Therapy
The treatment of tinnitus includes various approaches, some of which aim to cure the condition, others are simply intended to improve the quality of life and symptoms. To prevent a chronic course, it is important to start the therapy as early as possible. This is the best way to ensure the chances of a cure.
In the acute situation, tinnitus is usually treated with blood circulation-enhancing measures, corticoids and an ionotropic therapy (influencing the ion channels in the inner ear). However, the benefits of these procedures are controversial. In the case of an objective ear noise, the therapy is initially based on the underlying disease.
This can be, for example, the removal of a tumor or the neuroradiological, microsurgical or radiotherapeutic ablation of the body’s own sound source. In the case of a subjective ringing in the ears, the therapy includes both causal and supportive measures. This is only possible if the cause of the ear noise is known, then therapies can be initiated to eliminate the underlying cause.
These include antihypertensive therapy for high blood pressure, surgical procedures for middle ear damage or physiotherapy for cervical spine syndrome.The supportive therapy measures are used when the cause of the ear noise is not known exactly or the cause cannot be treated causally. Components of the supportive therapy are Tinnituscounselling, where coping strategies are discussed, relaxation procedures and hearing therapeutic measures. In addition, a habituation therapy can be carried out, in which the affected persons are to be desensitized for the disturbing ear noise.
A recommendation for the medicamentous therapy, e.g. with Ginkgo Biloba or glutamate antagonists, cannot be expressed after the present conditions of the research. Overall, recommendations are made for only a few of the therapeutic measures that are frequently used. At present, the evidence-based therapy of chronic tinnitus consists of tinnitus counselling followed by cognitive behavioural therapy, in which the patients are supposed to learn how to better deal with the ringing in the ears.
It is also recommended to treat concomitant diseases, such as depression. Other therapeutic approaches whose benefits have not been confirmed include acupuncture and music therapy.
- Causal therapy
- Supportive therapy
Tebonin® is the trade name for a preparation with the active ingredient Ginkgo-Biloba-EGb 761, a dry extract from the leaves of the ginkgo.
It is approved in Germany for the symptomatic treatment of memory disorders, ringing in the ears, dizziness, circulatory disorders, concentration disorders, dementia and headaches. Tebonin® acts via two main mechanisms, one of which is mainly effective in the acute phase of tinnitus, the other in the chronic phase. In the acute phase, the blood circulation of the inner ear is promoted, which can reduce tinnitus.
In the chronic phase, the ginkgo extract counteracts the tinnitus mainly through its neuroprotective factors. It is said to promote the networking of nerve cells and signal processing in the brain. This may be due to the fact that active ingredients of the ginkgo have an effect on gene expression and signal transduction.
This should improve the perception of ear noises in the chronic stage and make it easier to get used to the noise. The manufacturer recommends a daily intake of 120 mg special ginkgo extract EGb 761® for at least 12 weeks. However, it should be noted that a large number of patients report side effects such as dizziness, nosebleeds and an increase in ringing in the ears.
The intake should therefore be discussed with a doctor. The current medical guidelines do not recommend taking it.
- Acute phase
- Chronic phase
