Tinnitus is the perception of Sound when no actual External Noise is present. While it is commonly referred to as “Ringing in the Ears,” Tinnitus can manifest many different perceptions of sound, including Buzzing, Whooshing, Swooshing and Clicking. Sometimes people with Tinnitus report hearing Music. Only the person who has Tinnitus can hear it, so it is a subjective noise.
A common cause of Tinnitus is inner Ear Cell Damage. Tiny, delicate hairs in your inner ear move in relation to the pressure of sound waves. This triggers ear cells to release an electrical signal through a nerve from your ear (auditory nerve) to your brain. The brain interprets these signals as sound. If the hairs in the inner ear are bent or broken, they can ‘Leak’ random electrical impulses to the brain, causing Tinnitus. Other causes are age related hearing loss, exposure to loud noises, earwax and head or neck injuries.
As you can imagine, it is very frustrating to have this constant buzz in your ear and can leave you having trouble concentrating, anxious, depressed, and tired especially if you cannot sleep with the constant sound.
I do hope these Home Remedies help to cope with Tinnitus. It is something that can take a long time to cure. This will hopefully help you care for it and reduce your symptoms.
Non-dietary Remedies:
- Mindfulness Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT) : Mindfulness is the technique of bringing all our awareness to the here or now, focusing on the breath or on our bodily sensations. When we act with full awareness, our actions are more likely to achieve what we intend. This technique can help us cope with & alleviate symptoms, reduce psychological distress & anxiety linked to the disorder.
- Cranial Therapy : This is a gentle manipulative technique performed by Osteopaths. The technique takes the pressure or irritation off the auditory nerves.
- Quit Smoking : Smoking makes Tinnitus worse in two ways :- It harms blood flow to the sensitive nerve cells that controls your hearing. It also acts as a stimulant in the body, which can make the ringing in your ears sound louder.
- Relaxation : A minimum 15 minutes of Yoga, Meditation, Guided Imagery and Tai-chi are effective in treating Tinnitus. AVOID Stress and Anxiety at all costs.
- Sleep : Fatigue often makes symptoms worse and the body just doesn’t repair. If Tinnitus keeps you from sleeping well, this can become a vicious cycle. Relax before bedtime and make a habit of going to bed at the same time daily.
- Exercise : Exercise is a mood booster and can lower your Stress, improve your Sleep and fight Depression.
- Distract yourself : Keep yourself distracted with work and favourite activities and try not to notice the buzzing and ringing. Learn which coping techniques work for you and practice them regularly.
- Hypnotherapy and Acupuncture : These remedies have been proved to be very effective in helping Tinnitus sufferers. When used in conjunction with other modalities as mentioned in the blog, approximately 90 % get substantial relief.
Dietary Remedies :
- Bananas : Tinnitus is caused by a buildup of fluid in the ears. To get rid of the fluid for relief, Bananas being a rich source of Potassium can regulate the flow of fluids through the body. If Bananas are disliked then Yogurt, Spinach and Sweet Potatoes are excellent.
- Pineapples : Pineapples contain Bromelain and help reduce Inflammation in the inner ear. Less swelling in the ears can help lessen the effects of Tinnitus.
- B12 and Zinc Deficiencies : It can increase the symptoms of Tinnitus. Foods high in B12 include Fatty Fish, Salmon, Mackerel and Red Meat. Zinc rich foods include Chicken, Yogurt and Cashews.
- Alcohol : Reduce alcohol as it increases the flow of your blood by dilating your blood vessels, causing greater blood flow especially in the inner ear area.
- Processed Foods : They contain excess Salt and Sugar and sometimes MSG. Most contain preservatives. These should be avoided generally and especially for people suffering from Tinnitus as they result in poor blood flow to the ears.
- Gingko Biloba : I do not normally recommend supplements, but my husband having experienced it for his Tinnitus and the fact that it has helped him, is the reason I am mentioning it. However, he was fortunate it helped him as it may not suit everyone. It basically improves the blood flow.
- Apple Cider Vinegar : Another alkalinising drink, but the vinegar must have the mother tincture in it. Mother is the fine sediment in the vinegar and is there because the vinegar has not been filtered. It is best to be taken on an empty stomach 3 times a day, before meals.
However, all these treatments take a long time to work. Patience and faith are definitely required.
Note : Tinnitus is a sign of Inflammation so please read the blog on Inflammation in conjunction with this.
All the best and Happy Healing from Naturally Dimpi!