What is the efficacy of Tab Tinnicar (Tinnicar) in treating tinnitus?

Tinnicar is Not Recommended for Tinnitus Treatment

There is no evidence supporting the use of Tinnicar (Tab Tinnicar) for treating tinnitus, and it should not be recommended as a treatment option. 1, 2

Evidence-Based Approach to Tinnitus Management

Diagnostic Evaluation

• Obtain a comprehensive audiologic examination for patients with:

  • Unilateral tinnitus
  • Persistent tinnitus (≥6 months)
  • Tinnitus associated with hearing difficulties 2

• Imaging studies should only be ordered for specific presentations:

  • Unilateral tinnitus
  • Pulsatile tinnitus
  • Focal neurological abnormalities
  • Asymmetric hearing loss 1, 2

Recommended Treatment Options

1. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

   • Has the strongest evidence base among all tinnitus interventions
   • Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) appears particularly effective 2

2. Sound Therapy

   • Provides relief from tinnitus-associated stress
   • Offers passive distraction from tinnitus perception 2

3. Hearing Aids

   • Recommended for patients with hearing loss and persistent tinnitus
   • Improve auditory input and reduce contrast between tinnitus and background sound 2

4. Education and Counseling

   • Essential component of management
   • Helps patients understand tinnitus mechanisms and coping strategies 2

Treatments to Avoid

The American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery explicitly recommends against:

• Dietary supplements including:

  • Ginkgo biloba
  • Melatonin
  • Zinc 1, 2

• Medications including:

  • Antidepressants (except for patients with severe depression)
  • Anticonvulsants
  • Anxiolytics (except in acute phase)
  • Intratympanic medications (except in acute phase) 1, 2, 3

• Other interventions:

  • Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) 1
  • Acupuncture (insufficient evidence) 1

Current State of Tinnitus Treatment

Despite the wide variety of treatments marketed for tinnitus, most lack scientific validation. Currently, there is no causal, tinnitus-eliminating therapy available 4. This is likely because tinnitus generation involves multiple mechanisms including both peripheral and central/cortical reactions 4, 5.

The most effective approaches focus on helping patients cope with tinnitus rather than attempting to eliminate it completely. These include habituation therapies and psychotherapeutic interventions, especially when combined with measures to improve auditory perception 4.

Clinical Implications

When patients inquire about Tinnicar for tinnitus:

1. Explain that it lacks scientific evidence for efficacy
2. Discuss evidence-based alternatives like CBT, sound therapy, and hearing aids if appropriate
3. Emphasize the importance of proper audiological evaluation to identify any underlying treatable causes
4. Consider referral to specialists in tinnitus management if symptoms are severe or bothersome

Remember that approximately 20% of tinnitus sufferers require clinical intervention, while the majority eventually adapt to the phantom sound 5. For those with bothersome tinnitus, focusing on evidence-based approaches rather than unproven remedies like Tinnicar will yield better outcomes for morbidity, mortality, and quality of life.