50 million!

Otolaryngologist Jay Piccirillo, M.D., of Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, says at least 50 million Americans have tinnitus. "There is no drug that we can give them. There is no surgery that we can do or device that we can put in the ear to cure the tinnitus."
But there is help for people with sleep problems as a result of their tinnitus. A new study shows melatonin lessens the ringing and significantly improves sleep.
"I would definitely think that patients with tinnitus who are having problems sleeping should consider melatonin," Dr. Piccirillo said.
Another small study shows injecting Botox around the ear might also help. Dr. Piccirillo is also studying a procedure called transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) -- where a magnetic device stimulates certain areas in the brain. Early studies are promising.
LaJeunesse was in a study on melatonin to help the ringing and her sleep. "I had more energy in the mornings," she said. "I woke up more refreshed than I had been, and that was wonderful."
Dr. Piccirillo says other sufferers could easily get the same benefit, since melatonin is available over the counter. Though all three methods are showing success in helping lessen the ringing, he says there is still no cure for tinnitus. He says seeking help from a professional hearing expert is the best first step to take. Other medications, like anti-anxiety drugs, are also used for tinnitus with some success.