Top 15 Causes and Treatments of Tinnitus

 

Salvador is a truck driver in his mid-thirties who rides his bike to my office.  He came to see me for a skin condition, but noted that he was unable to work because of “screaming” in his ears.  We had his hearing tested and he was normal in all ways.  Legally, he was able to continue his work, but felt so distracted by the noise that he didn’t feel safe behind the wheel.

In Latin, tinnire means “to ring,” as in ringing a bell. Tinnitus is the medical term for hearing noise when no external sound exists.

• It can be ringing, hissing, clicking, or any sort of noise.
• It may be intermittent or constant, mild or severe in intensity; sometimes it is so deafening the individual may hear nothing else.
• It can vary from a low roar or throbbing to a high-pitch sound. It may be subjective, audible only to the patient, or objective which is audible to others.
• It may or may not be associated with a hearing impairment. It affects 1 in 5 people worldwide, and as much as 1/3 of those over 65.

Tinnitus isn’t a disease; it’s a symptom that has multiple causes.

What causes Tinnitus?

These first causes are actually less common, but often need help from a doctor to diagnose and treat.

1. Meniere’s disease

Meniere’s disease is a problem with the inner ear that seems to be related to the fluid in the inner ear.  Both sides are affected with tinnitus that people often describe as “a freight train going through my head.”  It is always associated with vertigo or dizziness.

2. Otosclerosis

Stiffening of the bones in the middle ear can cause intermittent sounds and diminish hearing.

3. Eardrum

A hole in or a rupture of the eardrum sometimes causes unusual noises like wind blowing.

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4. Hearing loss

Anything that reduces the hearing can increase the perception of tinnitus.  The following give a 30% hearing loss that causes a relative amplification of tinnitus.

• Excess wax
• A foreign body in the ear canal
• Fluid in the middle ear
• Damage to the “ear bones”

5. Tumors

One woman came to my office with tinnitus, hearing loss and dizziness on one side only.  She had been to an ear specialist who told her it was nothing and her HMO wouldn’t pay for an MRI.  She had been getting worse over several years so I ordered a brain scan, which she had to pay for!  “Why did I even get insurance?!” she questioned.  Sure enough, she had a tumor in her inner ear, which was subsequently removed. But, it was too late to save her hearing; she has permanent deafness and tinnitus on the right side.  Auditory canal tumors called “Acoustic Neuromas” are benign growths that press against the auditory nerve.  Though they are rare, they must be considered early to prevent deafness and permanent damage.

6. Arterial disease

Clogged arteries of the head and neck may diminish the supply of oxygen to the nerves of the inner ear or brain.

7. Hormones

One adrenal hormone in particular, aldosterone, is associated with changes in the sodium/potassium balance and may cause hearing loss and tinnitus.

The next tinnitus causes are much more common. Doctors generally don’t learn how to diagnose them and there are no orthodox medical treatments that work.

8. Noise

Exposure to noise is a very common cause of tinnitus.  Ironically, the “Beatnicks” of the 1960s that went to Woodstock and other rock concerts still have their hearing, while those who went to Vietnam suffer more from tinnitus and hearing loss.  This is because listening to loud music causes a muscle in the middle ear to dampen the noise, whereas sudden shocks like explosions or gunshots reach the very sensitive inner ear undiminished, damaging the cochlea, or hearing apparatus.

9. Brain

It seems now that most tinnitus associated with aging comes from the brain and not the ear.  This may be due to “mini-strokes,” degeneration of the brain, or lack of circulation.

10. Medications

Aspirin, quinine, many antibiotics and anti-inflammatory drugs can affect inner ear cells.  This is a common cause of tinnitus and is not known to be reversible.

11. Toxins

Lead, mercury, and other toxins inhibit energy production in the nerves which may bring out any weakness, such as tinnitus – making it worse.

12. Deficiency

Those who are lacking in nutrients such as zinc, or B-vitamins may worsen tinnitus for the same reason toxins do.

