Tinnitus Syndrome
Do You Have Ringing and Noise In Your Ears?
“My ears whistle and buzz continually day and night.
I can say I am living a wretched life.”
- Beethovan
Symptoms of Tinnitus
Symptoms of Tinnitus include noises in one or both ears that sound like a whistle, whir, roar, click, whoosh or ringing. They may be hard to hear except when you are in a quiet room or as loud as a lawn mower, making it impossible to understand what others are saying around you and to you. It can be episodic (come and go) or be apart of every waking and sleeping moment. In fact, it disturbs sleep for those whose Tinnitus is louder. There may be a feeling of pressure or fullness in the side of the face or head. That ear may feel as though it is under water, which may or may not be related to excess water in the inner ear. With pulsatile Tinnitus, ear noise pulsates along with your heart beat.These noises and feelings of pressure can make one feel off balance, slightly dizzy and very short of patience.
When associated with Meniere's Syndrome, one can experience vertigo as well. It is not uncommon to find that Tinnitus causes Depression, as you are not able to get away to seek peace and quiet, ever.
Tinnitus usually starts episodically, meaning it comes and goes. Each time it returns it seems to come back worse than the time before until, finally, it stays. I have read that it can go away, but have never spoken to anyone with this experience to find out what they did or did not do to make it so.
Possible Causes of Tinnitus
Hearing Loss, Inner Ear Hair Cell Disruption (broken or bent fine hairs of the inner ear, which can cannot hold their electrical charge and leak random electrical impulses to the brain as noise), Lack of ATP (more information at the bottom of this page), Auditory Nerve Damage, Candida, Fibromyalgia, Diseases or Misalignments of the Spine (Arthritis, Trauma or Injury can cause turbulent blood flow to the inner ear, caused by a pinching or kinking of a carotid artery or jugular vein, which can cause 'head' noise), placques in the arteries, Damage to the 8th Cranial Nerve, Head/Neck Tumors (rare), TMJ, Blocked Eustachian Tube (see below), Otosclerosis (stiffening of the middle ear bones), A-V Malformation ( a malformation of the connections between arteries and veins, which causes 'head' noise), a high level of Homocysteine in the blood (leads to deafness), Allergies, Fluoride, Impacted Ear Wax, MSG (monosodium-glutamate), Aspirin, and other otoxic drugs (NSAIDs), Caffeine, Marijuana, Salicylates (such as aspirin, some foods, drugs and the herb 'Willow Bark'), Blood circulation problems, Stress, Menopause (women) and Andropause (men). Troubles with pH balance affecting blood (and brain) chemistry and Sleep Apnea.
Aldosterone is a type of hormone that regulates electrolytes (minerals such as sodium and potassium) in the body. This helps to maintain healthy levels of body fluids and blood pressure. In case studies, those with Tinnitus have been shown to have lowered Aldosterone levels.
I have read that low serotonin levels may cause Tinnitus, although I did not quite follow the author's reasoning. Low serotonin levels do cause 'depression' in some cases (not all)and it may be related that way. Depression is often listed as a cause for Tinnitus, and is known to make Tinnitus symptoms worse. Yet, anyone with Tinnitus may be prone to depression simply from the stress of having to listen to 'inner' noise all of the time. It's kind of 'the chicken and the egg' when it comes to these two.
Fibromyalgia may cause Tinnitus due to the brain stem not functioning properly (as a result of tension and stress), which makes Tinnitus/Meneire's worse and may be the cause for it as well.
Scientists only recently have come to believe Tinnitus is caused by a nerve malfunction in the brain and not in the ear. Researchers, in Buffalo, NY, have pinpointed exact areas of the brain responsible for ringing in the ears.
May 5th: Just In! Sleep Apnea & Tinnitus!
More and more Sleep Apnea sufferers are saying that they are plagued with ear and head noise while trying to sleep. They also report that their Tinnitus is increased dramatically the mornings after having trouble breathing the night before. This is leading doctors to believe that Tinnitus may have something to due with decreased oxygen levels to the inner ear. The inner ear is especially sensitive to fluctuations in oxygen and cannot send proper signals to the brain for interpretation without it. With the ears being so sensitive to oxygen levels, it is possible that this may be the cause of Tinnitus in those with Sleep Apnea, whose oxygen levels drop during sleeping periods when there is cessation of breathing. If you have ringing in your ears primarily at night, which is worse in the morning and then subsides during the day, Sleep Apnea may be suspect.
