Manage tinnitus with drugs, therapy

What causes tinnitus, and is there anything that can be done to get rid of it?

Tinnitus — the sensation of hearing a sound when no external sound is present — often is described as a ringing, buzzing, roaring, clicking, humming, pulsing, or hissing sound, or any combination of these sounds. You may hear it in one or both ears. The sound may be present all the time or off and on.

If you have tinnitus that doesn’t go away, a hearing evaluation is recommended. In most cases, tinnitus can be managed fully. But for some it’s a chronic condition that can affect sleep and everyday function. Fortunately, there are options to reduce its effects.

The cause of tinnitus is unknown. One idea is that tinnitus results from damage to the cells of the inner ear. This stems from the fact that about 90 percent of people with tinnitus have some hearing loss caused by noise.

Although there’s no known cure for most cases of tinnitus, many people can manage it. For most, the goal is to lessen their awareness of tinnitus.

Although there is no approved drug to cure tinni- tus, in some cases, medications, such as certain antidepressants, may reduce the severity of symptoms. Ongoing, research-focused tinnitus suppression and management solutions are underway.

A licensed therapist can help you develop coping techniques. Support groups also are available in person and online. Exercise and re- laxation therapy also may help, as stress can worsen tinnitus.