What is Tinnitus?
Tinnitus is the sensation of hearing noises or ringing in the ears. It is a frequent disorder that affects 15 to 20% of the population. Tinnitus is not a disease in and of itself, but rather a symptom of another.
Tinnitus sounds include ringing, buzzing, roaring, humming, and clicking. The sound experienced might be quiet or loud, high or low pitched. It might be continuous, intermittent, pulsatile, or steady. In certain circumstances, the sound even matches your heartbeat.
Common Causes of Tinnitus
Tinnitus is frequently the outcome of inner ear injury or dysfunction. The following are some of the most common causes:
Noise-induced hearing loss
Loud sounds can harm the inner ear’s hair cells, which assist transfer of sound to the brain. Long-term exposure to loud sounds, such as heavy machinery, landscaping equipment, or loud music, can cause irreversible harm.
Aging
Aging causes many tissues in the ear, including hair cells, to degenerate over time. Tinnitus in older persons is most commonly caused by age-related hearing loss.
Ear and sinus infections
Disorders of the ears, nose, and throat can cause swelling and inflammation, which puts pressure on the auditory nerve. Tinnitus symptoms might be caused by nerve pressure.
Earwax Buildup
Tinnitus can be caused by anything as simple as extra ear wax pushing on the eardrum.
Other reasons
Tinnitus affects around 15-20% of the population, making it the most prevalent hearing-related illness. The number of those impacted grows with age. Tinnitus symptoms affect 25-30% of adults aged 65 to 84.
Natural Remedies for Tinnitus
Sound Therapy
To drown out and cover up tinnitus noises, masking devices can play calming sounds. This may give brief comfort by diverting your attention away from the tinnitus.
White noise devices, hearing aids, fans, music, and bedside sound generators are among the examples. Cognitive behavioral therapy can also teach your brain new ways to process tinnitus noises.
Counseling
Counseling with therapists or attending support groups can aid in the development of coping mechanisms for living with tinnitus. Relaxation exercises may also help to alleviate tinnitus symptoms.
Tinnitus retraining therapy combines sound therapy with psychotherapy to retrain your brain to filter out tinnitus noises and be less disturbed by them.
Herbal Remedies
For millennia, herbal treatments have been utilized to cure a variety of ailments. Several plants have shown potential in alleviating the symptoms of tinnitus.
Ginkgo Biloba
Ginkgo biloba is a popular herbal supplement in both Europe and the United States. It is derived from the maidenhair tree and has been used for thousands of years in traditional Chinese medicine.
Ginkgo biloba has been shown in several trials to be useful in lowering tinnitus symptoms. Ginkgo is said to improve blood circulation to the head and neck. This may give some alleviation by increasing blood flow to the ears.
The average dosage is 40-60 mg of standardized extract three times per day with meals. It may take 4-6 weeks to detect any effects. Those using anticoagulants or antiplatelet drugs should use ginkgo with care since it increases the risk of bleeding.
Garlic
Garlic includes allicin, a chemical that has natural antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. Garlic appears to have potential anti-tinnitus properties in several trials.
Garlic may increase blood circulation while also acting as an antioxidant. This combination may help alleviate the ringing noises associated with tinnitus.
To use garlic for flavor, add generous amounts to the diet. Garlic supplements, which include allicin in concentrated form, are another alternative. The average daily dose is 600-1,200 mg.
Chili Peppers
Chili peppers contain capsaicin, a natural chemical with anti-inflammatory effects. When placed directly within the ear, there is some evidence that capsaicin may help reduce tinnitus.
In experiments, 0.2 mL of capsaicin solution was delivered directly into the ear canal twice daily. Because the solution must be made at a precise concentration, this method should only be done under medical supervision.
While chili peppers can add flavor and fire to dishes, no proof consuming them will help with tinnitus. Dietary consumption alone does not provide sufficient capsaicin concentration.
Coenzyme Q10
Coenzyme Q10 is a vitamin-like molecule that the body produces spontaneously. It functions as an antioxidant and is essential for fundamental cell function.
Some modest studies suggest that coenzyme Q10 might help reduce tinnitus, especially when combined with other antioxidants like vitamin E. The typical dose was 100 mg three times a day.
Although coenzyme Q10 is typically safe, it can interfere with blood pressure and cholesterol drugs. If you are on any drugs, it is important to see your doctor before using coenzyme Q10.
Vitamins and Minerals
Tinnitus symptoms may be relieved by certain vitamins and minerals.
Zinc
Zinc is a necessary mineral that participates in over 100 chemical activities in the body. Tinnitus and other ear-related diseases have been linked to zinc deficiency in studies.
Zinc promotes immunity, cell division, protein synthesis, and overall growth and development. It also contains antioxidant qualities that aid in the removal of harmful free radicals.
According to certain studies, zinc supplementation can help improve tinnitus in those who are deficient in zinc. Taking zinc supplements may aid in the restoration of adequate levels required for good body processes.
Magnesium
Another key mineral that may aid with tinnitus symptoms is magnesium. Magnesium helps in muscular contractions, neuron function, blood pressure regulation, protein synthesis, and other processes.
According to research, magnesium deficiency is frequently associated with noise-induced hearing loss. Restoring magnesium levels may aid in the relaxation of hyperactive neurons that produce tinnitus. In certain circumstances, taking magnesium supplements might help lessen ringing or buzzing.