Tinnitus Related to the CNS
Not only is Tinnitus a symptom of neurotologic disease related to possible hearing loss, vertigo or pressure symptoms in the ear, but Tinnitus may be related to problems in the Central Nervous System and occur completely alone! Because the function of the auditory (hearing) nerve is to carry sound, it produces noise when irritated from any cause. Tinnitus may be produced in one or more locations. These locations are referred to as 'site of lesion'. There may be one or more 'lesions'. Basically, a 'peripheral site of lesion' extends up to the brain stem, but does not involve it. A 'central site of lesion' begins at the brainstem and involves other portions of the central nervous system. The Central Nervous system is run by the brain.
Stress can cause or make Tinnitus worse when emotional tension causes the tiny tensor tympani or stapedius muscle to spasm within the ear cavity. Some disorders that Tinnitus sufferers share are traumatic events (death of a loved one, serious accidents, etc.).
Spiritual/Psychological cause: There is something you do not want to hear (perhaps your own inner voice), or be bothered with. As a result, you are covering it up with noise or going deaf to avoid it. Either way, you are not wanting to listen. What is it?
Tinnitus: A Brain Disorder?
It is now known that Tinnitus can be a result of imbalances in the hearing center of the brain. Pain, stress, anxiety (and results of poor nutrition) burn the amino acids and minerals the body needs for proper functioning. The result is high acid levels in the body, including the brain. Brain acidity creates chemical imbalances (blood chemistry problems) that results in Parkinson's, Epilepsy, Alzheimer's, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder and more. It is now known it can also cause a misfiring in the hearing centers of the brain!
The brain requires high levels of energy. When there is too much acid in the blood stream, the passage of glucose (blood sugars for energy) is impaired causing confusion, brain fog and the inability for the brain to neutralize acids. Acids build up in the brain and are often carried elsewhere in the body and deposited. This waste in the brain causes the brain not to function properly. As diseased brain cells die, they break down and create more acid! Genetic defects and brain injuries may also cause the brain not to neutralize acids. When brain fluids become too acidic, the brain's tissues begin to absorb the acids.
Fear, Anxiety and Depression are all symptoms of brain disorder, which causes the adrenal glands to release cortisol (another hormone), which further increases blood acidity, destroys brain cells and brain energy. Acid waste inflames the neurons (nerves) causing illness. The resulting disease is dependent on which part of the brain is inflamed. In the case of Tinnitus, it is the hearing center of the brain that is affected! Studies show an excess of 'limbic' firing in the brain as a cause, or result, of Tinnitus.
Studies show that external sounds presented to one ear at a time caused the auditory cortex (hearing centers), both left and right, to react on both sides. But when there are internal sounds (Tinnitus) being heard by the client, it shows only one side reacting (the opposite side) reacting, which suggests poor brain activity, nerve malfunction in the brain.
The good news is that scientists now realize the brain can repair itself, at any time, regardless of genetics, trauma or illness!
In utilizing stress reduction techniques and supplements (such as combinations of GABA, Glutamine and Glycine, which are inhibitory neurotransmitters) one can learn to control this excess firing. Malic Acid also helps to detoxify tissues (especially helpful with aluminum toxicity) and increases energy production in cells of the entire body. B Vitamins help to repair nerves. For B supplement suggestions, see below.
Homecysteine...what you need to know.
Homocysteine is the result of the breakdown of the sulfur containing amino acid, methionine, in the blood. Amino acids come from proteins. When levels of homocysteine become too high they can cause nerve damage to the ears and other parts of the body. This nerve damage can cause nerve deafness, which leads to ear noise and ringing. It can also cause venous clots (clots in veins) and as a result, be a cause for heart attack and stroke. You do not have to have high cholesterol or high blood pressure to suffer this condition! These vein clots, termed Venous Hum or Pulsatile Tinnitus, can be caused by higher than normal homocysteine levels. Narrowing of a vein or blood vessel can cause turbulent blood flow to the ear.
