Vitamins for tinnitus cure: Any one of these vitamin deficiencies could lead to or exacerbate tinnitus symptoms.
Vitamins are essential to a healthy lifestyle. However, if you suffer from tinnitus, vitamins can help reduce its effects on your hearing. In this guide, we’ll take you through the top natural remedies for treating tinnitus symptoms, including vitamin supplements and the best fruits and vegetables to eat.
You try to live a normal life. You go to work, take care of your loved ones, eat right and exercise. Things are going great — until one day you start hearing ringing in your ears. What should you do? There are vitamins for tinnitus and tinnitus nutrition supplements that can help relieve your symptoms, increase the healing process and allow you to get back to doing what you love — like talking with friends and family or enjoying hobbies that passed you by while you were suffering from this ache in the ear.
vitamins for tinnitus
Tinnitus can be loud, annoying and bothersome. And while a lot of treatments do work to reduce or eliminate tinnitus symptoms, sometimes it’s best to look into a natural treatment for it instead. There is no cure for tinnitus just yet, but vitamins for tinnitus may help in treating various complications associated with the condition.
What to eat for tinnitus?!!! There are many people who suffer from tinnitus. It is an annoying condition that can keep you awake at night, make your day complete hell and ruin your quality of life.
Tinnitus is one of the most annoying health problems you can have. It’s a phantom sound or ringing in the ears. There are different types of tinnitus, and they all have a different cause. You can’t change what caused your tinnitus — unfortunately — but there are things you can do to help lessen its impact on your life.
vitamins for tinnitus treatment
What is the ringing?
If you hear a ringing sound in your ears, it may be tinnitus. Tinnitus isn’t a disorder or condition. It’s a symptom of a bigger problem like Meniere’s disease, which is usually related to the inside of your inner ear.
More than 45 million Americans live with tinnitus.
The supplement Lipo-Flavonoid has been promoted to treat this health problem. Yet there is a lack of evidence showing that it helps, and some of its ingredients could be more harmful than helpful.
Read on to learn more about Lipo-Flavonoid, and other treatments that have a better track record.
True or false: Can Lipo-Flavonoid help tinnitus?
Lipo-Flavonoid is an over-the-counter supplement that contains ingredients like vitamins B-3, B-6, B-12, and C. Its main active ingredient is a proprietary blend that includes eriodictyol glycoside, which is the fancy word for a flavonoid (phytonutrient) found in lemon peels.
All of the nutrients and vitamins in the supplement Lipo-Flavonoid are believed to work together to improve the circulation inside your inner ear. Problems with blood flow are sometimes to blame for tinnitus.
How helpful is this supplement really? There isn’t lot of scientific research to tell us, but the few studies that have been done weren’t encouraging.
A small studyTrusted Source randomly assigned 40 people with tinnitus to take either a combination of manganese and a Lipo-Flavonoid supplement, or the Lipo-Flavonoid supplement alone.
Of this small sample, two people in the latter group reported a decrease in loudness, and one noted a drop in annoyance.
But all in all, the authors couldn’t find enough evidence that Lipo-Flavonoid helps with tinnitus symptoms.
Lipo-Flavonoid contains added ingredients such as food dyes and soy that may cause side effects for certain people who are sensitive to these ingredients.
The American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery doesn’t recommend Lipo-Flavonoid to treat tinnitus because of the lack of evidence that it works. Research has uncovered other treatments and supplements that have better benefits.
Causes of tinnitus
One main cause of tinnitus is damage to the hairs in the ear that transmit sound. Meniere’s disease is another common cause. It’s a disorder of the inner ear that usually just affects one ear.
Meniere’s disease also causes vertigo, a dizzy feeling like the room is spinning. It may lead to periodical hearing loss and a feeling of strong pressure against the inside of your ear as well.
