RNID: For deaf and hard of hearing people.

This factsheet is part of RNID’s tinnitus range. It is written for people who have tinnitus, their families, friends and the professionals who work with them.

Tinnitus is a medical term to describe noise(s) that people can hear in one ear, both ears or in the head – such as ringing, buzzing or whistling. The sounds heard can vary from person to person, but the common link is that they do not have an external source.

If you would like this factsheet on audio tape, in Braille or in large print, please contact our Information Line.
 
Read this factsheet to find out:

At the end of this factsheet, we give you details of organisations you can contact for further information.

Medical disclaimer

The information given in this factsheet is not medical advice and by providing it neither RNID nor our tinnitus and medical advisors undertake any responsibility for your medical care, nor accept you as a patient. Before acting on any of the information contained in this factsheet, or deciding on a course of treatment, you should discuss the matter with your GP (family doctor) or other medical professional who is treating you.

Which complementary therapies may help if you have tinnitus?

There is very little conclusive evidence to prove or disprove the usefulness of a particular therapy in relation to tinnitus. However, it is thought that they work by helping you relax – which, in turn, can help with your tinnitus. Different therapies suit different people and what works for one person may not work so well for another. It is very much a case of ‘try it and see’. Try not to pin all your hopes on the success of a complementary therapy. The therapy you choose may not work directly on your tinnitus – but it may help to alleviate the stress and anxiety associated with the condition.

Below is a list of some of the complementary therapies that are more widely available. By providing this list, we are not recommending one therapy over another. These therapies have been chosen to give you an idea of the range of complementary medicines that can be used as part of tinnitus management. They include:

At the end we give you details of the professional body or organisation for the therapies we have listed.

Why do some people choose complementary therapies?

Complementary therapies, also known as ‘alternative therapies’, are now widely accepted and used by many people. Complementary practitioners aim to treat you holistically – that is, to work with you as a whole person. As well as working on the symptoms of your condition, they may ask you about your emotional, physical and mental wellbeing to find out if these are affecting your health.

Tinnitus and stress

Complementary therapies may help you relax and get to sleep more easily. Alleviating sleep problems may reduce any stress you are experiencing. There is a strong link between tinnitus and stress. Muscle tension, anxiety and a range of other emotional responses that can be triggered by stress could make your tinnitus worse. An increase in stress could create a tinnitus-stress cycle, with each one making the other worse. See our factsheets Tinnitus and relaxation and Tinnitus and sleep for more information.

Many practitioners of complementary therapies spend time talking to you about your symptoms (such as tinnitus) and aim to build a good relationship with you. This can have a positive affect in itself, as talking about your tinnitus to a sympathetic listener is often therapeutic. Overall, you may gain a sense of control over your tinnitus.

What should I do before starting complementary therapy?

Before you start on a course of complementary therapy:

  • talk to your GP about the therapy you are thinking of starting. This is particularly important if you are already taking any prescribed medications or undergoing other treatments. Your GP may know if that therapy is available on the NHS
  • make sure you use a qualified practitioner who is registered with the relevant professional body. A good practitioner should be happy to work alongside any treatments arranged  by your GP to help you manage your tinnitus. Relevant professional bodies are listed at the end of this factsheet.

Will I have to pay for complementary therapies?

Complementary therapies are not generally available on the NHS, so you will usually have to pay for treatments yourself. It’s also important to remember that you may need a whole course of treatments, rather than just one appointment.

Some GPs and physiotherapists do offer complementary therapies, such as acupuncture, homeopathy and massage. There are also some specialist NHS homeopathic hospitals in parts of the UK.

Acupuncture

Acupuncture is an ancient Chinese therapy. It uses very fine needles, which are inserted into precise points on your body. The most you will feel is a sensation as the needle goes into your skin.

Acupuncturists believe that the body has a life or energy force – qi – which flows through your body in channels, called meridians. Each meridian is associated with a particular organ. The chronic over- or under-activity of any of these meridians is thought to cause a particular organ to work less effectively, resulting in illness or certain symptoms. Acupuncture works by stimulating your body’s own healing responses and through the release of endorphins (our body’s natural pain killer) which can relax you and help to bring your body back into a state of balance.