1 in 100 people are born with a genetic defect that causes high homocysteine levels, but in the majority of cases, it is the acid forming diet at fault. Supplementing the diet with Folic Acid and B12 will stop these high levels of homocysteine and prevent further damage. However, depending on the severity of the damage done already, it may not be able to reverse it. I remain hopeful that with supplements and the correct foods (fresh fruits and vegetables, such as spinach, broccoli, kale and chard), hearing can be restored in the majority of cases.
In 47% of all cases of Tinnitus sufferers, Vitamin B12 is recorded as being deficient. Not eating foods with a balance of Bs, or not taking a combination of B vitamins, can cause deficiencies in B12. Another reason for B12 deficiency is gastric atrophy (damage to the stomach lining) that often comes with age. Tinnitus is primarily an over 40 dis-ease, although younger people are now suffering from it as well. Gastric atrophy prevents vitamins from being absorbed. For this reason, those over 50 years old should take 1 mg (800-1000 mcg) of Folic Acid per day and 25-100 mcg of B12 per day. Folic Acid is quite effective at reducing homocysteine levels within one month of use. B vitamins also repair nerve sheaths and there are millions of tiny nerves in the middle ear. It would not hurt to take B6 as well, as it works synergistically with both the others. B vitamins are water-soluble and will not become toxic in the system. What is not used will be excreted through the urine in a very exciting shade of yellow!
Do You Have Eustachian Tube Dysfunction?
Symptoms of ETD can include:
Dizziness.
Hearing loss.
Feeling of fullness or clogging in the ear.
Symptoms cannot be relieved by swallowing, yawning, or chewing.
Pain if the blockage results in an infection.
Discomfort or pain in the ear.
Ringing in the ear!
For more information visit 'Earpopper'.
(see 'Allergies' below)
Tinnitus As It Relates To Menopause
Tinnitus may (or may not) be completely related to Menopause. It is not completely understood if it is more an age related syndrome or one related to hormonal changes. It appears there is growing evidence (studies) that show Tinnitus is related to a shift in hormones (which affect the brain), as well as age, and it has been proven that those pregnant, or having had hysterectomies, have greater incidence of the onslaught of Tinnitus, or the worsening of it, during and after these experiences.
Nocturnal Noise Surges
Some individuals with Tinnitus report startling noise 'surges' while trying to fall asleep. These noise surges may accompany sleep jerks (muscles jumping as they relax), occur simultaneously upon hearing an outside noise, such as a heater clicking on. Sometimes the Tinnitus noise surges as the individual feels a sudden surge of wakefulness or feels a menopausal hotflash coming on. The key player, when it comes to hotflashes are the Adrenal Glands, which regulate hormones and send out pulses of adrenalin when startled. Are these the pulses that trigger Tinnitus? Tinnitus may well be closer related to Adrenal Burnout than anything else!
Furthermore, those suffering from Tinnitus have more activity in the 'limbic' system, which is the center of emotions and the 'autonomic' system, which deals with stress, which brings us back, once more, to the Adrenals.
Current 'Treatments' for Tinnitus
There are over 50 billion Americans affected with Tinnitus. Of these, about 12 billion have Tinnitus severe enough to seek medical attention. Of these, 2 billion are disabled. I have read that up to 400 billion people are affected worldwide.
Because there are so many possible causes of Tinnitus, I have taken extra time in studying the most popular remedies. And, as a result, the Tinnitus page is the most lengthy and in depth.
Important First Steps. Cutting Back!
Limit caffeine to no more than 3 cups of tea or coffee per day. It impairs circulation to the brain. Watch symptoms after drinking alcohol (especially red wine or grain based spirits). These can increase the speed or pressure of your blood, which can cause Tinnitus. Follow the Hydrops Diet as outlined below.
The Hydrops Diet
Try to avoid the following items. It won't be easy, but is living with Tinnitus easy? You could try to cut one item out for a period of at least 3 weeks. See if it makes a difference. Maybe it won't. But if it could get rid of the noise, wouldn't it be worth it? Also, it takes 21 days to break a habit, so if you kick one of these items in the process, ask yourself if you really want to go back to it. There are many other health advantages to eliminating, or at least greatly reducing, these items. All of these reduce your energy level and cause dis-ease if not used in moderation.
Nicotine - Constricts blood vessels and decreases blood supply to the inner ear.
Salt - Causes high blood pressure, putting pressure on the inner ear as well.
Sugar - Affects the concentration of substances in the ear.
