Tinnitus is a condition when "the perception of sound is created even though no external sound is actually sounding". These sounds are most often thought of as ringing sounds, but can also be a buzzing, roaring, gust of wind, swinging, clicking sound, or hissing., Millions of people around the world experience it. In the US, more than 45 million people, or about 15% of the population, experience tinnitus symptoms, while 2 million of them suffer from extreme tinnitus. Tinnitus can be a symptom of a more serious disorder, including injury to the ear or loss of hearing (which is related to age and sensorineural factors). Tinnitus can be very annoying. Treating tinnitus naturally involves diagnosing the condition, trying auditory therapy, and being open to other methods.
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Method 1 of 7: Diagnosing Tinnitus
Step 1. Understand what tinnitus is
Tinnitus is extensive. The sound can be very loud or low, and may be enough to interfere with normal hearing. This sound can also occur in only one ear or both. You may hear a ringing, vibrating, growling, clicking sound, or hissing. There are two basic types of tinnitus: subjective and objective.
- Subjective tinnitus is the most common type. This tinnitus can be caused by structural problems in the ear (outer, middle, and inner), or issues in the auditory nerve pathways that originate in the inner ear and lead to the brain. In this type of tinnitus, you are the only person hearing the sound.
- Objective tinnitus is much more advanced, but can be detected by a doctor. This type of tinnitus can be caused by vascular problems, muscle contractions, or other conditions related to the bones of the inner ear.
Step 2. Determine your own tinnitus risk factors
Tinnitus tends to affect more men than women. Older people are also more vulnerable than younger people. Some of the key risk factors in tinnitus include:
- Age (peak age when a person first experiences tinnitus is between 60 and 69 years)
- Gender
- Involvement in the military (e.g. frequent hearing of large explosions, gunshots, or noisy equipment)
- Working in a noisy environment
- Listening to loud music
- Frequent exposure to loud noises, both at work and at leisure
- History of depression, anxiety, and obsessive-compulsive disorder
Step 3. Complete the Tinnitus Handicap Inventory questionnaire (in English)
This Tinnitus Handicap Inventory questionnaire, created by the American Tinnitus Association, can be a good start for you. You will be asked to analyze the level of your hearing problem in order to determine the severity of the tinnitus affecting you. This is a good first step in determining the right treatment regimen.
Method 2 of 7: Talking to the Doctor
Step 1. Request a diagnostic test
The doctor will likely examine the ear with an otoscope (a light ear instrument). You may also have to have a hearing test, some imaging tests such as an MRI or CT. In some cases, you may be asked to take a more extensive test. In general, these tests are not invasive or painful, but may cause some discomfort.
- You can experience changes in the bones of the inner ear, which are caused by genetic factors. The inner ear includes three very small bones: the malleus, incus, and stapes. These three bones are connected to each other as well as to the eardrum (tympanic membrane). They are also connected to structures that translate sound vibrations into nerve impulses that we receive as sound. When these bones are unable to move freely due to otosclerosis, tinnitus can occur.
- Alternatively, your earwax may be excessive, causing tinnitus.
Step 2. Talk to your doctor about age-related conditions
Unfortunately, usually the main cause of tinnitus cannot be determined. Often, tinnitus occurs simply due to aging, for example in the following conditions:
- Loss of hearing ability due to age (presbycusis)
- Menopause: tinnitus is one of the rarer symptoms of menopause, and is more likely to be caused by aging than the menopausal transition itself. Usually, tinnitus goes away along with other menopausal issues. Hormone replacement therapy with synthetic progestins has also been associated with increased tinnitus problems.
Step 3. Tell us about your level of exposure to loud noises
If you often work in a noisy environment, or have been hearing loud noises for a long time, tell your doctor. This way, it will be helpful when diagnosing your condition.
Step 4. Ask the doctor about abnormalities in the blood vessels
There are many disorders that can affect blood flow and cause tinnitus. Talk to your doctor about these disorders:
- Head and neck tumors that compress blood vessels and alter their flow
- Atherosclerosis, or the buildup of cholesterol containing plaque on the inside of the arteries
- High blood pressure
- Anatomical variations in the carotid arteries in the neck, which can impair blood flow
- Deformed capillaries (arteriovenous malformations)
Step 5. Ask your doctor if certain medications contribute to tinnitus
Many medications can cause or make tinnitus worse. Some of them are:
- Aspirin
- Antibiotics, such as polymyxin B, erythromycin, vancomycin, and neomycin
- Diuretics (water pills), including bumetanide, ethacrynic acid, and furosemide
- Quinine
- Several types of antidepressants
- Chemotherapeutics, including mechlorethamine and vincristine
Step 6. Ask for other causes
Tinnitus can be caused by a variety of conditions, so be sure to ask your doctor for an opinion as to whether you have any of the following:
- Meniere's disease: this is an inner ear disorder caused by increased pressure in the ear fluid
- Temperomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders
- Head and neck injuries
- Benign tumors, including acoustic neuromas: usually these tumors cause tinnitus on one side
- Hypothyroidism: low level of thyroid hormone
Step 7. See a doctor if you experience sudden symptoms
If you develop symptoms of tinnitus after an upper respiratory tract infection, suddenly and without apparent cause, or dizziness and loss of hearing, make an appointment with your doctor immediately.
