Tinnitus’ presence should not be understood as a disease, but rather as a symptom that something is not working properly in our organism. But the perception of tinnitus can become so intense and continuous that, sometimes, it reduces the ability to enjoy free time and social relationships, and can interfere with work-life, generate anxiety, irritability, mood changes and changes in sleep patterns, difficulty concentrating, depression and social isolation.
Buzzing, clicking, pulsating… Some people perceive tinnitus without an external sound stimulus. It annoying and even disabling, but there are alternatives to reduce and eliminate it.
WHY DO OUR EARS RING AND WHAT CAN WE DO ABOUT IT?
In general terms, tinnitus is usually caused by several factors: inner ear pathologies (cochlear damage, labyrinthine damage, etc.), alterations in the central nervous system, temporomandibular joint disorders, cervical problems and even emotional problems.
That is why most professionals are committed to a multidisciplinary approach. The success of the treatment lies in the joint work we do in four areas:
- Auditory: going to an otolaryngologist who can detect possible physical lesions.
- Biochemical: by taking medication (prescribed by a psychiatrist).
- Mechanical: with the help of a physiotherapist or a maxillofacial dentist to check if there is any jaw or cervical misalignment.
- Emotional: we work on the feelings involved in the appearance and development of these sounds.
Always consult with your physician the possible cause of your tinnitus to evaluate the best treatment options available to you, as well as the interactions between supplements, diet, medication, and other treatments.
EFFECTIVE NATURAL REMEDIES AND THERAPIES AGAINST TINNITUS
As a first step in the treatment of tinnitus, it is essential that the person has regulated their basic needs, i.e. eating, sleeping, varied stimulation, a minimum of physical exercise, and relaxation.
As it is a chronic condition, part of the solution lies in achieving a cognitive restructuring of the problem, so that the person understands it and, with the help of an expert psychologist, learns to take tinnitus to the subconscious. In this way, the sound will not be perceived for a large part of the time and, if it is perceived, it will not be aggressive.
Among the most commonly used techniques, we can highlight the following:
1. CHANGE OF THOUGHT
One of the most important techniques used today is the change of thought. It consists of detecting certain interpretations that provoke extremely intense emotions, difficult to manage and, thanks to the use of less negative language, the affected person focuses more on what he/she can do to feel positive emotions instead. This is especially useful in the first months dealing with tinnitus, as it becomes a habit that may improve the individual’s emotional state.
2. ACCEPTANCE AND COMMITMENT
In recent years, third-generation therapies such as Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and mindfulness have also been developed. In these cases, unlike what happens in more classical therapies, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy, the aim is not to change the content of our thoughts, but to relate to our thoughts in a more natural way.
Specifically, ACT seeks to improve the patient’s situation by accepting reality without confronting it, without reacting negatively to changes, free of any judgment, and acquiring a commitment to the emotions and thoughts that appear.
3. MINDFULNESS
Mindfulness, on the other hand, involves paying full and conscious attention to the present moment, using all five senses. The person learns to focus his attention, increases his level of relaxation, and, therefore, the time of disengagement of tinnitus.
Trying to savor pleasant daily actions (for example, the shower, the fresh morning air, a glass of water, the first sip of tea), while observing the bodily and emotional reaction they provoke, invites us to be fully aware of the moment.
4. TRADITIONAL CHINESE MEDICINE
In traditional Chinese medicine, ear symptoms are linked to the renal system. The kidneys store our ancestral energy, which we received from our parents at the time of gestation, but weakens as we grow older.
Acupuncture and moxibustion (with ginger) help in the treatment of tinnitus related to cervical disorders.
5. RELAXATION
Yoga and various deep relaxation techniques can help us to avoid muscle tension and improve symptoms. Adequate rest and the practice of tai chi and chi kung to bring energy to the upper part of the body can also help.
The worries, anticipations, ruminations, and negative thoughts that we generate throughout the day increase this psychological restlessness; in fact, when we improve the quality of our thoughts, there are automatic changes in the perception of tinnitus.
If our emotional state is positive, it is much easier for us not to focus all our attention on the sound and we are able to interpret it in a less catastrophic and dramatic way.