Other causes of tinnitus include:
exposure to loud noises
age-related hearing loss
earwax buildup
injury to the ear
temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders
blood vessel disorders
nerve damage
side effects from drugs like NSAIDs, antibiotics, or antidepressants
Your doctor will check your other symptoms and your medical history to correctly diagnose the cause of your tinnitus.
Other remedies for tinnitus
If a medical condition like TMJ is causing the ringing, getting treated for the problem should reduce or stop tinnitus. For tinnitus without an obvious cause, these treatments may help:
Earwax removal. Your doctor can remove any wax that’s blocking your ear.
Treatment of blood vessel conditions. Narrowed blood vessels may be treatable with medicine or surgery.
Changes to medication. Stopping the drug that’s causing your tinnitus should end the ringing.
Sound therapy. Listening to white noise through a machine or in-ear device can help mask the ringing.
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). This type of therapy teaches you how to reframe any negative thoughts related to your condition.
Other supplements for tinnitus
Other supplements have been studied for treating tinnitus, with mixed results.
Gingko biloba
Gingko biloba is the most often used supplement for tinnitus. It may work by reducing ear damage caused by harmful molecules called free radicals, or by increasing blood flow through the ear.
According to the American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, some studies have found that this supplement helps with tinnitus, but others have been less encouraging. Whether it works for you may depend on the cause of your tinnitus and on the dose you take.
Before you take gingko biloba, be wary of side effects such as nausea, vomiting, and headaches. This supplement can also cause severe bleeding in people who take blood thinners or have blood-clotting disorders.
Melatonin
This hormone helps regulate the sleep-wake cycles. Some people take it to help them get a good night’s rest.
For tinnitus, melatonin might exert positive effects on blood vessels or nerves. Randomized-controlled studies have shown that the supplement improves tinnitus symptoms, but many of the studiesTrusted Source were poorly designed, so it’s hard to draw any conclusions.
Melatonin may be most effective for helping people with this condition sleep more soundly.
Zinc
This mineral is essential for a healthy immune system, protein production, and wound healing. Zinc might also protect structures in the ear involved in tinnitus.
A 2016 Cochrane reviewTrusted Source looked at three studies comparing zinc supplements with an inactive pill (placebo) in 209 adults with tinnitus. The authors found no evidence that zinc improves tinnitus symptoms.
However, there may be some use for the supplement in people who are deficient in zinc. By some estimates, that’s up to 69 percent of people with tinnitus.
B vitamins
Vitamin B-12 deficiency is commonTrusted Source among people with tinnitus. Very early researchTrusted Source suggests that supplementing this vitamin may help with symptoms, but this has yet to be verified.
Safety of supplements
Are supplements safe? The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) doesn’t regulate dietary supplements. Whereas drugs are considered unsafe until they are proven safe, with supplements it’s the other way around.
Be cautious when it comes to taking supplements. These products can cause side effects and may interact with other drugs you take. It’s always advisable to talk to your doctor first, especially if you’re taking other medications.
Outlook
Lipo-Flavonoid is marketed as a tinnitus treatment, yet there’s no real evidence that it works. And some of its ingredients could cause side effects.
A few tinnitus treatments — like earwax removal and sound therapy — have more research to support them.
If you do plan to try Lipo-Flavonoid or any other supplement, consult your doctor first to make sure it’s safe for you.
What is tinnitus?
Going to a concert and rocking out can be an exhilarating experience. But if you hear muffled ringing in your ears, a phenomenon known as tinnitus, after the show, it may be a sign that you got too close to the speakers. This ringing happens when the loud noise damages the very fine hair cells that line your ear.
Long exposure to sounds over 85 decibels (dB)Trusted Source can cause hearing loss. Concerts tend to be about 115 dB or more, depending where you’re standing. The louder the sound, the shorter amount of time it takes for noise-induced hearing loss to occur.
The ringing you hear may be constant or sporadic. It may also appear as other sounds such as whistling, buzzing, or roaring. In most cases, tinnitus from concerts will resolve itself within a few days.
