Tinnitus: Myth that there are no therapeutic options

The tints are presented as sound signals in the absence of a corresponding sound stimulus from the environment. Most patients describe them as buzzing, cicadas, ringing, whistling or pulse. According to data derived from post-analysis published in JAMA Neurology (2022), 14.4% of adults have experienced tinnitus at some point in their lives, with the frequency being gender independent, but yet this is affected over age. “It is important to determine their occurrence time, frequency and intensity, as well as whether other symptoms, such as headache or other forms of chronic pain, depression and insomnia, coexist with them. As regards the treatment of tinnitus, myths of lack of therapeutic options have now been destroyed, as well as the recommendation to patients for acceptance of the situation,” notes Mr. Haris Calentakis Doctor ARL Msc from Sismanoglio Hospital and adds: “In fact, a study from the University of Regensburg (2023) presented evidence based data on the wide range of therapeutic options now available against tinnitus. For example, medicinal products such as antidepressants, benzodiazepines, muscle relaxants, and others, such as ready combinations of plant ingredients and trace elements (ginkgo biloba, magnesium, vitamin B12, zinc and melatonin), appear to give encouraging results to reduce embryos and improve the quality of life without adverse effects. Such a plant preparation designed specifically to improve the quality of life of patients with tinnitus, was recently released in Greece. It contains 5 natural ingredients with strong neuro-protective action, which can relieve the symptoms caused by tinnitus and additionally due to melatonin helps normalize sleep, contributing to overall health and well-being. In fact, the recent Panhellenic Conference of Otology in Thessaloniki announced the first Greek study by the ORL clinic of Sismanoglio. Patients with tinnitus and headaches were enrolled in this prospective study. For the treatment of tinnitus, this preparation (Ginkgo biloba, zinc, magnesium, Melatonine & B12) was administered, and changes in THI and HIT-6 questionnaires have been evaluated since and at the end of treatment. The results are of particular interest since first they concern two independent entities which have not been studied extensively together and secondly show the improvement in quality of life by the administration of the aforementioned preparation. In addition, a positive effect on the treatment of tinnitus also has non-pharmaceutical treatments such as hearing aids or sound-covering devices, re-education therapy for tinnitus, transcranial magnetic stimulation with repeated low frequencies, electric stimulation of the auditory cortex, individual or group cognitive behavioral therapy and a multitude of other options aimed at improving the level of life. In conclusion, tinnitus are pathologically a complex clinical entity, which although poorly studied, does not lack adequate therapeutic strategies. Therefore, the discouragement of patients for treatment or the encouragement for acceptance and habit of their problem is inconsistent with the modern therapeutic notions in which the treating physician must play a supportive and positive role for a personified treatment. Especially in situations such as tinnitus that mainly affect the quality of life without affecting any vital function, it is beneficial to encourage the search for a suitable relief solution,” concludes Mr.