or TMJ dysfunction
For more information, you can refer to:
National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders (NIDCD – NIH)
Asociación de Personas con Tinnitus (APT España)
Make your tinnitus patients feel truly supported.
Audyum helps you care for them better.
