Tinnitus

AURORA, ILL — Tinnitus affects millions of patients worldwide. Simultaneously, it remains one of the most challenging auditory conditions to manage. On the occasion of the annual Tinnitus Awareness Week, AudioNova emphasizes patient-centered, holistic care: tinnitus is not regarded as an independent disease, but as a symptom with variable individual manifestations. The current evidence supports a multimodal treatment pathway that includes education, individualized assessment, hearing aids, and advanced management approaches, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT).

Numerous studies show that tinnitus is widespread and often co-occurs with hearing loss. It is estimated that about 10-15% of the population experiences tinnitus, with the majority not finding it bothersome.1 Around 20% of those affected require medical support, and about 2% experience such strong impacts that daily life is significantly impacted. Latest evidence also indicates that four in five people with tinnitus may have concurrent hearing loss.2

From assessment to therapy: Reducing tinnitus distress

There is currently no cure for tinnitus. But there are many ways to support people with bothersome tinnitus.The aim is to reduce distress and burden. A standardized tinnitus assessment to characterize the individual burden, based on validated questionnaires, provides the foundation for individualized counseling and further management strategies. 2

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The current best-validated treatment is cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), which aims to alter tinnitus-related maladaptive behavior and negative associations to lessen the impact of tinnitus.3  Getting access to psychological care like CBT is still a challenge4   for tinnitus patients, but more and more validated digital tools are available that provide internet-based CBT.

Hearing aids and multimodal care: Better outcomes for tinnitus patients

There is growing evidence that amplification through hearing aids can further help tinnitus patients with hearing loss: they improve speech understanding, enhance hearing-related quality of life, and can reduce tinnitus perception.5   Most modern hearing aids have integrated tinnitus masking features that can provide additional support for tinnitus patients.

Dr. Maren Stropahl, Senior Director of Holistic Hearing Care at Sonova, emphasizes: “There is growing evidence that the combination of treatments is more effective than single treatments which suggests that multimodal, patient-centered approaches can provide the best relief.”2

Physicians and ENT specialists interested in clinical resources, collaborative programs, or educational opportunities can find further information in the physician resources section at Audionova.com.

References

  1. Jarach CM, Lugo A, Scala M, et al. Global prevalence and incidence of tinnitus: a systematic review and meta-analysis. JAMA Neurol. 2022;79(9):888-900. Available at: https://doi.org/10.1001/jamaneurol.2022.2189
  2. Cima RF, Mazurek B, Haider H, Kikidis D, Lapira A, Noreña A, Hoare DJ. A multidisciplinary European guideline for tinnitus: diagnostics, assessment, and treatment. HNO. 2019;67(1):10-42. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00106-019-0633-7
  3. Langguth B, Kleinjung T, Schlee W, Vanneste S, De Ridder D. Tinnitus guidelines and their evidence base. J Clin Med. 2023;12(9), Article 3087. Available at: https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm12093087
  4. Subotic-Kerry M, Borchard T, Parker B, et al. While they wait: a cross-sectional survey on wait times for mental health treatment for anxiety and depression for adolescents in Australia. BMJ Open. 2025;15:e087342. https ://doi.org/10.1136/bmjopen-2024-087342
  5. Jacquemin L, Gilles A, Shekhawat GS. Hearing more to hear less: a scoping review of hearing aids for tinnitus relief. International J Audiol. 2022;61(11):887–895. Available at: https://doi.org/10.1080/14992027.2021.2007423
  6. Schoisswohl S, Basso L, Simoes J, et al. Single versus combination treatment in tinnitus: an international, multicentre, parallel-arm, superiority, randomized controlled trial. Nature Commun. 2025;16, 10510 (2025). Available at: https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-025-66165-1

Source: AudioNova

  • HearingTracker Staff