Tinnitus: an honest, step-by-step guide in a world of promises

Tinnitus: an honest, step-by-step guide in a world of promises

It often starts with a ringing, hissing, or buzzing sound.

Tinnitus. A sound that does not come from outside you, but from within — and precisely because of that, it can feel so frightening.

Recently, I have been asked, many times and on numerous occasions, the same question:

“Could you calmly explain how to truly deal with tinnitus in a sensible way? What really helps — and what doesn’t?”

That question is understandable and significant. Because those who have tinnitus often search desperately for something to hold on to.

And that is exactly where the risk lies: this huge demand explains why some providers become so successful. Not because they genuinely help — but because they dare to make big promises.

That’s why this blog exists. Not as a miracle cure, but as an honest, down-to-earth guide. A step-by-step approach that is truly based on care, science, and sincere curiosity.

And written with humility: we don’t know everything either. But what we do know, we gladly share. Because good tinnitus care doesn’t start with claiming, but with listening — to the sound and, above all, to each other.

Step 1: Start with good diagnostics

Always begin with your general practitioner or ENT specialist. Investigate if there is an identifiable cause:

• Hearing loss,

• Middle ear problems,

• Earwax blockage,

• Other medical causes.

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But often, the hearing aid specialist is one of the very first contact points — and that contact is more important than many people realize.

A hearing aid specialist can not only check for hearing loss, but also explain what tinnitus is, how it can arise, and why it sometimes stands out more in silence.

Especially in this very early stage — when panic literally flies around — a calm, honest explanation from the hearing aid specialist can already take away much fear.

Important to know: a hearing aid can improve hearing and sometimes ease tinnitus, but it is usually not the solution for tinnitus itself. Still, it can be a crucial first step if hearing loss plays a role.

Step 2: Understand the paradox

The big problem with tinnitus: the harder you try to get rid of the sound, the more it comes to the forefront.

On social media, you’ll find thousands of tips on how to ‘control’ tinnitus. But it is precisely that search for control that keeps it going.

Sometimes it is even normal to hear tinnitus - for example, after loud noise, when tired, or in silence. Knowing this already takes away part of the threat.

Step 3: Knowledge and insight into complexity

The second pillar is knowledge. But this is often where things go wrong. There is so much information: personal experiences, half-truths, commercial promises.

What helps one person can have the opposite effect on another. That’s why explanations by a professional are so important.

Sometimes therapies or devices are presented as scientifically proven, while they (still) are not. Just that promise alone can mislead you.

Good tinnitus care does not mean: “we know it all,” but rather: “let’s understand together how it works and find what suits you.”

Step 4: Balance in life — the glass

The third, and often strongest factor: how full or empty is your glass?

Tinnitus rarely concerns only the ear. It affects sleep, emotions, work, relationships. Fear and avoidance can make your life smaller and smaller.

That is why we use the fear-avoidance model: the more you see tinnitus as a danger, the harder you try to avoid it — and the bigger it becomes in your brain. Learning to look, feel, and act differently is difficult, but possible.

Step 5: Tools like exposure, mindfulness, EMDR, and cognitive behavioral therapy

There is no single key, but a toolbox:

• Exposure: learning that the sound can be there without controlling your life.

• Mindfulness: staying present in the moment despite the sound.

• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): examining and letting go of thoughts that amplify tinnitus.

• EMDR: sometimes helpful for trauma or intense emotions related to the onset of tinnitus.

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Success does not lie in the method itself, but in how it fits you - guided by a professional who understands how complex tinnitus is.

Michelangelo’s metaphor: tinnitus care as art

See every person as a block of marble.

The treatment is not about ‘making’ something new, but revealing what was always inside. Removing what stands in the way. Just as Michelangelo said he only removed the excess marble to make the sculpture visible.

So, success does not lie in the tools themselves, but in how they are used.

Like an artist: it’s not the hammer or chisel that create the artwork, but the hand that knows where and how to apply them.

It’s the same with tinnitus care: it’s not about the method itself, but how the professional and you together discover which approach fits your unique situation.

There is no fixed mold. No universal answer. Every person is unique, and so every treatment becomes a unique work of art.

True professionals dare to say: “I don’t know exactly how this will work for you, but I want to explore together what helps.”

Step 6: Thinking and the brain

Our mind is powerful. It wants to protect, solve, control. But with tinnitus, that thinking can actually strengthen the vicious circle.

That’s why we work with Acceptance & Commitment Therapy (ACT): learning to make space for thoughts and emotions without letting them take over. Continuing to do what matters to you — even with the sound.

In conclusion

There is no quick, universal solution for tinnitus.

But there is hope - through a sober, professional, multidisciplinary path.

And in that, openness remains crucial: the best specialists don’t claim to know everything, but keep learning and discovering with you.

Respect and seek those professionals. Not the providers who shout: “I know it all.”

Because real help doesn’t start with a promise or product, but with listening, asking questions, and moving forward step by step - together.