Caffeine - Causes Tinitus ringing to become louder.
Milk - Creates symptoms due to allergy.
MSG - Causes Tinnitus & Meniere's Syndrome.
Allergies ...
may be forthcoming from foods, pollens, pet dander, dust mites, house-hold molds, or drug/chemical allergies. Cat saliva (the proteins in it) and dust mites rate high on the list for household allergens. Allergies are a cause of Pulsatile Tinnitus.
Allergies can cause the Eustachian tubes not to function correctly. Normally, the Eustachian tubes open frequently and widely enough to equalize changes in air pressure. If for some reason your tubes are 'sticky', you could suffer from ear popping noises, vibrations, fullness of the ear and decreased hearing ability. It can cause Tinnitus and balance problems. Sometimes Eustachian tubes are too tiny for your own ears and can't open wide enough to drain all the yuck out (mucous, wastes, etc.) and to balance the air flow (pressure) between your insides and the outside environment.
Colds can cause the same problem with Eustachian tubes. If you have a stuffy nose, you probably also have stuffy ears.
A decongestant by mouth or nasal spray acts to shrink the membranes lining the nose and throat, allowing ears to equalize. Allergy evaluation can be beneficial in helping one to know what products to use.
Avoid Possible Food Allergens
Chocolate, ice cream, foods that are or contain molds (such as cheese), MSG, Nitrates, hot spices, red wine, vinegar, soy, honey, very ripe bananas, avocados and citrus fruit are possible allergens and may cause Tinnitus. Stop using one of these foods for 2 weeks and then slowly return it to your diet. Then choose another food and do the same until you have gone through your list. It may take awhile, but if you find your cause you are cured! Do the same for caffeine, nicotine and alcohol (all mentioned above), although you would be better off 'health-wise' in continuing to eliminate these from your diet. Moderate use is OK. Be aware of the cleaning products you use in your home or office and any increased symptoms during the week you used them.
The following is a list of foods that stimulate histamines (runny eyes, cough, sneezing, fluid build up in the inner ear, congestion, hives, etc.).
Apples, Beets, Beet greens, Black berries, Black tea, Blue Berries, Collard greens, Concord grapes, Chard, Chocolate, Eggplant, Green beans, Parsley, Pecans, Peanuts, Rhubarb, Spinach, Strawberries, Wheat germ.
There are certain combinations of foods that can cause allergic reaction.
Milk & Chocolate
Chocolate & Coffee
Wheat/Tea
Egg/Apple
Beef & Yeast
Pay attention to the weather. Some people have more problems in damp weather (especially those with arthritis related Tinnitus) and pollen counts (for allergy related Tinnitus). Check for signs of mold in your home. Could you have an allergy to your pet, or your pet products?
Are you using prescription drugs? There is a list (which I have) of Tinnitus causing prescriptionand over-the-counter drugs.
Avoid Fluoride Toothpastes. Use all natural toothpastes instead, or use Baking soda.
Avoid products, such as aspirin, containing Salicylates. Salicylates stimulate blood flow, which may be an issue for those with Tinnitus.
What Foods Contain 'aspirin-like' Salicylates?
Almonds, Apples, Apricots, Blackberries, Cherries, Cucumbers, Pickles, Currants, Boysenberries, Gooseberries, Raisins, Nectarines, Oranges, Peaches, Grapes, Plums or Prunes, Raspberries, Strawberries, Tomato, the White Willow Bark herb.
13 mangos = 1000 mg of aspirin
Do not use the herb, White Willow Bark if you have Tinnitus or are allergic to Aspirin! It contains Salicin. The body metabolizes it to form salicylic acid (like aspirin), which can be a cause of Tinnitus. If you are not restricted from salicylates, White Willow Bark is an excellent pain reliever!
Avoid keeping the neck in a hyper-extended position, such as when bike-riding. This position creates pressure, and sometimes pinching, of the major nerves of the spinal cord, which can affect the nerves of the inner ear, especially if you already have bone or nerve damage. Take note as to whether your symptoms are worse after heavy lifting or strenuous body movement.
Poor posture may be a reason for Tinnitus (see exercises below). Purchasing a good bed mattress set may also help correct posture while you are sleeping.
Avoid sitting in one position for too long a period of time.
