The A to Z of Tinnitus Remedies
Tinnitus symptoms are continuous ear ringing, buzzing or hissing in the inner ear that only the tinnitus sufferer can hear. Tinnitus sufferers may experience ringing in the ears all day, or it may come and go in phases. Tinnitus noises may also vary in pitch and volume, depending on the amount of inner ear damage to the cochlea, a network inside the ear that is crucial for good hearing. While there is no long-term cure for tinnitus, experts have agreed that certain vitamins can be beneficial for alleviating the effects of hearing loss and tinnitus.
Below is a list of the 4 best vitamins for tinnitus relief:
Vitamin A
The cochlea of the inner ear stores large amounts of vitamin A, and relies on sufficient stores in order to receive and interpret sound efficiently, according to Dr. George E. Shambaugh Jr, author of “Healing with Vitamins.” In his book, Dr. Shambaugh recommends vitamin A, in conjunction with vitamin E, as an effective tinnitus treatment. Good sources of vitamin A are orange fruits and vegetables, such as cantaloupe, yams, carrots and pumpkin. Tuna and spinach are also high in vitamin A.
Vitamin B12
Vitamin B12 is essential for a healthy nervous system. Vitamin B12 affects the way we touch, taste, see and hear, so it is not surprising that vitamin B12 deficiency leads to symptoms such as altered taste perception, visual disturbances, numbness or tingling, and chronic tinnitus. One Tel Aviv study, which focused on Israeli servicemen with tinnitus, found a high correlation between symptoms of tinnitus and vitamin B12 deficiency. Vitamin B12 occurs naturally in lean meats, fish, eggs and dairy products.
Magnesium
Magnesium is another essential vitamin, which is included in many tinnitus remedies. Nutritionists believe that a magnesium deficiency corrupts the ability of the cochlea to function properly by constricting vessels that lead to the inner ear. Magnesium occurs naturally in food sources such as brown rice, bananas, beans and oats.
Zinc
Zinc is another nutrient that is associated with tinnitus and hearing loss. A study featured in Otology and Neurotology determined that low levels of zinc may be a cause of tinnitus. The University of Michigan Health System reported in 1985 that 25% of tinnitus sufferers who had low zinc levels noticed a marked reduction in tinnitus symptoms when they increased their zinc intake. Foods that are highest in zinc include oysters, wheat germ, veal liver and sesame seeds.
Read more about tinnitus treatment and prevention:
5 Mistakes Tinnitus Sufferers Make
Gingko Biloba as a Treatment for Tinnitus
Stop that Ringing in your Ears: Get Tinnitus Treatment Now
Top 5 Noise Cancelling Headphones
Sources:
http://www.livestrong.com/article/261616-vitamins-for-ringing-ears/
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/8639287
http://www.ehow.com/about_5468633_vitamins-tinnitus-relief.html
http://www.healthaliciousness.com/articles/zinc.php
Many tinnitus sufferers find comfort in playing some pleasing background music or sound effects in their homes; nature CD’s, indoor water fountains and white noise generating machines mask much of the pervasive crackling or rushing sounds which remain with them throughout their days and nights, making it difficult to rest or concentrate on work.
Some expensive hearing aid “masking” systems are available which produce a steady stream of white noise. Not sure if you’re ready for hearing aids or cochlear implants? Here are some popular and inexpensive alternatives:
- The soothing, nondescript sound produced by white noise generators reduces the buzzing, ringing and chirping noises which are typical tinnitus symptoms. Some models to look out for: Simply Noise, which is available as an iPhone or Android app, or Brookstone’s Tranquil Moments Sleep Sound Therapy System. She’ll love the ultra-feminine HoMedics SoundSpa Mini Pink Sound Machine, available at Walmart.
HoMedics SoundSpa Mini Pink Sound Machine
- Animated dolphins leap through lush waterfalls in this animated 3D wall decor; both captivating and calming to watch, features realistic sound and light effects, and volume and lighting control.
- Set your screensaver to an idyllic scene with melodic sound effects; the 3D Fantasy River Screensaver creates the illusion of splashing in a rippling creek with the forest as your backdrop, including realistic water movements and enchanting melody.
- Nothing is more relaxing than the sedate sound of water running over smooth stones. Set up an indoor water fountain in your bedroom for a lulling atmosphere conducive to restful sleep.
