I developed tinnitus symptoms when I was a kid. I obviously didn’t know that’s what it was called. Actually, it was probably a year or so before I even recognized that the sounds I was hearing were inside my head (or ear).
I could’ve sworn it was crickets outside. They would chirp all night. I learned fairly quickly that if I turned a box fan on I could drown them out. One night, in the dead of winter, I went to turn on the fan before bed as I had done most every night. I remember thinking how strange it was that crickets would be this loud on such a cold night.
That’s when I had an epiphany. “Crickets aren’t active in the winter” I thought to myself. That was a confusing time for me. After all, I was only 12 years old.
To put it simply (or not so simply), tinnitus is the perception of sound when there is no external source of sound. This is different from an “auditory hallucination” in that the sound is very real in tinnitus, it’s just not being generated by something outside of the body.
Ringing is the most commonly identified sound, but it can also be a buzzing, ringing, hissing or in my case, chirping. Chronic tinnitus, which is defined as symptoms lasting beyond 6 months afflicts 20% of adults. It’s more common as we age and also appears to increase in smokers.
Pulsatile tinnitus gets our attention a little more than non-pulsatile tinnitus. It’s not always a problem but it generally warrants a more involved work-up.
Most tinnitus is caused from dysfunction within the auditory system. The nerve pathways within the ear usually have a low level of stimulation. In tinnitus these nerve cells become hyperactive and produce additional sound.
Most causes of tinnitus are benign. There are dangerous causes of tinnitus. Your doctor will ask you questions to try and tease this out.
For example is the tinnitus constant or episodic? Is it one ear or both ears? Is it high pitch or low pitch? What is the character of the sound that you hear? Is it pulsatile? Any associated symptoms such as dizziness? Your answers will ultimately decide what the next step should be.
There is no single test for tinnitus. Most patient’s with tinnitus do not require any additional testing. Particularly when the tinnitus is mild, intermittent and short duration.
I usually obtain imaging when tinnitus is pulsatile, particularly if constant pulsation or if the pulsations are always related to a certain activity.
One sided tinnitus, associated hearing loss or dizziness should also receive further work-up.
As you can imagine treating something that has multiple potential causes can be challenging. There is no one size fits all approach.
There are medications that we can try. Most of these are aimed at improving blood flow to the ear or reducing inflammation. Some medications can target nerve receptors within the ear to reduce the hyperactivity.
There are masking devices that can help drown the sounds like I did when I was a child. The one thing we can all agree on is lifestyle matters.
Limiting caffeine, alcohol and nicotine can help reduce symptoms. Getting adequate sleep, staying well hydrated and eating a balanced diet rich in vitamins and minerals is also important.
You can also consider these natural remedies
Ginkgo biloba is an herbal supplement that is believed to improve blood circulation, which may benefit individuals with tinnitus. Some studies suggest a potential positive effect, but the evidence is not conclusive.
Some studies have explored the relationship between zinc deficiency and tinnitus. However, excessive zinc intake can be harmful, so it’s essential to consult with a healthcare professional before taking zinc supplements.
There is some evidence that vitamin B12 deficiency may be associated with tinnitus, and supplementation might be beneficial for those with a deficiency. However, routine supplementation without a deficiency may not necessarily provide additional benefits.
Magnesium is involved in various physiological processes, and some studies suggest that it may help reduce the severity of tinnitus in individuals with magnesium deficiency. However, more research is needed to establish a clear connection.
Melatonin, a hormone that regulates sleep-wake cycles, has been investigated for its potential to improve sleep disturbances associated with tinnitus. Improved sleep may indirectly help manage tinnitus symptoms.
Vitamin B6 is involved in neurotransmitter function, and some studies have explored its role in tinnitus management. However, more research is needed to establish its efficacy.
Omega-3 fatty acids, found in fish oil, have anti-inflammatory properties and may have potential benefits for overall ear health. Some studies have suggested a link between omega-3 supplementation and a reduction in tinnitus severity.
CoQ10 is an antioxidant that plays a role in cellular energy production. Some research has explored its potential benefits in managing tinnitus, but more evidence is needed
“Tinnitus is like an annoying DJ. Spinning tracks too loud and interrupting your quiet time. If this internal DJ keeps playing without a break, it may be time for a reality check. Consider some natural remedies to help shut this party down and get back to the sound of silence.”
Disclaimer:
The information provided in this blog is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of content found on this blog.
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