- Visit your usual doctor first. He can provide a referral to see an ENT doctor.
- Tinnitus can cause other problems, including fatigue, stress, insomnia, difficulty concentrating and remembering, depression, and feelings of irritability. If you experience any of these, be sure to tell your doctor.
Step 8. Consider trying medical treatment for the condition that triggers the tinnitus
This treatment will depend largely on finding the cause, but may include:
- Ear wax cleaning.
- Treatment of trigger conditions: eg high blood pressure or atherosclerosis.
- Changing medications: if the tinnitus is due to a reaction to certain medications, your doctor may change or change the dose.
- Try medications specifically designed to treat tinnitus: although there is no specific cure for tinnitus, some medications have been shown to have a positive effect. These medications include antidepressants and antianxiety. However, all of them also cause side effects including dry mouth, blurred vision, constipation, heart problems, drowsiness, and nausea.
Step 9. Ask about using hearing aids
This tool may be useful for some people. Your doctor can recommend its use after you have been examined by a certified audiologist.
According to the American Tinnitus Association, “Hearing loss causes external sound stimuli to reach the brain. As a result, the brain undergoes neuroplastic changes in the way it processes different sound frequencies. Tinnitus is a product of these maladaptive neuroplastic changes.” This means that the brain tries to adapt gradually as the ability to hear declines. However, this adaptation process sometimes does not work, causing tinnitus. In general, hearing loss occurs only at frequencies above the tinnitus itself
Method 3 of 7: Trying Acoustic Therapy
Step 1. Use a soothing background sound
Cover the sound in the ear by turning on music or other sounds in the background. Take advantage of a cassette or CD that produces the “white noise” of the ocean, a flowing river, the sound of rain, a quiet song, or anything else to help block and mask the sound in your ears.
Step 2. Listen to soothing sounds as you fall asleep
Sounds like these can be useful to help you rest. This is important, because many people have trouble sleeping due to tinnitus. At night, the sound in your ears can be the only sound you hear, making it difficult for you to fall asleep. Background noises can be soothing sounds that can help you fall asleep.
Step 3. Try listening to brown or pink sounds
“Brown noise” is a collection of randomly generated sounds, and is usually thought of as sounds much deeper than white noise. “Pink noise” uses a lower frequency and is considered deeper. These two sounds are usually suggested to help sleep.
Look for examples online. Choose the one that sounds best to you
Step 4. Avoid loud noises
One common trigger for tinnitus is the presence of loud noises. Avoid all of these sounds as much as possible. Some people may not be affected, but if your tinnitus gets worse, be aware that these sounds may be a triggering factor.
Step 5. Consider music therapy
A German study involving music therapy to treat tinnitus showed that this therapy, if used in the early stages of tinnitus, could prevent it from developing into a chronic health condition.
This therapy involves listening to your favorite music at a frequency that has been adjusted to more closely resemble the frequency of the buzzing in your ears
Method 4 of 7: Trying Alternative Methods
Step 1. Try chiropractic
TMJ problems, which can cause tinnitus, can be treated successfully through a chiropractic approach., These problems are thought to cause tinnitus because of the distance between the muscles and ligaments that connect the jaw and the ossicles of hearing.
- Chiropractic care will involve manual manipulation to flatten the TMJ. Chiropractors can also manipulate the cervical spine to reduce tinnitus symptoms. This therapy is not painful, but may cause temporary discomfort.
- Chiropractic care may also involve the use of heat or ice and certain exercises.
- Chiropractic can also help treat Meniere's disease, which is another rarer cause of tinnitus.
Step 2. Visit an acupuncturist
A recent review of studies of acupuncture for treating tinnitus concluded that we could give it a try. The acupuncture techniques used will vary greatly based on the cause of the tinnitus. These techniques also usually include the use of traditional Chinese herbs.
We still need more studies to examine the effectiveness of acupuncture in treating tinnitus
Step 3. Ask your doctor about aldosterone
Aldosterone is a hormone in the adrenal glands that regulates blood sodium and potassium. One study showed that a patient who lost his hearing as a result of tinnitus also had aldosterone deficiency. When he received artificial aldosterone, his hearing returned and his tinnitus problem disappeared.
Step 4. Try personal frequency treatments
There is a new approach in this area, which some may find useful. The basic idea is to find a specific sound frequency in the ear and mask it using specially designed sounds.
- An ENT or audiologist may suggest this treatment.
- You can also find these treatments online for a fee, at sites like Audionotch and Tinnitracks. All of these services will guide you through the trial process to determine the specific frequency of tinnitus you experience and design an appropriate treatment protocol.