- Who says wind chimes are only for the outdoors? Hang one of these exotic bamboo wind chimes by an open window; the soft jingly effects will set a tranquil mood throughout your home. Made from non-endangered wood, hand-crafted in Bali. Choose one of many whimsical designs, such as the Asian bobbing-head crane, cowboy hat mobile or tubes painted with colorful butterflies.
Cohasset Blue Butterfly 13 Inch Wind Chime
- Do you enjoy falling asleep to the sound of rain tapping overhead? No need to wait for the next thunderstorm; download your own custom sound effects onto your iPod or smart phone. Partners in Rhyme lets you choose from a vast library of royalty-free, cost-free ambient sound effects, such as Rain & Thunder, City Sounds and more.
- Unwind while listening to one of these Soothing Sounds of Nature CD’s; listen to tropical waves or the sounds of the forest while driving or relaxing at home.
- Wake up to the Nature Sound 7 Color Changing Light Alarm Clock, featuring 6 different nature sounds, 7 vibrant color-changing lights and snooze control.
Nature Sound 7 Color Changing Light Alarm Clock
- The BBC Planet Earth Collection takes you through mountain forests, bubbling rivers, arid deserts, polar ice floes and balmy jungles- all to the hauntingly dramatic soundtrack composed by George Fenton and the BBC Orchestra.
- Various You Tube videos are available to set the mood for tranquility; this Gentle Rain video features rushing waterfalls and soft narration:
Image Credits:
HoMedics SoundSpa Mini Pink Sound Machine
Music legend Phil Collins, renowned former lead singer of Genesis and accomplished musical choreographer, is stepping off the stage of his career. The 60-year-old performer has announced that health problems, including hearing loss, have made it impossible for him to continue as a musician.
Phil Collins on the cover of Rolling Stone
Did chronic noise exposure make the music die?
Your ears can only handle so much stimulation; hearing loss and tinnitus, a condition where sufferers hear a constant ringing or buzzing in the ears, are common ailments of musicians, as exposure to unhealthy levels of decibels is one of their occupational hazards. Jam sessions, never-ending concert line-ups and frequent iPod ear bud usage all account for irreversible damage to the cochlea in the inner ear.
Celebrities raise tinnitus awareness
How much is too much?
The National Institutes of Health define noise induced hearing loss as damage done to the ears as a result of constant exposure to loud noises greater than 75 decibels. Comparatively, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) sets a safety standard of no more than 110 decibels. Musicians, stunt men and individuals who have served in the army or the air force are constantly exposed to decibels much greater than the amount advised by health experts; as a result they are most likely to suffer from irreversible hearing loss and tinnitus.
How can we protect our hearing and avoid the symptoms of tinnitus?
- If you work in an setting which requires constant exposure to loud noises, be vigilant about wearing protective earplugs.
- Avoid wearing iPod ear buds; opt instead for volume-controlled safe headphones which can be purchased on the internet.
- Listen to music on a moderate setting.
- Turn off the television or radio when not engaged; don’t be tempted to keep them on as “background noise.”
Sources:
Tinnitus sufferers know these symptoms all too well: constant buzzing, even in a “quiet” room, recurring crackling or clicking sounds in the head, anxiety, depression and difficulty relaxing and sleeping.
Often tinnitus is caused by ear damage due to exposure to loud sounds, frequent iPod earbud usage and in many cases, old age.
Below are some homeopathic remedies which are used to treat tinnitus:
- Ginkgo Biloba- Researchers have proven that ginkgo biloba leaf is beneficial for the treatment of tinnitus and other hearing-related illnesses. Scientists explain that the extract taken from the leaf of the ancient ginkgo biloba tree enhances blood flow to the ears, thus reducing some of the irritating buzzing sounds and clicks which accompany tinnitus. Ginkgo biloba extract is also used to treat attention deficit, depression, anxiety, dizziness and headaches.
- Lipoic acid- The antioxidant power of lipoic acid is known by medical practitioners who treat patients for cancer; its ability to enhance the free-radical-killing attributes in other antioxidants such as grape seed extract, making it a viable choice for warding off ear infections.
- Zinc- Otology and Neurotology published a report, The Role of Zinc in the Treatment of Tinnitus, which reveals a correlation between tinnitus symptoms and low zinc levels. Of the tinnitus who received zinc tablets, 82% reported a noticeable decrease in their symptoms.
- Black Cohosh- It is believed that tinnitus is sometimes caused by low serotonin; according to a University of Illinois study, chemicals found in this North American herb are beneficial for improving serotonin receptors.
