What is Tinnitus? Tinnitus, although commonly expressed as “ringing in the ears”, is perceived as an auditory sensation or sounds with no external stimulus. Tinnitus can come as hearing different sounds in your head in many cases constantly. Because these chronic noises are heard, it is suggested that the noise in the head can be due to injury to the outer ear, middle ear, inner ear or TMJ. This noise can manifest sounds like ringing, sizzling, clicking, buzzing or rushing similar to waves on the shore, just to mention a few. Irritating if not debilitating, it is definitely an interference with the quality of life. Hearing loss is also associated with tinnitus. Although hearing loss and the related pathologies are not clearly understood, the proinflammatory cytokine and microglial activation is present in the auditory cortex following noise-induced hearing loss. This neuroinflammation appears to be associated with development of tinnitus. If one has tinnitus, they might certainly be looking something to alleviate the overwhelming head noise to improve the quality of life. The constant noise is not only a chronic distraction, but some days it can be really hard to hear what others say. Well, let’s “go down the rabbit hole” to see what some natural options are to resolve this terrible condition. First, let’s look at a potential cause suggested by researchers.
So, let’s talk briefly about the potential causes according to the present inductive model of understanding. Age may be a contributor; loud noises such as hammering, compressors, music or engines (above 80 db); ear wax accumulation can be a contributor, head injuries, ear injuries or neck injuries are known to precipitate this noise; respiratory infections may also evoke tinnitus. Then there are physical issues that can be a problem for tinnitus sufferers: diabetes, high blood pressure, middle ear infections and outer ear infections. What about lifestyle?
Alcohol consumption, very cold temperature (especially driving with the windows open), exposure to high altitudes, excessive consumption of caffeine (cola, coffee, tea, energy drinks), nicotine, aspirin or to much salt. The food we eat, vitamin or mineral deficiency can also be contributors and let’s not forget viral or bacterial infections and their byproduct: INFLAMMATION. Thus, lifestyle changes can be effective, as well as, utilization of less expensive natural intervention to aid in amelioration of tinnitus or as they say “ringing in the ears.” Secondly, let’s briefly look at some natural solutions.
Some Natural Remedies to Reduce Tinnitus
Hibiscus
Hibiscus is a safe natural flower that has been shown to lower blood pressure via antihypertensive properties, improve immune function as an antioxidant and antibacterial, and it can lower, lessen or modify tinnitus symptoms by calming the nerves. With the advent of new information, it makes sense that the perceived tinnitus sounds may actually be due to neurological issues in the brain. Some have benefitted by lowering internal stress, the accompanied anxiety or even feelings of panic that overpower the mind when tinnitus becomes unbearabable.
Hawthorne Berry
Hawthorne Berry or crataegus species are thorny shrubs and small trees. Traditional herbal medicine in the U.S. and Europe have used the leaves, flowers and berries of this medicinal plant of many years. Hawthorne is known for its tonic effects on congestive heart failure. Some extracts made from berries, leaves and flowers can provide antimicrobial, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, gastro-protective qualities and reduce panic attacks because of enhanced circulation reducing internal stress. All said, it can also help reduce tinnitus.
Japanese Cornel Dogwood
Chinese medicine practitioners have used the Japanese Cornel Dogwood to treat inner ear problems and tinnitus, as well as hearing loss. The antioxidant and astringent property of ursolic acid, the active ingredient in the fruit, works to prevent damage to the auditory nerves, limiting the effects of free radicals on lipid peroxidation. There is evidence that Cornus Off. can cleanse and protect the cells in and around the inner ear, the nerves that feed the inner ear and the brain, which has at its base the vestibulocochlear nerve, as one of the 12 cranial nerves.
A few of the more prominent remedies with highly beneficial flavonoids, terpenoids and/or phytochemicals as active ingredients are mentioned above and vitamin or mineral support. There are more herbals and nutrients: Vitamin B1, B3, B6, B12, Vit. C, Potassium, Magnesium, GABA, ginger, apple cider vinegar, garlic, onions, holy basil, Rosemary and let’s not forget Glossy Privet, Rhodiola, Mucuna Pruviens, Skullcap, Oat Straw, Bucha Leaves, Olive Leaf Extract, Juniper Berries, Uva Ursi, Green Tea, Chamomile, Ashwagandha and even more potential synergists.
Nature offers multiple ways to try and ameliorate this condition, many more than the chemical purveyors. Give it a try. One or more of these nutriceuticals or a combination thereof could be the long sought after solution for the perceived head noise. There is hope for relief!
Ted Koenen
Dr. Ted is trained in 20 or more chiropractic disciplines, plus he developed a technique based on the work of I.N. Toftness, D.C. A thirty year chiropractic veteran, he has written articles on philosophy, and he taught post graduate education. He has been effective working with ADHD, Asperger's and other neurological disorders. He is certified by American Academy of Disability Evaluating Physicians to do post injury impairment ratings for all government agencies, corporations and hospitals. He enjoys walking, kayaking and working on websites.
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