New guidelines for the treatment of tinnitus or ringing in the ears

More than 50 million Americans suffer from tinnitus, or ringing in the ears. Experts say it is the most common disability-related services among US military veterans. However, many people remain unsure about what can be done about it.

74-year-old Michael Stern lived with the problem for a decade, since he awoke from an operation with painful noise in his ears. "It looks like your head will explode," he told CBS News.

Now, the largest national group of specialists ear, nose and throat, the American Academy of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, came out with new guidelines for the treatment of disease, based on the latest research.

The group says that many cases are smaller or disappear on their own, but about 20 percent of patients require some form of medical intervention.

This should begin with a "targeted history and physical examination," says Dr.. Sujana Chandresekhar, co-author of the new treatment guidelines. "You need to do a hearing test when appropriate, you need to advise the patient that there are plenty of options for them in ways to manage their problems."

The Academy recommends against routine exams and MRIs to diagnose the condition. He says that patients who also suffer from hearing loss can benefit from hearing evaluation.

The use of drugs such as antidepressants and anticonvulsants is not recommended.

The panel also recommended against dietary supplements such as Ginkgo biloba, melatonin and zinc, or the use of a technique called transcranial magnetic stimulation, which involves using magnetic fields to stimulate nerve cells in the brain.

The guidelines are neutral on the effects of acupuncture for the treatment of tinnitus, or recommending or warning against this popular form of alternative medicine.

Although no cure, doctors say that patients with persistent tinnitus and discomfort can benefit from learning strategies to control their condition and cognitive behavioral therapy to help them cope.

Michael Stern still have problems with the noise in his head, but the therapy has helped him learn to shift your focus to other things.

"It's always bad," he said, "but the most important thing is just ... go out and try to lead as normal a life as possible."