Aromatherapy

An aromatherapist uses a range of essential plant oils to help relax you, restore your emotional wellbeing, increase energy levels and reduce your stress. The oils are diluted – they can irritate your skin in their natural form – and are normally massaged into your skin. You can also use them in baths or inhale them.

You should get professional advice before using any essential oils, especially if you are pregnant or have any other medical condition, such as asthma or skin allergies.

Chiropractic

A chiropractor diagnoses and treats conditions linked to problems of the spine, which can lead to irritation of the nerves that control your posture and movement. Chiropractors use their hands to adjust and manipulate stiff joints and tight muscles, especially those of the spine. This helps realign the spine and other joints, and helps to restore nerve function, reduce pain, improve mobility and promote health and feelings of wellbeing.

Chiropractic may be used to treat arthritic and rheumatic conditions, whiplash or sports injuries, and their effects on the nervous system.

Herbal medicine

Herbal medicine or herbalism involves using plants to prevent and treat illness. The herbalist aims to treat both the symptoms and the underlying cause of your condition. They prescribe herbs in different forms including tablets, powders and ointments. You can choose between Chinese or Western herbalism.

Ginko Biloba

You may have read about the herb ginkgo biloba and its effects on tinnitus. Although there is anecdotal evidence that ginkgo biloba can help some people with tinnitus, clinical trials have been inconclusive.

Homeopathy

Homeopathy aims to help the body heal itself. It is based on the principle that symptoms are the body’s defences in action and need to be encouraged to develop and not be suppressed. When deciding on a treatment for you, the homeopath aims to find a remedy, which in high doses would produce symptoms similar to those of your condition. You then take this remedy in a very diluted form.

Hypnosis and hypnotherapy

Hypnosis is a state of intense relaxation and concentration. When you are hypnotised, you are not asleep or unconscious. It is thought that your mind becomes remote and detached from daily cares and concerns, and that the subconscious part of your mind responds creatively to any suggestions.

Hypnotherapy uses hypnosis as a treatment. It can help you focus on things you wish to change and on the best ways to do it. There are two main types:

  • Suggestion therapy is generally used to treat simple problems, such as smoking and nail-biting. You will probably need one or two sessions of treatment.
  • Analytical therapy is based on the principle that every effect or symptom must have a cause. It is usually a long-term treatment, where the hypnotherapist builds a relationship with you and helps you look at and get rid of the ‘subconscious’ cause of your condition. By doing this, they hope to reduce the severity of your symptoms.

Osteopathy

An osteopath manipulates, stretches and massages the affected parts of your body with their hands to correct any imbalances. Osteopathy is used to treat back and joint pain, rheumatic conditions and sports injuries.

Cranial osteopathy

Cranial osteopathy is a type of osteopathic treatment that aims to release stress and tension throughout your body. Stress and tension disrupt the body’s cranial rhythm. This is a very subtle rhythm that is present in all body tissues. Practitioners compare your rhythm with what they think is ideal. This helps them find the stresses and strains in your body. The cranial osteopath gently manipulates your skull, spinal column and sacral area (the area in your lower back) to help restore the correct balance.

Craniosacral therapy

Craniosacral therapy is similar to cranial osteopathy. It aims to treat any imbalances in your brain, spinal cord and the fluids that surround them, using gentle touch. Craniosacral therapy helps your fluids and related soft tissue move naturally and so helps your body heal itself.

Reflexology

Reflexology works on the principle that points on your feet represent energy pathways to different parts of your body. Blockages in these energy pathways are thought to lead to illness or imbalance. By working on particular points on your feet, the reflexologist aims to clear these blockages.

Shiatsu

Shiatsu is a traditional Japanese treatment. Shiatsu practitioners believe that a vital energy – ‘ki’ – flows throughout your body in a series of channels called meridians. For many different reasons, the ki can stop flowing freely, which results in illness or symptoms of an illness.

The shiatsu practitioner gently holds and presses on your meridians with their palms, thumbs, fingers, elbows, knees and feet. When necessary, they may use more vigorous stimulation. It is thought that shiatsu works by stimulating your circulation and helping to release toxins and deep-seated tensions in your body.

