A report published in the journal Frontiers in Neurology states: Tinnitus is one of the most common somatic symptoms affecting humanity. In Latin, the word tinnire means to sound. What exactly is tinnitus and what could be the cause of the strange sounds or sensations felt in the ears?
Most experts refer to tinnitus as a condition that causes ringing in the ears; however, other abnormal sounds and sensations can also be attributed to tinnitus. Some describe this condition as sounds heard in the ears when no external sound is present. Although tinnitus is a significant problem for only about 1% to 5% of the population, it is believed that up to 10% to 15% of all children and adults experience ringing in the ears at least occasionally.
Adults of older age, individuals who smoke or use drugs, and those with a history of ear infections or cardiovascular diseases are at the highest risk of developing tinnitus. Most experts believe that it is not a disorder in itself, but rather a symptom of another underlying disorder affecting auditory sensations and the nerves near the ears. However, there are treatment options available for tinnitus symptoms.
For many, the symptoms of tinnitus develop gradually and eventually fade as the brain and ears adapt. However, for others, tinnitus can last for years and may cause various complications. A large percentage of people with persistent and untreatable tinnitus develop anxiety or depression.
Natural Treatment for Tinnitus
Most cases of tinnitus are, unfortunately, considered difficult to treat, and sometimes severe tinnitus cannot be treated at all when permanent and irreversible damage to the ears or nerves has occurred. That said, many patients find that natural methods for treating tinnitus and coping strategies are very helpful. Here are five of these treatment options for tinnitus:
1. Masking Devices
Masking devices and hearing aids can serve as sound therapies and can be used to reduce the intensity of unwanted sounds or to increase the volume of soft, ambient sounds that mask the annoying noise of tinnitus.
Some people choose to use a white noise machine, apps on their phones, or videos on computers to help them sleep, relax, or concentrate. There are also electronic devices available that can help suppress unwanted noises and assist in the treatment of tinnitus. Tinnitus treatment devices to improve hearing and reduce disturbing sounds include:
- White noise machines or sleep aids
- Masking devices worn in the ears, similar to earplugs or hearing aids
- Certain hearing aids that your doctor may recommend and that are custom-fitted to your ears
- Free apps on your phone that play soothing sounds, such as rain, forests, or ocean waves. These can also function as natural sleep aids.
- Using natural noise sources, such as fans, humidifiers, dehumidifiers, and air conditioning units
2. Avoid Loud Noises
It has been found that exposure to loud noises can contribute to early hearing loss and ear problems.
Sounds below 75 decibels (even with prolonged exposure) are unlikely to cause hearing problems or tinnitus, but those above 85 decibels can lead to hearing loss and ear issues. To give you an idea of how loud that is: a refrigerator is about 45 decibels, while a jet engine is about 150 decibels.
Technology and portable music devices also contribute to noise pollution, especially among young people. Keep the volume of your phone and players at a lower level when listening to music and avoid playing very loud sounds for extended periods. To help treat tinnitus, pay attention to changes in your hearing ability if you are frequently exposed to loud noises, limit the use of headphones, or consider using earplugs.
3. Do Not Use Cotton Swabs in the Ears
Many people try to clean the natural earwax from their ears using cotton swabs, but this can actually contribute to wax blockage, ear infections, and ear damage. Earwax protects the ear canal by trapping dirt and bacteria, so let it do its job.
To avoid irritation or damage to the inner ear, do not insert anything into the ear canal. This can actually make treating tinnitus more difficult. If you have excessive wax, talk to a doctor about safe removal so that the wax does not accumulate and become too difficult to eliminate.
4. Avoid Excessive Use of Medications or Alcohol
Research shows that some medications, even over-the-counter pain relievers, can worsen tinnitus. The use of recreational drugs (especially during pregnancy, which can affect the fetus’s nerves), smoking, and excessive alcohol consumption are linked to tinnitus.
Discuss with your doctor about changing medications, reducing dosages, or finding alternative ways to manage any conditions you may have. Medications that can contribute to ear damage and cause tinnitus include:
- Antibiotics: polymyxin B, erythromycin, vancomycin, and neomycin
- Cancer medications: mechlorethamine and vincristine
- Diuretics: bumetanide, ethacrynic acid, or furosemide
- Quinine medications
- Some antidepressants
- Aspirin when taken in high doses
5. Reduce Inflammation and Chronic Stress
Stress and high levels of inflammation seem to increase the risk of ear problems, including ear infections, hearing loss, and vertigo. Additionally, stress can exacerbate tinnitus symptoms by changing the way the brain reacts to the sounds it hears.
Research on the use of cognitive-behavioral therapy for tinnitus shows that tolerance to tinnitus can be facilitated by reducing levels of arousal in the autonomic nervous system, changing the emotional significance of tinnitus, and reducing other stressors. There is some overlap between anxiety and tinnitus due to an association between the subcortical brain networks involved in hearing sounds, attention, stress, and memory functions.
A poor diet, a sedentary lifestyle, lack of sleep, and chronic stress can all reduce immunity and make you susceptible to nerve damage, allergies, and ear problems. If you frequently struggle with seasonal or food allergies that affect your ears, ear infections, swelling, and other issues related to vestibular system damage, consider changing your diet, exercise routine, and stress management techniques, which in turn will help you in treating tinnitus. Try natural remedies for stress relief, such as exercise, yoga, meditation, warm baths, essential oils, and spend more time outdoors while eating an anti-inflammatory diet.
