For eight months now I have had extreme tinnitus. I was in perfect health, never a sick day. Run and workout and very fit. I have tried so many doctors with no results. My doctor gave me Xanax to try something. It has saved me. Although there are plenty of warnings of addiction, I came to the conclusion that I cannot live with the ringing . Everyone is different, but. I am unable to "not think about it". I have begged doctors that I would pay them outside my medical plan to find a real cure. There is not one. My life is so different now but learning very slowly to find a way to cope with this. Any new meds that can help would be welcomed

Hi Chris, Yes, I have heard already from a number of tinnitus sufferers that Xanax has saved them. I can say that in my case painkillers (Paracetamol and Aspirin) saved me, as they enabled me to suppress the tinnitus practically at will, and without any severe side effects. I am sure there is way for everyone to get at least some degree of control over the condition. As you said, it is just a case of adapting to the situation. I always recommend to approach the problem on a day to day basis and not to search for the 'final solution' here, as with the latter you would just put yourself under pressure, which only would aggravate the condition. Don't worry, with the right attitude, it is just a matter of time until the tinnitus subsides. Thomas

Great blog! As a new tinnitus sufferer (two months now) I find the information very helpful. Thank you and keep up the good work!

I have had tonal tinnitus for over five years. I am at the end of the rope. I need/want just a little respite. Is there anyone who can state that a particular drug or anything has truely helped to lesson the noise, even for a short period of time. Any help would be very gratefully received. Thank you

Hi Ren, As indicated in my post, tranquilizers can help, but they should really only be a last resort due to their addictive nature. Have you tried whether simple painkillers (Paracetamol or Aspirin) can suppress the tinnitus? For me just one (often even just half a) tablet was enough to tone it down for a couple of hours, and they also improved it in the long-term. Thomas

Hi Thomas Thank you for what you have done for tinnitus improving. I have got tinnitus for about 3 month, due to the headset and coffee. I think my ears have been hurt. I want to try some Aspirin to control the tinnitus. But I just find that Aspirin is a kind of ototoxic drug, which may hurt ear and cause tinnitus, is that true? Sam

Hi Sam, Many drugs are ototoxic if taken in high doses and over long time periods. The occasional intake should normally not be a problem though. Aspirin and Paracetamol tablets helped me a lot in the first few months to control the tinnitus to some extent. This was only in small dosages. Even just half a tablet (250mg) made my tinnitus practically disappear for about 2 hours, which gave me a little bit more sleep at night, and more importantly it gave me the feeling that I am not a helpless victim of the condition, but that I can control it to some extent. My doctor confirmed that using painkillers like aspirin or paracetamol in this way would have far fewer side effects than some other drugs that doctors often prescribe for tinnitus sufferers. It is of course not a permanent solution, but it can help you to get on the way to recovery. If you feel your tinnitus responds to painkillers, I would suggest take 2-3 tablets a day for 2 days. This may already result in a permanent improvement. I can also recommend Vitamin B12. This has helped me in the later stages to keep my tinnitus under control. Best wishes, Thomas