Spoon Trick for Tinnitus: Does it Actually Reduce Ear Ringing?

Tinnitus affects millions of people worldwide, creating a persistent ringing, buzzing, humming, or hissing sound that can interfere with concentration, sleep, and daily life.

Because tinnitus can be difficult to manage and rarely has a quick fix, social media is filled with “instant relief” hacks and home remedies.

Spoon Trick for Tinnitus | Step-by-Step and Scientific Insight

One such trending method is the spoon trick for tinnitus, a simple tapping technique involving two metal spoons. Many claim it provides fast relief, while others dismiss it as just another internet fad.

This in-depth guide examines the spoon trick, why it became popular, what science says about it, its safety, and which tinnitus relief methods actually work.

What Is the Spoon Trick for Tinnitus?

The spoon trick is a DIY technique where a person taps two metal spoons against the back of their skull, typically around the occipital bone (the curved bone at the base of the head).

A typical demonstration includes:

1. Holding two teaspoons or tablespoons with the rounded sides facing out.

2. Positioning the hands behind the head.

3. Gently tapping the spoons rhythmically for 10 to 20 seconds.

4. Pausing to check whether the tinnitus feels quieter.

Some people tap behind the ears, along the mastoid bone, or near the jaw. Supporters claim the method “resets” the auditory system or temporarily interrupts the ringing.

But does it?

Why the Spoon Trick Feels Like It Helps

The spoon trick does not cure tinnitus. However, it can create brief changes in sound perception. Here are the reasons why some people believe it helps:

1. Auditory Masking

The tapping sound of the spoons provides an external noise that competes with the internal ringing. When the tapping stops, the brain temporarily perceives the tinnitus as quieter.

2. Sensory Disruption

Tapping stimulates nerves, muscles, and fascia around the skull. This input can disrupt the brain’s focus on tinnitus for a short time.

3. Attention Shifting

Tinnitus tends to feel louder when you focus on it. The spoon trick forces the brain to pay attention to another sensation, momentarily reducing awareness of the ringing.

4. Placebo Response

Expectation plays a powerful role. Believing a method might help can reduce the subjective distress associated with tinnitus.

These effects can create a sense of relief, but only temporarily.

Does the Spoon Trick Actually Work?

In terms of long-term tinnitus treatment, the answer is no.

The spoon trick may create a momentary reduction in perceived loudness, but it does not treat:

• Inner ear damage

• Hearing loss

• Neural hyperactivity

• TMJ disorders

• Eustachian tube dysfunction

• Circulatory factors

• Stress-related tinnitus

• Sinus pressure or inflammation

It is a distraction method, not a therapeutic solution.

However, because tinnitus is strongly influenced by the brain’s attention and emotional response, even temporary relief can feel meaningful during stressful moments.

Is the Spoon Trick Safe?

Generally, the spoon trick is safe if performed gently. But certain people should avoid it.

Safe if:

• Tapping is light and controlled

• You avoid the temples

• You stop if you feel discomfort

• You do not have active ear infections

Avoid if you have:

• TMJ pain or jaw inflammation

• Recent neck injury

• Concussion or head trauma

• Severe migraines

• Vertigo or dizziness

• Ear injury or eardrum perforation

Metal spoons are harder than fingertips, which increases the risk of discomfort if tapped aggressively.

Understanding Tinnitus: Why No Quick Trick Is a Cure

Tinnitus is not a condition itself; it is a symptom of an underlying issue.
Possible causes include:

• Age-related hearing decline

• Noise exposure

• Stress and anxiety

• Wax buildup

• TMJ dysfunction

• Neck and jaw muscle tension

• Medication side effects

• Poor circulation

• Sinus congestion

Because tinnitus can arise from multiple sources, no single “hack” can universally fix it. Effective relief requires identifying the actual cause.

Should You Try the Spoon Trick?

You can try it, as long as you understand its limitations.

It may help when:

• You need a quick distraction

• Tinnitus is stress-triggered

• You want a temporary calming effect

• Your tinnitus worsens in silence

It will not help when:

• You have chronic, persistent tinnitus

• You expect a permanent solution

• Your tinnitus stems from structural or nerve-related issues

Think of the spoon trick as a short-term sensory distraction rather than a reliable treatment.

What Actually Helps Tinnitus? Evidence-Based Approaches

While the spoon trick delivers only brief relief, the following methods are supported by research and audiology experts.

1. Sound Therapy

Sound therapy helps the brain reduce its focus on tinnitus. Effective options include:

• White noise

• Pink noise

• Ocean or rain sounds

• Specialized tinnitus apps

• Hearing aids with masking features

By reducing contrast between silence and internal noise, tinnitus becomes less intrusive.

2. Stress and Anxiety Management

Stress amplifies tinnitus. Evidence shows that reducing stress can significantly reduce tinnitus intensity.

Helpful practices include:

• Mindfulness

• Breathing exercises

• Meditation

• Yoga

• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy

CBT is particularly effective in reducing tinnitus-related distress.

3. TMJ and Neck Treatment

Somatic tinnitus, caused by tension or misalignment in the jaw or neck, is extremely common.
Treatment options include:

• Physical therapy

• Jaw relaxation exercises

• Posture correction

• Massage therapy

• TMJ evaluation

For many, addressing muscle tension leads to noticeable improvements.

4. Managing Ear and Sinus Conditions

Tinnitus caused by pressure or congestion improves when those issues are treated.

Helpful steps:

• Steam inhalation

• Hydration

• Nasal rinsing

• Allergy treatment

• Decongestants when appropriate

5. Hearing Aids

When tinnitus is linked with hearing loss, hearing aids often reduce or mask the phantom sounds by restoring external sound frequencies.

6. Medical Evaluation

An audiologist or ENT can determine the root cause of tinnitus.
They can diagnose:

• Earwax blockage

• Middle ear issues

• Eustachian tube dysfunction

• Structural abnormalities

• Rare neurological problems

Professional diagnosis often leads to targeted relief.

Safer Alternatives to the Spoon Trick

If you prefer physical techniques, these methods offer similar distraction benefits without the impact of metal spoons.

1. Finger Tapping Behind the Head

A gentler method often called the “drumming technique.”

2. Neck and Jaw Release Exercises

Loosening tight muscles can provide more meaningful relief than tapping.

3. Controlled Breathing or Mindful Listening

Shifts attention away from tinnitus and helps calm the nervous system.

4. Warm Compress on the Neck or Jaw

Reduces muscle tension that can worsen tinnitus.

Final Thoughts: Is the Spoon Trick Worth Trying?

The spoon trick for tinnitus is a viral method that may offer brief, distraction-based relief for some people. It is simple, safe when done gently, and can momentarily reduce awareness of ringing by shifting your brain’s focus.

However, it is not a treatment, and it cannot resolve the underlying causes of tinnitus.
For real improvement, evidence-based strategies such as sound therapy, stress reduction, muscle tension treatment, and professional diagnosis provide more reliable and lasting results.

Tinnitus can be managed effectively with the right holistic approach. The key is understanding your triggers, addressing root causes, and using tools backed by science—not relying solely on short-lived hacks.