Whom can I contact about complementary therapies?

British Complementary Medicine Association (BMCA)

Contact the BCMA for general information about different complementary therapies.

BCMA, PO Box 5122, Bournemouth, Dorset BH8 0WG
Telephone: 0845 345 5977
Email: office@bcma.co.uk
BCMA website (external link, opens new browser window)

Institute for Complementary Medicine (ICM)

Contact the ICM if you would like to find a practitioner or therapist listed on the British Register of Complementary Practitioners (BRCP).

ICM, PO Box 194, London SE16 7QZ
Telephone: 020 7237 5165
Fax: 020 7237 5175
Email: info@i-c-m.org.uk
ICM website (external link, opens new browser window)

Acupuncture

The British Acupuncture Council (BAcC)

The BAcC is the UK’s main regulatory body for the practice of acupuncture.

The British Acupuncture Council (BAcC), 63 Jeddo Road, London W12 9HQ
Telephone: 020 8735 0400
Fax: 020 8735 0404
Email: info@acupuncture.org.uk
BAcC website (external link, opens new browser window)

The British Medical Acupuncture Society (BMAS)

BMAS is a UK group of family doctors and hospital specialists who practise acupuncture alongside more conventional techniques. BMAS members are all registered medical practitioners and some are also trained in traditional Chinese medicine

The Administrator, BMAS, BMAS House, 3 Winnington Court, Northwich, Cheshire CW8 1AQ
Telephone: 01606 786782
Fax: 01606 786783 
BMAS website (external link, opens new browser window)

Aromatherapy

Aromatherapy Council (AC)

The AC can put you in touch with practitioners listed on the National Register of Aromatherapists.

Aromatherapy Council (AC), PO Box 6522, Desborough, Kettering NN14 2YX
Telephone: 0870 774 3477
Email: info@aromatherapycouncil.co.uk
AC website (external link, opens new browser window)

Chiropractic

General Chiropractic Council (GCC)

Contact the GCC for details of chiropractors registered with the GCC.

General Chiropractic Council, 44 Wicklow Street , London WC1X 9HL
Telephone: 020 7713 5155
Fax: 020 7713 5844
Emal: enquiries@gcc-uk.org
GCC website (external link, opens new browser window)

The British Chiropractic Association (BCA)

Contact the BCA to find a fully qualified BCA chiropractor in your area.

The British Chiropractic Association (BCA), 59 Castle Street, Reading RG1 7SN
Telephone: 0118 950 5950
Fax: 0118 958 8946 
BCA website (external link, opens new browser window)

Herbal medicine

National Institute of Medical Herbalists (NIMH)

Contact the NIMH for details of your nearest qualified medical herbalist.

National Institute of Medical Herbalists (NIMH), Elm House, 54 Mary Arches Street, Exeter EX4 3BA
Telephone: 01392 426022
Fax: 01392 498963
Email: nimh@ukexeter.freeserve.co.uk
NIMH website (external link, opens new browser window)

Register of Chinese Herbal Medicine (RCHM)

Contact the RCHM for details of registered practitioners.

Register of Chinese Herbal Medicine (RCHM), Office 5, Ferndale Business Centre, 1 Exeter Street, Norwich NR2 4QB
Telephone: 01603 623994
Fax: 01603 667557
Email: herbmed@rchm.co.uk  
RCHM website (external link, opens new browser window)

Homeopathy

British Homeopathic Association (BHA)

The BHA gives contact details of homeopathically qualified medical professionals and NHS homeopathic hospitals. All professionals are members of the faculty of homeopathy and registered with their statutory professional body. 

British Homeopathic Association (BHA), Hahnemann House, 29 Park Street West, Luton LU1 3BE
Telephone: 0870 444 3950
Fax: 0870 444 3960
BHA website (external link, opens new browser window)

Hypnosis and hypnotherapy

General Hypnotherapy Register (GHR)

You can contact the GHR for details of a registered hypnotherapist.

General Hynotherapy Register (GHR), PO Box 204, Lyminton SO41 6WP
Telephone: 01590 683770
Fax: 01590 683770
Email: admin@general-hypnotherapy-register.com
GHR website (external link, opens new browser window)

Osteopathy

General Osteopathic Council (GOsC)

Contact the GOsC to find your nearest registered osteopath.

