Tinnitus can, in fact, interfere with work, sleep, and normal communication with others. Causes Like a toothache, tinnitus isn't a disease in itself, but a symptom of another problem. And sometimes tinnitus is simply due to advancing age. It often accompanies loss of hearing. Often, tinnitus is temporary and will not lead to deafness.
Treatment is aimed at finding and treating the problem that causes the tinnitus.
Biofeedback or other relaxation techniques can help you calm down and concentrate, shifting your attention away from the tinnitus. Relaxation can reduce stress, which can aggravate tinnitus. Exercise regularly to promote good blood circulation. Ask your doctor or a certified audiologist about a recently developed tinnitus masker, which looks like a hearing aid. Worn on the ear, it makes a subtle noise that masks the tinnitus without interfering with hearing and speech.