- Ginger- Chinese healers used ginger extract for boosting the immune system; its powerful properties include improving circulation, decreasing nausea and destroying harmful bacteria and viruses which might damage hearing.
- Garlic- The antiseptic qualities in garlic are beneficial for generating circulation, killing harmful bacteria and boosting the immunity. Sufferers of tinnitus who experience frequent respiratory problems have found the severity of their symptoms reduced through supplementation of odorless garlic.
Sources:
Livestrong, National Institute of Health, Healing.About.com, American Cancer Society, Otology and Neurotology
Nearly 36 million Americans suffer from tinnitus, a constant buzzing, roaring or chirping sound in the inner or outer ear. While some head noise is normal, individuals with severe tinnitus are plagued with incessant babble throughout their day. Routine activities such as checking one’s email and driving to the market become unbearably difficult and full of distractions. Many patients of this incurable disease fall into bouts of anxiety and depression.
What causes tinnitus?
Tinnitus is often caused by exposure to loud noises; musicians and army soldiers make up for a large percentage of its patients. Health experts predict an increase in tinnitus and other hearing-related diseases as a result of the popularity of noise-cancelling iPod earbuds which produce unhealthy levels of noise waves and may cause permanent ear damage.
Musicians warn teens to lower the volume
Most people are unaware of this affliction; many probably have it and didn’t realize they were not alone. Celebrities such as Wil.i.am of the Black Eyed Peas and William Shatner are trying to change all that.
Wil.i.am told the Sun that music is his only escape from the constant ringing of tinnitus; much of his success can be attributed to his inability to slow down.
Music is his only escape
“I don’t know what silence sounds like any more. Music is the only thing which eases my pain,” says the singer for the Black Eyed Peas.
Jack Black, famous for his rowdy rocker persona, also warns teens to protect their hearing in this YouTube video:
Heavy metal drummer Lars Ulrich of Metallica, who also suffers from tinnitus, delivers his speech on hearing loss in this video funded by H.E.A.R:
The Tinnitus Foundation released this montage of famous people with tinnitus, including Pete Townshend, David Letterman, Barbra Streisand and Ronald Reagan.
William Shatner and co-star Leonard Nimoy were often exposed to loud eruptions on the sets of the Star Trek films. In his video for the American Tinnitus Association, William Shatner describes an explosion during filming which forever altered his hearing ability.
Find your inner sanctum.
Tranquility with Tinnitus? Sounds like an oxymoron if there ever was one, but it’s no joke. Finding peace of mind with a constant ringing in your ear or some of the various other sounds associated with tinnitus might seem like a distant dream. Whooshing, clicks, cricket sounds- it seems like more than you can handle.
There might not be any outright cures for tinnitus in this day and age, but there are coping mechanisms to help you find peace of mind: meditation, homeopathic remedies…and faith.
Part I of Tranquility with Tinnitus will help you find your inner sanctuary from tinnitus using three relaxation techniques recommended by the Mayo Clinic.
Setting the Scenario
Begin by finding a nice warm, quiet room free of disturbances. If there is a telephone, disconnect it. Cover the television or computer with a small throw. Soften the lights, set up some soothing “white noise” like a gentle fan or relaxation CD. Take off your shoes, lay down on a mat or soft rug and begin…
1) Autogenic relaxation
Autogenic relaxation means looking inwards with your “third eye,” as it’s referred to in transcendental meditation.
- Slowly breathe in at the count of three;
- Hold the breathe for the count of three;
- Very slowly release your breathe at the count of six, imagining a balloon gently losing air through a pinhole.
- Concentrate on slowing your heartbeat.
- Make a mental checklist of any sensations, sounds or pains which are going through your body; recognize them, accept them and breathe towards them.
- Repeat a soothing mantra; use that mantra throughout the day anytime you feel stressed and feel and need to return to your “safe place.”
2) Progressive muscle relaxation
Progressive relaxation is a great way to give your muscles a massage from the inside. In times of acute anxiety a mini-PMR can be done inconspicuously at your desk or even while dining at a restaurant.
- Lie flat, getting yourself into a relaxed position.
- Will your muscles to let go, release tension.
- Direct your inner eye to your right foot; clench it tightly. Now, let go and feel the warmth as your muscles relax. Repeat with the left foot.
- Slowly and systematically work your way upwards, tightening and releasing your legs, abdominal muscles, chest, back, shoulders and arms.