- This approach is only supported by a number of studies, but so far it looks promising.
Method 5 of 7: Try Supplements
Step 1. Take CoQ10
The body uses CoQ10, or coenzyme Q10, for cell growth and maintenance. This coenzyme also functions as an antioxidant. CoQ10 can also be found in organ meats, such as the heart, liver, and kidneys.
- A study showed that CoQ10 supplementation could be useful for some patients with low serum CoQ10 levels.
- Try taking a dose of 100 mg three times a day.
Step 2. Try a ginkgo biloba supplement
Ginkgo biloba is believed to increase blood flow to the brain and has been used to treat tinnitus. The results vary. This is likely because tinnitus itself has a variety of causes, both known and unknown.
- Recent reviews indicate that there is not yet strong enough evidence to support the use of ginkgo biloba in the treatment of tinnitus. In contrast, another report concluded that a standardized ginkgo extract, EGb 761, was an effective treatment option. EGb 761 is “standardized ginkgo biloba leaf extract and has antioxidant properties as free radical scavengers”. This extract is an efficacious product and contains approximately 24% flavone glycosides (mainly quercetin, kaempferol, and isorhamnetin), as well as 6% terpene lactones (2.8-3.4% ginkgolide A, B, C, and 2.6 -3.2% bilobalide).”
- Commercially, this supplement is sold under the name Tebonin Egb 761.
- Follow the manufacturer's instructions if you wish to use this supplement.
Step 3. Increase zinc intake
In one study, nearly half of tinnitus patients experienced improvement by taking 50 milligrams of zinc daily for 2 months. This dose is actually quite high. The recommended daily intake for adult men is 11 mg and 8 mg for adult women.
- Do not take this much zinc without first talking to a healthcare professional.
- If you take this much zinc, don't take it for more than 2 months.
- Balance your zinc intake with copper supplements. High zinc intake is associated with copper deficiency and anemia due to this. Take extra copper to help prevent it. Drink as much as 2 mg every day.
Step 4. Try a melatonin supplement
Melatonin is a hormone involved in regulating the sleep cycle. A study showed that melatonin as much as 3 mg taken at night will be most effective for men who have never been depressed and suffer from tinnitus in both ears.
Method 6 of 7: Changing Diet
Step 1. Avoid salty foods
Salty foods are usually advised to avoid because they can cause high blood pressure, which can lead to tinnitus.
Step 2. Eat a healthy whole food diet
The natural advice is that you should eat a healthy diet of whole foods that are low in salt, sugar, and saturated fat. Also increase your intake of vegetables and fruit.
Step 3. Cut back on coffee, alcohol, and nicotine
Some of the most common tinnitus triggers include coffee, alcohol, and nicotine. Avoid all of this as much as possible. We don't yet know why these substances trigger tinnitus in some people. Because tinnitus is a symptom of a variety of possible problems, the reasons for triggering it may vary from person to person.
- Reducing these substances may not help your tinnitus condition. In fact, one study showed that caffeine was completely unrelated to tinnitus. Other studies have shown that alcohol may even help relieve tinnitus in older adults.
- At the very least, pay attention to what happens if you consume coffee, alcohol, or nicotine. Observe the reaction to the tinnitus afterward. If the tinnitus gets worse or becomes more difficult to manage, consider stopping all three of these substances.
Method 7 of 7: Seeking Support
Step 1. Try cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and tinnitus retraining
CBT is an approach that uses cognitive resetting and relaxation techniques to change a person's response to tinnitus. Meanwhile, tinnitus retraining therapy is an additional exercise that helps you to reduce the sensitivity level to sound in the ear.
- The therapist will teach you different ways to adapt to the sounds you hear. This process is known as habituation in CBT. Here, you will learn to ignore tinnitus. The therapist will teach you about your tinnitus and various relaxation techniques. He or she will help you adopt a realistic and effective attitude to dealing with tinnitus.
- A recent review of this technique shows that CBT doesn't actually affect sound level, but positively adjusts a person's response to it. After CBT, a person can experience less depression and anxiety and feel more satisfied with life.
- Several other recent reviews of therapeutic approaches to tinnitus have shown that a combination of sound therapy with CBT will provide the best results.
- In addition, there is another study that discusses nine previous studies to evaluate the effectiveness of retraining therapy as well as TBT in treating tinnitus. In each of these studies, various validated and standardized questionnaires were used. Investigators later found that both retraining therapy and CBT were equally effective at relieving tinnitus symptoms.
Step 2. Join a support group
A tinnitus support group may be able to help, especially if you suffer from depression or anxiety because of it.
This group can help you develop the ability to adapt to your condition
Step 3. Visit a mental health professional
Anxiety and depression can be associated with tinnitus, and vice versa. If you experience any of these symptoms, be sure to seek professional help. Usually, depression and anxiety precede tinnitus, but they can also occur as a result of tinnitus. The sooner you seek treatment, the sooner you will begin to feel and function better in everyday life.