Tinnitus is, and is not, caused by stress, as already mentioned above. Even though stress may not have been what caused your Tinnitus, it does affect it by making it worse and can make previously unnoticed symptoms completely intolerable. If you are under stress (death of a loved one, marital or financial problems or other psychological issues, etc.) you may first want to try using some of the products more suited to helping with stress. Relaxation & Meditation, Exercise (try dancing in your living-room to music you like), Biofeedback, Massage, Reiki, Acupuncture, Hypnosis, Electrical Stimulation may also help.
If you feel your Tinnitus may be caused by poor circulation or 'stuffiness" of the muscles surrounding the ears, try rubbing Tiger Balm (natural deep-heat rub) behind your ears. The heat encourages circulation and massage, in downward strokes, sometimes relieves stuffiness.
Tinnitus is often associated with headache and memory problems. Many people do not realize that these symptoms are connected. Therefore, it is important to examine underlying causes for these other two (headache and memory loss) as it may reveal the cause of Tinnitus as well.
Supplements for Tinnitus
The most popular products for Tinnitus relief are Gingko (circulation), Zinc (repair), B-Vitamins (to repair the sheath over irritated nerves) and Garlic (for infection and cleansing). The following is a formula you might try in divided (AM - PM) doses.
Gingko 40 mg (at least 24% flavone glycosides)
x 3 per day for a total of 120 mg, or as directed or...
(Do not take Gingko if you are on blood thinners!)
Quercitin with Vitamin C & Bromelain by Solar Ray (great for allergies!)
Magnesium - 500 mg per day in two doses.
Zinc - 15 mg 2 x per day day (not more than 40 mg per day)
B12 - 100-1000 mcg, with Folic Acid - 400-1000 mcg.
B6 - 50 mg x 3per day
It is easiest to take a B-Complex vitamin to get these three in. You can use B-Vitamins long term, as long as you take a complex and not an individual B.)
Optional: Garlic 2 x per day for a total of 300 - 600 mg per day.
(Only necessary if you think you may have ear infection. If you have cholesterol or high blood pressure, please consult your doctor first.)
It may take 2 - 9 weeks to notice a difference, depending on your symptoms and length of time you have experienced them.
Tinnitus Products
In most Tinnitus products, the first set of ingredients, are herbs that help to curb problems with Blood Circulation, High Blood Pressure and High Cholesterol. These are diseases of the circulatory system. If you have not been diagnosed with these conditions, these products may not help you. And, if you have, you may not be able to take these products anyway! These are Gingko and Quercitin. Quercitin is great for allergies by the way, especially pet allergies!
The second set of most common ingredients, usually herbs, have to do with relaxation. Herbal anti-depressants are often a part of the mix, which also need to be regulated by your doctor.
And the third set of ingredients, which are very important, though often missing all together, in Tinnitus products, are vitamins and mineral supplements, which are the Bs, Zinc and Magnesium.
The Importance of Minerals!
The third set of ingredients are minerals and antioxidants, which you may not see on Tinnitus product labels at all. Minerals are vitally important to the inner ear. High acid levels in the body can produce Tinnitus. Acidic foods and dehydration are often the reason behind the pH imbalance. If your pH balance is compromised, so are your mineral levels. Calcium imbalance induces cochlear Tinnitus. Antioxidants reduce the death of cochlear and vestibular hair cells! Acidosis causes inflammation and those having Meniere's Disease reveal inflammation in their blood tests.
Note! When taking minerals to support the inner ear, they should be divided into morning and evening doses. The inner ear is sensitive to variances in mineral supply. Twenty-four hours is too long to wait to keep a steady mineral supply to the ear.
Also important for Tinnitus! Do not take supplements containing molybdenum, zirconium or vandium. They build up in the body and are hard for the body to remove. Watch your intake of Iron and Copper, as they bind with nutrients that support the inner ear and carry them out of the body.
Tinnitus Product Labels
Below are some ingredients I found to be repeatedly listed in most recommended Tinnitus product labels and what you need to know about them.
Ginkgo Biloba is used for increasing circulation to the brain and is credited for stopping Tinnitus and Meneire's syndromes, but do not use for more than 6 months. Side effects are unlikely with recommended doses, but may include stomach digestive problems, cramps or spasms. In rare cases there may be skin problems. It may make some folks restless. If so, decrease the dose. Don't opt for the tea. It is too weak. Only concentrated Ginkgo extract is effective. Capsules are available. Extracts should have at least 24% flavoneglycosides and 6% terpene lactones. Take as directed on the label. Take it on an empty or full stomach. Pregnant and lactating moms can use Gingko. Usually takes 4-6 weeks, sometimes up to 12 weeks, to see an improvement.
