Very often, a traumatic brain injury (TBI) causes tinnitus among soldiers in the armed forces. Unfortunately, powerful roadside bombs, commonly known as IED’s (improvised explosive devices), have been known to cause traumatic brain injuries, which are often accompanied by hearing loss and tinnitus.
A traumatic brain injury (TBI) occurs when an object suddenly hits the head, and this in turn causes a trauma to the brain, according to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke.
The level of damage created by the TBI can be mild, moderate or severe. Symptoms of a TBI can include headaches, dizziness, blurred vision, temporary or prolonged loss of consciousness, ringing of the ears (tinnitus), impaired memory and concentration, and loss of balance. Someone with a severe TBI may have seizures, convulsions or even death.
Fortunately, victims of many TBIs can benefit from treatment. This may involve surgery to repair broken bones, surgery to remove hematomas (blood clots), occupational therapy, physical therapy, speech therapy, and possibly treatment by a psychiatrist.
Even with all the treatment options, however, scientist still have much to learn about the mechanism of traumatic brain injuries, and are trying to determine how to help those affected to recover over a shorter duration of time.
Many soldiers who served in Iraq and Afghanistan are victims of traumatic brain injuries. These include members of the armed forces suffering from tinnitus triggered by their head injuries.
Since our enemies are utilizing roadside bombs (a.k.a. IEDs) at increasing rates, more must be done to protect our soldiers from traumatic brain injuries and, in many cases, subsequent tinnitus.
Ear tinnitus has affected 619,826 veterans of the armed forces, according to the National Center for Rehabilitative Auditory Research. This annoying phantom noise in the head can take on the form of a buzz, whoosh, high-pitched whistle, hissing, chirping or other sounds.
The primary cause of ear tinnitus is exposure to loud noises. Members of the armed forces must deal with noise levels well above those recommended by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH). NIOSH had stated that noise levels higher than 85 decibels can cause hearing loss and tinnitus.
The source for ear tinnitus among veterans stems from the key tactic employed by the enemies, the use of improvised explosive devices (IEDs). The resulting explosive blasts are as loud as 170 decibels, much higher than the 85 decibel threshold recommended by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH). The implication is that veterans of the armed forces, who may be only in their 20s, are susceptible to a lifetime sentence of ear tinnitus.
The American Tinnitus Association (ATA) reports that 49 percent of all soldiers exposed to explosive blasts in Iraq and Afghanistan developed tinnitus. Furthermore, it speculates the Veterans Association will be paying out nearly one billion dollars in disability compensation by 2010.
More research is recommended to remedy this problem.
Where does one find a tinnitus cure that eliminates the annoying sounds in the ear?
There are many answers to this question, because every person responds to a different tinnitus cure, and some respond to multiple types.
1. Ginkgo Biloba – It has been found that 240 mg of Gingko Biloba per day alleviates tinnitus in many people. It does this by increasing the flow of blood to one of the cranial nerves that oversee the conversion of sound waves into sound.
2. Time – A perforated eardrum can cause tinnitus. However, the eardrum can heal itself over time.
3. Surgery – If the tinnitus is caused by fused ear bones (otosclerosis), surgery can resolve it. (Surgery is also necessary for some perforated eardrums.)
4. Avoidance of certain medications – Tinnitus is known to be caused by aspirin, steroids, anti-seizure medications, painkillers, antidepressants and anti-anxiety drugs. If the onset of the tinnitus coincides with the start of a new medication, a doctor can suggest an alternative.
5. Diet – Caffeine and nicotine may cause tinnitus. Therefore, cutting back on these ingredients from one’s diet may eliminate the problem.
6. B12 Supplement – Intramuscular injections of this all-encompassing vitamin may cure the tinnitus.
7. Zinc Supplement – Taking 100 mg of zinc daily has been shown to eliminate tinnitus in some people.
8. Vitamin A Supplement – High doses of vitamin A can also remediate tinnitus. The recommended dosage is 50,000 IUs.
9. Masking – This involves utilizing a noise generator that plays soft, soothing sounds, such as those of an ocean or rainfall. In effect, it distracts a person from the irritating noise of his/her tinnitus.
10. Acupuncture – When acupuncture is properly performed, some people find relief from their tinnitus.
Studies have borne out Ginkgo Biloba for its ability to increase blood flow to the extremities and the brain, and help reduce tinnitus. Chinese medicine has used the extract of the Ginkgo Biloba tree for over 5,000 years. This tree, also known as the Maidenhair tree, is capable of reaching 100 feet in height. The seeds are edible. However, the extract of the fan-shaped leaves contains the health benefits.
Gingko Biloba Tree:
In the fall, the leaves turn from green to yellow. During this time, the leaves are harvested and dried. A special facility grinds the leaves and mixes them with organic solvents to further enhance their fundamental qualities.
Gingko Biloba Leaf:
The natural ingredients of Ginkgo Biloba extract contain flavonoids, glycosides and ginkoglides. Together, these components have many beneficial effects, as supported by numerous studies.
Research studies on geriatric patients have found that Gingko Biloba helps reduce headaches, senility, depression, tinnitus, fatigue and poor circulation. It is theorized that Ginkgo Biloba helps increase blood flow, thereby reversing the effects of aging. Furthermore, studies have shown that this miracle plant successfully prevents the progression of Alzheimer’s disease in those afflicted.
Ginkgo Biloba contains flavonoids, which are antioxidants. These help protect the membranes of red blood cells, extending their lives in the process. As mentioned previously, studies have borne out Ginkgo Biloba’s ability to increase blood flow to the extremities and the brain, and reduce tinnitus.
Our product, Tinnitus DX, contains Ginkgo Biloba.