13. Inflammation

Viral infections, allergies, as well as non-specific inflammation in the outer, middle, or inner ear often cause tinnitus, sometimes associated with dizziness.

14. TMJ

Disorders of the jaw joint may result in clicking or grating noises with chewing, talking or moving the jaw.

15. Food

Certain foods may trigger tinnitus and can make it worse in some people:

• Red wine
• Alcohol
• Cheese
• Chocolate
• Tonic water
• Fat
• Sodium

16. Stress

Stress is not a direct cause of tinnitus, but it can make an already existing case worse.

Home Cures for Tinnitus

Unless you have a physical abnormality like a ruptured eardrum, acoustic neuroma, or otosclerosis, there are no good medical or surgical treatments for tinnitus.  There is an apparatus with earphones to mask the noise.  This can be adjusted both in intensity and tone to cover up the tinnitus, but it doesn’t really solve the problem.

Therefore, “alternative” treatments are all that exist for pure tinnitus.  Since there are so many different causes of ringing in the ears, often it takes a lot of trial and error.  Looking through the list and finding the cause can really help you decide where to start for treatment.  Remember that because a specific treatment is recommended doesn’t mean it will work.  If you have tried something correctly for more than 2 weeks and don’t notice any difference, it’s a good bet it won’t ever help.  It’s time to try something else!

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Minerals

Magnesium 400 mg twice per day, and zinc 20 mg twice per day.

Vitamins

Take B vitamins – B-100 three times per day for one month.  Also, take 300 mg a day of Coenzyme Q10. This powerful antioxidant is crucial in the effectiveness of the immune system and the circulation to the ears.

Herbal preparations

Follow the directions on the label for Ginkgo biloba, Bayberry bark, burdock root, goldenseal, hawthorn leaf and flower and myrrh gum.  Ginkgo biloba is especially useful because it helps to reduce dizziness and improve hearing loss related to reduced blood flow to the ears.

Diet

A 10-day cleanse followed by a low sugar diet is an amazingly simple and effective way to heal nerve damage.  This is especially good for “loud noises” or “Brain” problems noted above.  It is also a good start in helping reverse “arterial disease.”

During the cleanse take 2 tablespoons of coconut oil. The coconut oil is made into “ketone bodies” that repair nerves.

After the cleanse, continue to avoid sugars and stimulants such as caffeine, MSG, and artificial sweeteners.  Also, avoid aspirin and other drugs that are “ototoxic” or damaging to the ears.  Eat whole foods, rich in organic vegetables such as kale, broccoli, spinach, and carrots.   Include in your diet plenty of garlic, kelp and sea vegetables.   Also, eat fresh pineapple frequently to reduce inflammation.

Other Tinnitus Treatments to Consider

Acupuncture

This can improve blood flow.  It is especially good for TMJ.

Cranio-sacral therapy

I have seen this work wonders. It’s definitely worth a try.

Magnets

Some use magnet therapy on an ongoing basis to diminish tinnitus.

Hyperbaric oxygen

Those who have circulation or oxygen problems either in the brain or inner ear will have dramatic improvement within the first 5 treatments.

Hypnosis

Hypnosis can improve the subjective problem of tinnitus.

Homeopathic remedies

You may need a good homeopathic doctor to prescribe what is needed for your specific cause to this tinnitus problem.

Tinnitus Can Get Better

If these treatments don’t work, it would be a good idea to see an ear doctor and be sure there are no physical abnormalities.  This is especially true if you have increasing symptoms, pain, dizziness or hearing loss.

Salvador had a rocky course trying multiple treatments over several years.  Finally, he found he had heavy metal toxicity.  Out of all the treatments he tried, only chelation of heavy metals improved his condition.  This gives you an idea of how tricky this particular tinnitus symptom can be to diagnose and treat.  Don’t give up, though, because it can get better.

What have you found that relieves the symptoms of tinnitus or take it away all together?