Do not use unprocessed Gingko leaves! They contain chemical allergens!
Do not use aspirin with Ginkgo or Willow Bark. It is like double dosing! Do not use at all if you have bleeding concerns (such as brain bleeds or stomach upsets), take blood thinning or blood pressure medications.
Zinc and Magnesium levels, in the middle ear, are higher than anywhere else in the human body, but the body does not produce either! Zinc fuels enzymes! If Zinc makes your tummy feel 'funny' take with a low fiber food. The recommended dose is 30 mg per day, plus 2 mg of copper. Any more than 100 mg per day is not acceptable. Use the pill form if you have Arthritis, Lupus, MS, Fibromyalgia or Thyroid problems. Do not take Iron supplements at the same time and wait for two hours after taking antibiotics to take Zinc.
Low levels of Magnesium in the body can cause blood vessel constriction, inhibiting circulation in the brain. Take Magnesium as directed on the label.
L-Theanine is an amino acid that may increase serotonin and dopamine in the brain, and also increases GABA. It relaxes and inhibits caffeine stimulation and has antioxidant qualities. It is an anti-cancer agent as well and is safe in recommended dosages. I could find no side effects or interactions, but that does not mean that they do not exist. It should be primarily considered for stress. It can be found in some green tea preparations and constitutes 1-2% of the dry weight of green tea leaves. In Japan they use 50-200 mg as necessary.
Passion Flower Tea can be used for anxiety with no side effects and no interactions, using 4-8 grams, at 4% vitexin. It helps with nervousness that can come with, or cause, Tinnitus. St. John's Wort may also be used for depression. Refer to 'Sleep Apnea'.
Garlic is a natural antibiotic. Please follow directions with Garlic. Even though you can take it on an ongoing basis with relatively few side effects, other than smelling like a garlic bulb yourself (there are odorless gel caps), there are health concerns for those with High Blood Pressure. Follow your doctor's advice. For all others, start with 200-300 mg, three times per day or as directed on the bottle, or use 3/4 of a teaspoon of fresh garlic per day in your foods.
Black Cohosh (not to be confused with Blue Cohosh) is also suggested for Tinnitus, which may suggest that Tinnitus may, for some, go hand in hand with fluctuating hormones during the menopause years. Many Tinnitus sufferers are Pre-to-Post Menopausal and between 45-65 years old. If hormones are the cause of your Tinnitus, Black Cohosh helps to restore your hormonal balance. However, there have been recent studies that have proven that Black Cohosh works no better than placebos. It is, sometimes, known to cause stomach upset, but helps with hot flashes, night sweats and mood swings. For more very important information about Black Cohosh, click on "Is it Hot in Here?". If you believe that your Tinnitus is hormone related, I recommend you increase your Soy consumption (unless you are allergic to Soy) before trying Black Cohosh. Take between 10 and 40 mg of Soy per day in divided doses or add about 1/2 cup plain, firm Tofu to a shake.
B-12, in the body, decreases as we age in relation to decreasing digestive enzymes. It protects the myelin (the protective sheath around nerves). Low stomach acid and low intrinsic factor contributes toward deficiencies. The RDA for B-12 is 24 mcg. 25-100 mcg is better. Up to 1000 mcg (1mg) is sometimes recommended for Tinnitus. Talk to your doctor about this high of a dose. Take with at least 400 mg of Folic Acid ( 800-1000 mcg if over 50 years old).
Perriwinkle (specifically Vincamine) an extract of the plant used to reduce blood stickiness and increase ATP.
Be Very Cautious About These Ingredients!
Feverfew is used most often for migraines. It reduces the chemicals in the body associated with inflammation, including histamines, and has a tranquilizing affect. So, it is great for migraine headaches and arthritis. The downside is that when you quit taking it there is the possibility of rebound symptoms. It may also cause edginess, upset stomach and skin reactions in some at higher doses. Feverfew is only to be taken for 4-6 weeks to help with migraines.
Mate' is a caffeine-like substance. It can make you nervous and cause upset stomach.