- Much stress is stored in the head, so don’t neglect this vital area. Focus on your neck, jaws, cheeks, ears, eyes and forehead.
- Many find that PMR, with practice, brings on a deep sensation of euphoria and inner quietude.
3) Visualization
Another common practice is to use your imagination as a tool for relaxation; many meditation CD’s are available which will guide you through various exercises.
- Imagine yourself in your comfort zone; this could be anyplace that makes you feel happy and safe, such as the beach or a rustic woods. See the deep blue ocean, a purplish sunrise or emerald green pastures.
- Focus on all the sounds of your comfort zone; crashing waves, birds winging, etc.
- Now imagine tactile sensations, like the gentle breeze, woolly pine needles, or the warm sun on your face.
- Smell the salty ocean air or the deep incense of the forest.
Many tinnitus sufferers have found their symptoms lessened through practiced meditation. If you have a hectic schedule, try waking up a half-hour early and setting aside that time to meditate. Not only will it get your day off to a good start, it will also give you a sort of mental “home page” to go back to when things seem to be spiraling out of control.
Recommended reading: The Calm Technique: Meditation without Magic or Mysticism, by Paul Wilson
Sources:
Birmingham and District Tinnitus Group
One of the primary causes of tinnitus is hearing loss, which is damage to inner ear from loud noises. The brain tries to compensate for the lack of stimulation to the nerves of the ear by creating its own sounds, hence the tinnitus. Tinnitus may be perceived as ringing, buzzing, hissing, whooshing, clicking or other sounds.
There are many people who have a loss of hearing and don’t know it. Some signs of hearing loss include:
- You find that you are missing out on bits of conversations when people talk
- You find the need to ask people to repeat things
- Your friends or relatives complain that the volume on your television/radio is very high
- You have a hard time hearing people speak on the telephone
- You try to avoid group conversations because you can’t hear everyone
If any of the above is relevant to you, it is recommended that you see an audiologist to test your hearing.
If you hear noises in your ears that others don’t, then you are also suffering from tinnitus.
In general, you should use hearing protection when exposed to loud noises, as well as lower the volume of radios, MP3 players, and the like in order to prevent hearing loss and tinnitus. If you already suffer from hearing loss and tinnitus, you can prevent further damage to your ears.
Construction equipment and music have been clinically proven to cause hearing loss and tinnitus. If you work in a place where you are exposed to loud noises, you should purchase ear plugs if your employer doesn’t want to provide them for you.
If you are exposed to a loud noise and do not have hearing protection on hand, try to get as far away from the source as possible. The further away you move, the less likely the sound will damage your ears.
Taking steps to protect your ears at home and in the workplace will help you have a better quality of life.
Tinnitus, which means “to ring like a bell” in Latin, is the medical term for ringing of the ears. It has also been described as buzzing, hissing or other noises.
The most common cause of tinnitus is exposure to loud noises. People in the armed forces must deal with noise levels well above those recommended by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), which was set at 85 decibels. NIOSH had stated that noises above 85 decibels can cause hearing loss.
In contrast, a single gun shot usually falls in the 140 decibel range. It should come as no surprise, then, that the American Tinnitus Association (ATA) recently reported a study that shows that 49% of all soldiers exposed to explosive blasts in Iraq and Afghanistan had tinnitus.
Why should this be? Aren’t employees of the armed forces entitled to the same hearing protection as employees of private industries?
An article in New Yorker by Jerome Groopman (2/9/2009) highlights this problem. Mr. Groopman interviewed Perry Jefferies, a forty-eight-year-old retired Army first sergeant.
In the interview, Jefferies described how during basic training, he was only able to wear one earplug, so he could still hear the instructor. Worse, when he was learning how to fire a .50-calibre gun from an armored personnel carrier, he did not wear any hearing protection.
The same holds true for his deployment. Although required to carry earplugs, he could not wear them, because he had to listen to radios in the Humvee and respond.
Now, Jefferies suffers from hearing loss, and he is receiving disability compensation for tinnitus, as do 619,825 other veterans receiving disability compensation for service-connected tinnitus (National Center for Rehabilitative Auditory Research).
A study from the U.S. Army Center for Health Promotion and Preventive Medicine (2004) stated that the army failed to adequately educate its troops about hearing loss prevention, to supply them with hearing protection devices, and that soldiers with blast injuries were not properly referred for evaluation and treatment.