Vitamin B Complex
The B vitamins are essential for sustaining good neurological and psychological health. Tinnitus has been linked to vitamin B3 (niacin), B6, B12, and folic acid deficits.
A high-quality B-complex vitamin supplement may help lower tinnitus severity and enhance general nerve function. B vitamins promote circulation, which increases blood flow to the inner ear.
B vitamins also aid in the reduction of inflammation, the reduction of stress, and the maintenance of healthy nerves and brain activity. B vitamin complex supplementation may help with tinnitus in deficient people.
Lifestyle Changes
Certain lifestyle changes can help control tinnitus symptoms and keep them from worsening.
Exercise
Regular exercise reduces stress hormones, which can cause tinnitus. Each week, try to get at least 150 minutes of moderate aerobic activity or 75 minutes of strong aerobic activity.
Other wonderful possibilities include yoga and tai chi, which mix physical activity with meditation and deep breathing.
Sleep Hygiene
Lack of quality sleep makes tinnitus more noticeable. Try going to bed and waking up at the same time each day, limiting caffeine and alcohol before bedtime, removing electronics from the bedroom, and creating an environment conducive to rest.
Consider a white noise machine to mask tinnitus sounds at night.
Sound Enrichment
Using soothing background sounds to disguise tinnitus and shift attention away from it can assist. Consider using sound machines, fans, soft music, or natural noises. Soft music or talk radio might help you sleep.
Avoid total quiet, which amplifies tinnitus noises. There are other ear-level masking devices available.
Dietary Changes
Certain dietary changes can help some people reduce inflammation and lessen tinnitus symptoms.
- Consume more pineapple since it includes bromelain, an anti-inflammatory enzyme that may help to decrease swelling in the inner ear.
- To help decrease inflammation, consume more omega-3 fatty acids from fish, walnuts, and flaxseeds.
- Drink 6-8 glasses of water every day to stay hydrated. Dehydration may aggravate symptoms.
- Limiting salt consumption helps to minimize fluid retention, which can aggravate tinnitus. It is advisable to avoid high-sodium processed foods and to limit salt in meals.
- Caffeine, which may be found in coffee, tea, chocolate, and soft drinks, can increase tinnitus. Caffeine restriction or avoidance may give relief for some individuals.
- Alcohol increases blood flow to the inner ear, which can amplify tinnitus. Tinnitus can be reduced by reducing or eliminating alcohol consumption.
- Inflammation can be reduced by eating an anti-inflammatory diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, beans, lentils, nuts, and healthy fats like olive oil.
This may help reduce the ringing, buzzing, or hissing associated with tinnitus. Fish and walnuts contain omega-3 fatty acids.
- Making dietary modifications such as lowering salt, caffeine, and alcohol while eating more anti-inflammatory foods may help some people reduce their tinnitus symptoms naturally.
Stress Relief
Tinnitus is frequently exacerbated by stress. Finding healthy strategies to handle stress can aid in the reduction of tinnitus symptoms.
Yoga
Yoga is a kind of exercise that includes physical postures, breathing methods, and meditation. Yoga has been shown in studies to lower anxiety and enhance sleep quality in patients with tinnitus. Certain yoga positions that include head motions and balance can also aid with tinnitus-related dizziness.
Meditation
Meditation is a calming practice that centers the attention on the present moment. It can alleviate the emotional anguish caused by tinnitus. Tinnitus patients benefit greatly from mindfulness meditation, which tries to build nonjudgmental awareness. Apps such as Headspace offer guided meditations.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
CBT is a type of counseling that provides coping skills for those who suffer from tinnitus. A CBT therapist can assist in determining
Relaxation methods such as yoga, meditation, and CBT allow the body to recuperate from stress. Lowering stress levels can help to decrease inflammation and muscular tension, both of which aggravate tinnitus.
These mind-body therapies also provide patients with the ability to have some control over their tinnitus symptoms.
When to See a Doctor
Tinnitus is frequently a treatable illness that resolves on its own. However, there are specific situations in which you should consult a doctor:
Persistent Tinnitus
If the ringing, buzzing, or other disturbances in your ears last more than a week or two, you should consult a doctor. Tinnitus that persists may indicate an underlying issue that requires medical care.
A doctor can assist in uncovering any underlying causes, offering support, and discussing treatment choices for chronic tinnitus problems. Early diagnosis is critical for successful treatment of the illness.
Hearing Loss
Tinnitus is frequently related to hearing loss. Consult your doctor if you believe your hearing has deteriorated, especially if it is just in one ear. This asymmetric hearing loss might be caused by a benign tumor or another issue that necessitates further investigation.
A doctor can perform hearing tests to evaluate the presence of hearing loss and propose suitable therapy, such as a hearing aid. It is critical to address any hearing issues as well as tinnitus.
Dizziness/Balance Issues
Dizziness, vertigo, or balance issues, in addition to tinnitus, might indicate an inner ear or brain disease. Benign tumors, Meniere’s disease, and acoustic neuroma are a few examples.
A doctor can assess any balance disorders and their possible links to tinnitus. To determine the underlying reason, an ENT specialist may arrange imaging studies of the head and neck. Any problem influencing balance must be treated as soon as possible.
Seeing a doctor is especially important if tinnitus symptoms persist, intensify, or are accompanied by other conditions such as hearing loss or dizziness. You may work together to get to the bottom of your tinnitus and identify effective treatment options.