Meadowsweet is used for rhuematoid-like disorders. It is aspirin-like, so don't take it if you are allergic to aspirin. Otherwise there are no interactions when taking at normal doses.
What To Use if Supplements Upset Your Tummy a Little
For slightly annoying tummy problems with any of these remedies, should you use them, try Ginger Root. It can help within minutes! It calms the stomach, helps with dizziness and is completely safe in recommended doses. The actual herb lasts longer than over-the-counter remedies. Have some on hand. You'll find it in the produce section of your store. For information on Ginger Root Tea, see "Tea, Anyone?".
Device Treatments for Tinnitus
If hearing loss is the cause of your Tinnitus, then a hearing aid may work well for you by amplifying normal sound, which in turn decreases the sounds of Tinnitus and causes it to be less noticable. The problem with most devices is that they cannot always mimic the highest pitches of Tinnitus.
Certain hearing devices can help to mask the noise of Tinnitus, by the use of White Noise. White Noise masks certain sounds. In the case of Hyperacusis, where one or both ears have highly sensitive hearing, Pink Noise can be used (see below), which tones down certain frequencies, or pitches. This might be an option for someone with Tinnitus that has no hearing loss. If you have Hyperacusis, and you have a sudden 'attack' of loud noise in one or both ears, due to a loud sound or environment, remove yourself from the scene, or turn off the noise that caused the 'attack' in order to calm your ears for a few minutes, then try again.
You could try low volume radio static to see if you could find a matching sound vibration to mask your Tinnitus. Tune in between stations on a radio and see if you can mask your head noise. You still hear noise but at least it does not seem to be coming from inside your own head.
Bio-feedback is an option for Tinnitus caused from Central Nervous System Disorders and Stress. It consists of exercises that teach you to control the various parts of your body and to relax the muscles within them. When you can accomplish this type of relaxation, Tinnitus often subsides.
For more information on a Pink Noise CD, refer to http://www.hyperacusis.net/ or visit the Hyperacusis Network online. For more references on Tinnitus, please visit 'All Natural Product Links'.
What Medical Doctors are Doing
Medical professionals are treating Tinnitus with antidepressants, muscle relaxers and anticonvulsants. A popular anticonvulsant is 'Neurontin' (gabapentin), which is also used for diabetic neuropathy, menopause, hypothyroidism, migraine and Burning Mouth Syndrome. I encourage you to look up the side effects before trying these drugs for Tinnitus. There is currently no drug that will remove Tinnitus completely and forever.
For more information on Tinnitus, go to www.ata.org.
Tinnitus Retraining Therapy
Not all Tinnitus can be treated by medical treatment or all natural therapies. As much as I hate to say it, most Tinnitus will not go away with these therapies. The goal then is to train the subconcious parts of your brain to ignore the sound of your Tinnitus.
1st - Don't ever be anywhere where all you hear is your Tinnitus, except while sleeping.
2nd - Get fitted for hearing aids if you can use them. An audiologist can tell you if a hearing device might help to mask the noises in your ear (head).
3rd - If nothng else helps you, and your doctor cannot find a cause, TRT is available. The Seattle Hearing and Balance Center offers Tinnitus Retaining Therapy. Here is their contact information.
Sandra K. Ellis MSPA, FAAA
1600 East Jefferson Suite 202
Seattle, WA 98122
206.320.5687 or Fax 206.320.8145
Note: TRT is rather expensive and, as far as I have been told, is not covered through insurance plans. First visits range from $180 - $240. Hearing devices can cost from $950 to $2700 per ear and follow-up and counseling visits are from $75 - $150.
For more information on causes of Tinnitus,
related hearing problems and treatments,
visit www.tinnitusformula.com.
Would you like to measure the sound of your Tinnitus?
This website gives you a short Tinnitus Test (must have speakers)
and then offers Sound Therapy CDs!
Meniere's Syndrome
Fluid in the Ear, High Blood Pressure, Low Blood Pressure, Head injury, Ear Infection, Candida, Allergies, MSG, Decreased blood flow to the brain or the inner ear, Cardiac Arrhythmias, Nerve disorders, Arthritis (and other bone disorders), Allergies, OTC Drugs (over the counter) and the following prescription drugs: Diuretics, Tranquilizers, Antidepressants and Antibiotics.