Since publication of this study, the U.S. Military is attempting to take corrective measures by supplying its soldiers in combat with high-tech earplugs that either reduce the decibel levels of loud noises or filter them out completely. In addition, the military is mandated to instruct soldiers in their usage.
For those who are suffering from tinnitus, Princeton Sciences has developed a dietary supplement, known as TinnitusDX, that is recommended by doctors across the United States.
Tinnitus, like many conditions, can be prevented or held at bay by making sure you take an extra moment or two to protect yourself.
The most common cause of tinnitus is believed to be exposure to high noise levels. For some this may mean being in a loud environment for many years before symptoms begin, but for others a one time high-decibel blast may irreversibly damage the hearing function.
Thus, limit or avoid exposure to loud noises, such as music, power tools, gunshots, and industrial machinery and be sure to wear protective earplugs or earmuffs if you cannot avoid loud noises. Also be careful when using stereo headphones. If music is so loud that others can hear it clearly or you can’t hear other sounds around you, the volume is too high. Do not use wadded-up tissue or cotton balls. These do not protect adequately against loud noises, especially the more dangerous high frequencies, and they may become lodged in the ear canal.
It is suggested that regular exercise may prevent tinnitus because it improves blood flow to the structures of the ear, flushing away the free radicals and oxygenates the area, making it function in a healthier manner. Maintaining a healthy weight is also important for prevention of tinnitus as studies show it occurs more frequently in obese adults.
In cases of mild ringing of the ears cutting back on drinking alcohol and beverages containing caffeine as well as using tobacco products may be beneficial to stopping the symptoms. Nicotine and alcohol use may cause tinnitus by reducing blood flow to the structures of the ear, whereas caffeine may over-excite the nerves, causing the buzzing sound. A more in depth discussion concerning these sorts of lifestyle changes for the reduction of the buzzing/ringing symptoms will be posted in the future.
Tinnitus Causes
The exact physiological cause or causes of tinnitus are not known. There are, however, several likely sources, all of which are known to trigger or worsen tinnitus.
- Noise-induced hearing loss – Exposure to loud noises can damage and even destroy hair cells, called cilia, in the inner ear. Once damaged, these hair cells cannot be renewed or replaced. Hearing loss can also be caused by excessive noise exposure. Coincidentally, up to 90 percent of all tinnitus patients have some level of hearing loss.
- Wax build-up in the ear canal – The amount of wax ears produce varies by individual. Sometimes, people produce enough wax that their hearing can be compromised or their tinnitus can seem louder. If you produce a lot of earwax, speak to your physician about having excess wax removed manually-not with a cotton swab, but by an otolaryngologist (also called an ear, nose, and throat doctor).
- Certain medications – Some medications are ototoxic-that is, the medications are toxic to the ear. Other medications will produce tinnitus as a side effect without damaging the inner ear. Effects, which can depend on the dosage of the medication, can be temporary or permanent. Before taking any medication, make sure that your prescribing physician is aware of your tinnitus, and discuss alternative medications that may be available.
- Ear or sinus infections – Many people, including children, experience tinnitus along with an ear or sinus infection. Generally, the tinnitus will lessen and gradually go away once the infection is healed.
- Jaw misalignment – Some people have misaligned jaw joints or jaw muscles, which can not only induce tinnitus, but also affect cranial muscles and nerves and shock absorbers in the jaw joint. Many dentists specialize in this temporomandibular jaw misalignment and can provide assistance with treatment.
- Cardiovascular disease – Approximately 3 percent of tinnitus patients experience pulsatile tinnitus; people with pulsatile tinnitus typically hear a rhythmic pulsing, often in time with a heartbeat. Pulsatile tinnitus can indicate the presence of a vascular condition-where the blood flow through veins and arteries is compromised-like a heart murmur, hypertension, or hardening of the arteries.
- Certain types of tumors – Very rarely, people have a benign and slow-growing tumor on their auditory, vestibular, or facial nerves. These tumors can cause tinnitus, deafness, facial paralysis, and loss of balance.
- Head and neck trauma – Physical trauma to the head and neck can induce tinnitus. Other symptoms include headaches, vertigo, and memory loss.
- Certain disorders, such as hypo- or hyperthroidism, lyme disease, fibromyalgia, and throacic outlet syndrome, can have tinnitus as a symptom. When tinnitus is a symptom of another disorder, treating the disorder can help alleviate the tinnitus.
