Will My Tinnitus Go Away?

There is currently no scientifically validated cure for most types of tinnitus. If clinicians can find an underlying cause, such as high blood pressure or  temporomandibular joint dysfunction, they may be able to treat that problem – which, in turn, may reduce or eliminate the tinnitus. There are, however, treatment options that can ease the perceived burden of tinnitus, allowing patients to live more comfortable, productive lives. The ATA is leading the charge in the ongoing search for definitive cures for tinnitus and better treatments.

The word “tinnitus” is of Latin origin, meaning "to ring or tinkle." Tinnitus has two different pronunciations, both of which are correct and interchangeable:

• ti-NIGHT-us :: typically used by patients and laypeople
• TINN-a-tus :: typically used by clinicians and researchers

How Sound Works

It is important to understand how sound works. Here we share with you a video from the National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders (NIDCD) that demonstrates how sound makes its journey from an external source, traveling through the ear to the brain, where it is perceived and understood.

Note: Please make sure your volume on your computer is turned down to a comfortable volume before playing.

Footnotes

1. NIDCD data on tinnitus prevalence was obtained from (1) the 2008 National Health Interview Survey (NHIS); (2) the estimated number of American adults reporting tinnitus was calculated by multiplying the prevalence of tinnitus by the 2013 U.S. Census population estimate for the number of adults (18 years and older).