Meneire's Syndrome is a term for anyone experiencing bouts of dizziness, vertigo or a feeling of being off balance in varying degrees of continual or episodic intensity. There may, or may not, be an apparent cause. Meneire's may, or may not, also involve Tinnitus (ringing in the ears.)
What Causes the Sensation of Dizziness?
Our eyes constantly focus on moving scenery and our ears help orient our body to movement. When there is a dysfunction, or dis-ease, in either, conflicting signals are sent to the brain. The eyes and ears are not telling the same story. The brain is confused. The result is anything from slight imbalance to a whirling, falling sensation as the brain tries to unscramble the message and send you an appropriate 'picture'. Muscle tension may also cause a feeling of imbalance and dizziness, even occasional vertigo, but is not usually the cause of Meniere's.
Spiritual/Psychological cause: There may be a refusal to see things as they are, therefore what you see is distorted. Fear is a part of this picture.
Treatments for Meniere's
If you feel stuffed up, try an OTC decongestant or OTC antihistamine for allergies, as directed on the label.
If vertigo is a problem, try Ginger root. It can help within minutes! It calms the stomach, helps with dizziness and is completely safe in recommended doses. Ask your doctor for medication for the dizziness if ginger root does not help.
Drink alot of pure water to help flush out any sticky build up in your Eustachian (inner ear) tube.
Check the PDR to see if prescriptions or over-the-counter medications you are using list dizziness as a side effect. I, personally, have a list of all medications that cause Tinnitus and Meniere's. Let me know if I can help you.
You might try the natural remedies listed above for 'Tinnitus'.
For Allergy Related Tinnitus/Meneire's
(See 'Allergies' above.)
Quercetin is a flavonoid (anti-oxidant) and reduces histamines. It is a plant pigment from onions, garlic and other foods that help with allergies. Take 500 mg twice a day, 20 minutes before meals, or as directed.
Along with Quercitin, take bioflavonoids such as Grapeseed or Green Tea Extract. They reduce to reduce histamines and inflammation.
Quercetin also helps with Allergies, Asthma, Inflammatory Disorders of the Muscles and Bones, Eczema, Cold Sores and Herpes. Taken as directed, there are rarely any side effects at all. There are anticoagulant drugs that you should not take Quercetin with. Please visit www.PDRHealth.com for more information.
All Natural Product Links!
In 'Aura Energy Balancing', and again, in this page, under 'Tinnitus' (above), I mention ATP (adenosine triphosphate), which is the life force of every cell in our body, and perhaps the substance of the aura itself. Absence of ATP from certain cells in the inner ear, may be one of the causes of Tinnitus & Meniere's Syndrome. Two ATP products can be found at www.swansonvitamins.com, which claim to replace ATP in the body.
A product, called 'Ring-Stop', treats Tinnitus and is gaining in popularity. It has recently popped up on shelves at General Nutrition Centers and Super Supplements. It sells for $29.99 and can also be found online at http://www.discount-vitamins-herbs.net/tinnitus.htm, usually at a lower sale price. Make sure you read all the information provided, as taking Ring-Stop may not be suitable for those using blood thinners such as Coumadin. There is also a product called Tinnutab and the product, as well as a list of ingredients can be found at http://tinnutab.com.
Acupuncture may help reduce Tinitus and Meniere's symptoms by reopening the energy pathways of the kidney and liver meridians of the body. This is not to say you have kidney or liver problems. Ear problems are often a sign of a blocked Throat Chakra. Acupuncture serves to remove energy blockages in the body's electromagnetic energy field, which can reduce physical symptoms. Acupuncture is a form of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TMC), often combined with the use of certain combinations of herbs for over-all health.
Neuromonics is a company that has a device that can retrain the signals in the brain to cancel out Tinnitus noise. I understand this is a 6-month process. It may not be covered by all insurances. For more information, visit Neuromonics or call Harbor Audiology & Hearing Services, in Gig Harbor, WA - USA, at 253.851.3932 or visit harboraudiology.com.
For more in depth information on Tinnitus, visit one of my favorite sites!
Caution: These products often contain ingredients to help with poor circulation, high cholesterol or high blood pressure. They may also contain ingredients to help with water retention and tension. Read your labels. Do some research. Be an informed consumer!
May Love & Energy Be Yours!