General Osteopathic Council (GOsC), 176 Tower Bridge Road, London SE1 3LU
Telephone: 020 7357 6655
Fax: 020 7357 0011
Email: info@osteopathy.org.uk
GOsO website (external link, opens new browser window)

Craniosacral Therapy Association

To find a registered qualified practitioner in your area, you can send the association a self-addressed envelope, or contact them via the details below:

Craniosacral Therapy Association, Monomark House, 27 Old Gloucester Street, London WC1N 3XX
Telephone: 07000 784 735
Email: office@craniosacral.co.uk
Craniosacral Therapy Association website (external link, opens new browser window)

The Sutherland Society

To find a qualified cranial osteopath, contact the Sutherland Society.

The Sutherland Society, Church Street Practice, 15a Church Street, Bradford on Avon BA15 1LN
Telephone: 0845 6030680
The Sutherland Society website (external link, opens new browser window)

Reflexology

Association of Reflexologists

The association can put you in touch with a fully qualified reflexologist.

Association of Reflexologists, 5 Fore Street, Taunton TA1 1HX
Telephone: 0870 5673320
Fax: 01823 336646
Email: info@aor.org.uk
Association of Reflexologists website (external link, opens new browser window)

Shiatsu

Shiatsu Society

The society keeps a register of qualified practitioners.

Shiatsu Society (UK), Eastlands Court, St Peters Road, Rugby CV21 3QP
Telephone: 0845 130 4560
Fax: 01788 555052
Shiatsu Society website (external link, opens new browser window)

Where can I buy products that may help?

RNID Products sells a range of equipment for people with hearing loss and tinnitus. Visit the RNID Shop at www.rnid.org.uk/tinnitusproducts (external link) to buy items of equipment online. Alternatively, you can request a copy of the Solutions catalogue by contacting RNID Products directly or by contacting RNID Tinnitus Helpline.

RNID Products, 1 Haddonbrook Business Centre, Orton Southgate, Peterborough PE2 6YX
Telephone: 01733 361199
Textphone: 01733 238020
Fax: 0870 789 8822
Email: solutions@rnid.org.uk 
RNID Shop website (external link, opens new browser window)

Where can I get further information?

British Tinnitus Association (BTA)

The BTA campaigns for better services for people with tinnitus. It supports a network of local tinnitus groups around the country, has a range of publications and produces a quarterly magazine, Quiet.

British Tinnitus Association (BTA), Ground Floor, Unit 5, Acorn Business Park, Woodseats Close, Sheffield S8 0TB
Telephone: 0800 018 0527
Textphone: 0114 258 5694
Fax: 0114 258 2279
Email: info@tinnitus.org.uk
BTA website (external link, opens new browser window)

Hush

Hush is the name of the Hull tinnitus self-help group. They run a helpline and produce information and tapes for people with tinnitus.

Hush, 109 Southella Way, Kirkella, Hull HU10 7LZ
Telephone: 01482 656033
Email: hush@bbhoward.karoo.co.uk  
Hush website (external link, opens new browser window)

Contact a local group

If you feel you need more help with tinnitus directly from other people who also have it, you could contact a local tinnitus support group. They are set up and run by people with the condition or by professionals who work with tinnitus patients. The type of support and help they are able to offer varies between groups. Contact RNID Tinnitus Helpline for details of your nearest group.

Further information about tinnitus

RNID Tinnitus Helpline offers information and advice to people with tinnitus, their families and friends, and the professionals who work with them. You can contact us for further copies of this factsheet and the full range of our products for people with tinnitus. We also sell a book, "Understanding tinnitus – managing the noises in your ears or in your head", and a range of relaxation CDs and cassettes.

RNID Tinnitus Helpline

19-23 Featherstone Street, London EC1Y 8SL
Telephone: 0808 808 6666
Textphone: 0808 808 0007
Fax: 020 7296 8199
SMS: 0780 0000 360 (supported by Lloyds TSB)
Email: tinnitushelpline@rnid.org.uk
Tune out tinnitus website (external link, opens new browser window)
Available Monday-Friday, 9am-5pm