Winter Maladies: Natural Approaches
June Russell's Health Facts
Tinnitus
Treating Tinnitus Naturally
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The word tinnitus (pronounced ti-NIGHT-us or TIN-i-tus) comes from Latin and means “to tinkle or to ring like a bell,” and is the medical term for the perception of sound when no external sound is present. It is a sensation of a ringing or roaring noise in the ear. It can come on gradually, or abruptly, and last for a short time, return sporadically, or be permanent, and it can occur in one ear or both. The sounds may be high- or low-pitched, loud or soft, intermittent or continuous, and may be heard as a buzzing, roaring, hissing, clicking, high-pitched whining, low-pitched hum, even a heart-like pulsing. In most cases, only the sufferer can hear the noise, but sometimes a doctor can hear it when listening to the person’s neck, jaw, temple, or ear with a stethoscope. Twenty percent of the total population in the U.S., and one-third of people over 55, have tinnitus. In about twelve million individuals, it is severe enough to seek medical attention, and two million patients are so seriously debilitated they cannot function on a “normal,” day-to-day basis. Some of the possible causes of tinnitus are neck, bite, or jaw disorders (called Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) because of the effect on muscles and nerves near the ear), age, earwax buildup, a tumor, osteosclerosis (a stiffening of the bones) in the middle ear, or medications such as aspirin, NSAID's, antidepressants, anti-malarials, diuretics, beta blockers, or antibiotics. Some medications are ototoxic, that is, they are toxic to the ear, and there are others that may produce tinnitus as a side effect without damaging the inner ear. These effects, which can depend on the dosage of the medication, can be temporary or permanent. Medications rarely help tinnitus, although certain antidepressants and tranquilizers may help in coping with the distress it can cause. Many individuals, including children, experience tinnitus along with an ear or sinus infection, but once the infection is healed the tinnitus will usually lessen and gradually go away. Exposure to loud noises may cause tinnitus, and 90% of all tinnitus patients have some level of noise-induced hearing loss. Loud noises are perhaps the most damaging to the tiny hair cells in the inner ear, causing irreversible damage, and repeated exposure can have a cumulative effect on hearing. If you are frequently or consistently exposed to noise that makes it difficult to understand another person who is 2 to 3 feet away speaking in a normal conversational level, you are being exposed to a noise level of about 85 to 90 decibels, a level which should be avoided. Laurel Vukovic, author of “Herbal Healing Secrets for Women,” cautions that if you have to raise your voice to be heard, the noise around you is too loud. The use of alcohol vasodilates (widens the blood vessels) and intensifies the noise damage, says Dr. Harold Pillsbury, Professor of Surgery and Otolaryngology at the University of NC School of Medicine. Tinnitus can be a symptom of a more serious illness, so the first step is to check with a doctor. Nutritionally educated physicians can follow through with natural therapies before using drugs that have harmful side effects. There are many causes for ear noises, including high blood pressure, high triglycerides, tumors, anemia, hypothyroidism, various ear diseases, and high blood cholesterol (which can clog the arteries that supply oxygen to the nerves of the inner ear). Other risk factors are food allergies, diabetes, thyroid disorders and ear infections. Both caffeine and nicotine use (including passive smoke) aggravates tinnitus by constricting blood flow to the ear. The following foods may trigger tinnitus; alcohol - particularly red wine and grain-based spirits, cheese, chocolate, soy, aspartame, and quinine/tonic water. A low salt and low fat diet are recommended to help alleviate symptoms. A high number of tinnitus sufferers are deficient in B-12, and Emily A. Kane, naturopathic doctor and licensed acupuncturist, recommends a daily dose of 2,000 mcg of B-12 for one month, followed by a dose of 1,000 mcg daily, if needed. Studies indicate that nutritional supplements can reduce the severity and incidences of tinnitus. Dr. Michael Seidman, MD, Director of the Henry Ford Health System, Department of Otolaryngology, Tinnitus Clinic, in Bloomfield, Michigan, suggests a smorgasbord of antioxidant nutrients: vinpocetine, Ginkgo biloba, ipriflavone, arginine, alpha lipoic acid, zinc, vitamin A, n-acetylcysteine, magnesium, melatonin, Chinese herbs, B vitamins and garlic. Other sources list additional supplements;: vitamin E, C, zinc, and choline, to help with both tinnitus and hearing loss. Many European doctors and a growing number of U.S. doctors use Ginkgo biloba to treat tinnitus, and a few good trials suggest that this herb may lower the perceived loudness. The advice is to use a Ginkgo product that contains 24% flavone glycosides or “standardized extract.” According to several health experts, the recommended dose varies from 120 to 240 mg daily of the standard Ginkgo in divided doses. Start with the lower dose, and if not effective, increase gradually to the higher dose. Ginkgo biloba improves blood flow and nerve function, and is supposed to be quite effective for tinnitus when the cause is poor circulation, but use with caution if taking a blood thinner or if you have a blood disorder. After starting this regimen of Ginkgo, not only will your thinking be sharper within 3 to 10 days, but within 6 weeks your tinnitus should be relieved, says Dr. Kane. Once relief is obtained, lower the dose to a maintenance dose of 40 to 60 mg daily (also in divided doses during the day). Other alternative treatments that may provide relief are hypnosis, chiropractic adjustments, homeopathy, acupuncture, vitamin and mineral supplements, as well as some herbal remedies. Stress reduction practices should be incorporated regularly because general stress and fatigue will not only contribute to tinnitus but interfere with healing. Some of the ways suggested to lessen stress are: regular exercise/yoga, craniosacral manipulation, massage, acupressure, Alexander Technique (which retrains the body to move in a more relaxed and natural way), meditation, and taking part in a tinnitus self-help group. There are several ways to reduce or learn to live with tinnitus: (1) a hearing aid will allow you to hear more environmental sounds, which can help block out the noise; (2)biofeedback; (3) mask the tinnitus, which means creating a low external ‘white’ noise (such as a hum or ‘shh’ sound) - keeping a TV or radio playing in the background will serve the same purpose. Carry around a pair of earplugs to wear if you are going to be around loud noises, or if tinnitus is worse in certain environments, a benign background sound such as low music can be introduced. Be aware of foods or beverages that may trigger or worsen tinnitus symptoms. Because impaired blood flow to vessels in and around the ears can also initiate symptoms, follow a heart-healthy diet in order to reduce the risk for hypertension and impaired circulation. For more information contact: American Tinnitus Association, 800-634-8978 - www.ata.org; the American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, 703-836-4444 - www.entnet.org; the American Academy of Audiology - 800-222-2336 www.audiology.org; and the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association, 800-638-8255, www.asha.org.
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