6. HERBS AND ROOTS
Herbal remedies have been used since remote times to treat several conditions, and many of the active ingredients in herbal concoctions are the base of modern Western medicine. Here are some of the most effective options against tinnitus.Important Note : Please be aware these are not prescriptions nor recommendations from this site. This is based on personal researches, tries and experiments based on a personal health condition and taken in certain circumstances. In any case, you must be aware of your own health condition such as allergia, and discuss with your personal doctor before consuming something you’re not familiar with.
- Ginkgo: It is the most used in cases involving circulatory problems. The leaves increase the flow of circulation in the head, for its protective, toning and vasodilator effects on the arteries. You may take 80 to 180 mg of dry extract per day, all at once or divided into two doses.
- Feverfew: It is a plant especially recommended if the noises in the ears accompany migraines or migraine headaches. Its leaves have anti-inflammatory virtues and reduce blood thickness (platelet aggregation). Some people take 500 to 1,000 mg of leaf extract, in 1 or 2 intakes.
- Ginger: Its rhizome has anti-inflammatory properties, analgesic, improves digestion, and tones the circulation. It can be a good alternative to treat tinnitus of unknown origin, for its wide range of virtues that can influence this disorder. Prepare it in an infusion of 1/2in of the rhizome, per glass of water, 1 to 3 times a day.
- Blueberries: It is an aid in disorders related to microcirculation. Its fruits protect the integrity of blood vessels and improve blood flow and cerebral oxygenation. It has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant virtues. It is advisable to take between 60 and 200 mg of extract of the berries per day, in 1 or 2 intakes.
- Perilla: Also called beefsteak plant, it is commonly indicated for people with allergies, with a tendency to sinusitis or who accumulate mucus in the ears. Its leaves have a powerful antihistamine effect and promote the drainage of mucus, reducing pressure. It is prepared in a decoction of its leaves (1 tablespoon per glass) 1 to 3 times a day.
7. THE RIGHT NUTRITION TO PROMOTE SILENCE
During the night, we secrete melatonin, a hormone that helps us regulate our sleep cycles. However, with an altered emotional state, the amount we generate decreases. It is therefore advisable to take a supplement that promotes the secretion of melatonin because being rested helps to reduce the perception of tinnitus.
Foods rich in magnesium, melatonin, Ginkgo Biloba, and vitamin B, and compounds of magnesium, zinc and vitamins A, B and D can help.
If you have a lot of nervous tension, you can take relaxing plants such as passionflower, valerian, orange blossom and lemon balm.
Consume foods such as oats, whole grains, watercress, alfalfa, dates, bananas, carrots, beets, celery, sunflower seeds and pumpkin seeds. These foods are rich in tryptophan, a protector of the central nervous system that enhances good mood and helps to avoid anxiety states.
8. THE RIGHT SUPPLEMENT
When your regular diet does not suffice to provide you with the macronutrients and micronutrients needed to alleviate tinnitus, the intake of supplements is highly advisable. One of the best natural supplements to deal with tinnitus brings together a powerful mix of herbs and ingredients that have been carefully studied and work in synergy to bring powerful health benefits to your brain and hearing. Besides dealing with the main culprits of tinnitus, these supplements will
- Support Your Hearing, Memory, and Focus
- Support the Communication Between Your Cells to Minimize Signs of Brain Fatigue
- Support Perception of Senses and Sounds
- Transform Your Life With Clear Thinking and Hearing
Ingredients are of the best quality available worldwide, and the precious formula is carefully crafted at a GMP certified facility. The first ingredient is one of the 230 existent species of hibiscus, proven effective to help calm the nervous system. Its combination with Hawthorn Berry, Garlic, and specific B-Vitamins is designed to support and maintain the health of your brain. These powerful ingredients are then combined with Rosemary, Magnesium, and Potassium, which gives these supplements everything you need to calm the buzzing in your ears.
9. WHAT SUBSTANCES TO AVOID
Monosodium glutamate (commonly known as MSG), widely used in Asian cuisine, can intensify the perception of tinnitus. It may be hidden in spices, broths, and sauces – avoid it!
Certain drugs increase the intensity of tinnitus in those who suffer from it and even cause it to appear in people who do not suffer from it. These include acetylsalicylic acid (aspirin) and drugs used in chemotherapy (from platinum).