Does tinnitus have a cure? Does tinnitus mean you’ll go deaf? Is it always a sign of hearing problems? Can Ginkgo biloba help treat it? Find the answers to these and other common questions and learn what’s true and what’s myth when it comes to tinnitus.
Tinnitus is a common but often misunderstood symptom. Because it’s highly subjective, it frequently leads to speculation—and, as a result, misinformation.
In this article, I aim to clarify some of the most common questions searched online and provide guidance for those who experience tinnitus or know someone who does.
So let’s dive into what’s true and what’s false about tinnitus. Check it out!
1. Tinnitus is a disease
Myth. Although tinnitus is often perceived as a disease, it is actually a symptom that may be associated with a wide range of underlying issues.
It can result from earwax buildup, infections, hearing loss, metabolic disorders, injuries, and many other causes.
2. Tinnitus has no cure
It depends. The potential for curing tinnitus depends entirely on the underlying cause—the condition or dysfunction that triggered the symptom.
In some cases, such as impacted earwax, medication side effects, or muscular changes, treating the root cause can lead to complete resolution of tinnitus.
In chronic cases—often related to hearing loss, infections, or prolonged noise exposure—there are many strategies and tools to reduce tinnitus and its impact on daily life.
Hearing aids and sound therapy are commonly used, as well as therapeutic approaches like cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and relaxation techniques. These can help manage tinnitus perception, reduce anxiety, and improve overall quality of life.
3. Anyone with tinnitus has hearing loss
It depends. Hearing loss is frequently associated with tinnitus, but not everyone with tinnitus has hearing loss—nor does every type of hearing loss cause tinnitus.
While age-related hearing loss or prolonged noise exposure are major causes, many other medical conditions can trigger tinnitus, such as earwax buildup, blood sugar metabolism issues, and musculoskeletal conditions like temporomandibular joint dysfunction (TMJ disorder).
4. There is no medication for tinnitus
Fact. There are currently no medications specifically approved to treat tinnitus alone.
However, depending on its cause, certain medications may be used alongside other therapeutic measures to support treatment.
5. Ginkgo biloba treats tinnitus
It depends. Ginkgo biloba is often mentioned as a potential treatment for tinnitus, but scientific evidence supporting its effectiveness is limited and inconsistent.
Some studies show modest benefits, while others show no significant improvement—although some patients report relief.
Even though it’s a natural supplement, its use should be supervised by a physician, as it can cause side effects such as headaches, gastrointestinal problems, and allergic reactions, and it may interact with medications like blood thinners and blood pressure drugs.
6. Tinnitus is a sound illusion, which is why only the patient hears it
Myth. Many people think tinnitus is an “auditory illusion,” as if it were imaginary or created by the patient’s mind, simply because there is no external sound source (except in cases of objective tinnitus).
However, tinnitus is not an illusion. It is a real auditory perception, just like any other sound. It may resemble ringing, buzzing, hissing, or even heartbeat-like pulsing.
7. Tinnitus can be caused by dental problems
Fact. Dental issues—especially those related to temporomandibular joint dysfunction, whether involving the joint or the muscles—have been identified as a possible cause of tinnitus in many patients.
The TMJ connects the jaw to the skull and is responsible for essential movements like chewing and speaking. When this joint is affected by misalignment, wear, inflammation, or conditions like bruxism (teeth grinding or clenching), symptoms may include jaw pain, clicking sounds, and, in some cases, tinnitus.
The connection between TMJ issues and tinnitus involves factors such as anatomical proximity to auditory structures, shared nerve pathways through the trigeminal nerve, and overlapping muscular pathways connected to auditory processing.
8. The specialist who treats tinnitus is the ENT doctor
Fact. An otolaryngologist (ENT specialist) is the most qualified professional to diagnose and treat tinnitus.
For a more in-depth evaluation, the recommendation is to see a neurotologist—a subspecialized ENT focused on disorders causing dizziness and tinnitus.
It’s important to note that tinnitus treatment often requires a multidisciplinary approach, especially when emotional, neurological, or muscular factors are involved.