How to stop the ringing in your ears
While tinnitus can’t be treated immediately, there are things you can do to alleviate the noise in your ears as well as any stress caused by the ringing.
- Play white noise or relaxing sounds
Ambient sounds like one in the video below can help mask the ringing in your ears. - Distract yourself
Distracting yourself from the noise with other external sounds can help divert your attention away from the ringing. Listen to a podcast or some quiet music. Avoid playing these sounds at maximum volume, since this can be as damaging to your ears as attending a concert. - De-stress
Yoga and meditation are helpful relaxation methods. Download a meditation app to clear your head of extra stress or irritation caused by the ringing.
To help your ringing ears
Avoid anything that may be making the tinnitus worse, such as other loud noises or stimulants like caffeine.
Use ear plugs if you know you’ll be exposed to louder sounds.
Refrain from alcohol, as it causes blood to flow into your inner ear and enhance the ringing.
Learn more about how to relieve stress through yoga.
How long does the ringing last?
Occasional exposure to loud noise can bring about temporary tinnitus. Ringing that’s accompanied by a muffled sound may also indicate noise-induced hearing loss. These symptoms often go away within 16 to 48 hours. In extreme cases, it may take a week or two. Further exposure to extremely loud noises can also trigger the ringing again.
Sometimes this hearing loss can develop into tinnitus that lasts more than six months. This is a common condition that may cause long-term issues, but is rarely a sign that you’re going deaf or have a medical problem.
If you’re a frequent concertgoer, performing musician, or find yourself exposed to loud noises often, you may want to take steps to prevent long-term hearing loss.
Hearing loss is expected to rise dramatically in the coming decades. Learn more about it.
How can I prevent ringing in my ears?
It’s always a good idea to take steps to keep tinnitus at bay. Research showsTrusted Source that even if the ringing disappears, there may be residual long-term damage.
Understand what noises cause hearing damage, including concerts, motorcycles, and playing music at the loudest volume.
Wear earplugs when attending concerts. Some venues may sell cheap foam ones at coat check.
Limit how much alcohol you drink during a show or area with loud music. Blood flow to your ears can increase the sound of ringing.
Have your hearing tested if you think you may have hearing loss.
Shop for earplugs.
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Should I see a doctor?
While there’s no cure for tinnitus, there is ongoing to research for the condition. Medical professionals are also ready to help you handle any long-term stress issues that may come up from dealing with tinnitus. Make an appointment with your doctor if the ringing lasts for more than a week. See a doctor as soon as possible if the ringing in your ears accompanies hearing loss or dizziness.
What is earwax buildup?
Your ear canal produces a waxy oil called cerumen, which is more commonly known as earwax. This wax protects the ear from dust, foreign particles, and microorganisms. It also protects ear canal skin from irritation due to water. In normal circumstances, excess wax finds its way out of the canal and into the ear opening naturally, and then is washed away.
When your glands make more earwax than necessary, it may get hard and block the ear. When you clean your ears, you can accidentally push the wax deeper, causing a blockage. Wax buildup is a common reason for temporary hearing loss.
You should take great caution when trying to treat earwax buildup at home. If the problem persists, visit your doctor. Treatment is generally quick and painless, and hearing can be fully restored.
Causes of earwax buildup
Some people are prone to produce too much earwax. Still, excess wax doesn’t automatically lead to blockage. In fact, the most common cause of earwax blockage is at-home removal. Using cotton swabs, bobby pins, or other objects in your ear canal can also push wax deeper, creating a blockage.
You’re also more likely to have wax buildup if you frequently use earphones. They can inadvertently prevent earwax from coming out of the ear canals and cause blockages.
Signs and symptoms of earwax buildup
The appearance of earwax varies from light yellow to dark brown. Darker colors don’t necessarily indicate that there’s a blockage.
Signs of earwax buildup include:
sudden or partial hearing loss, which is usually temporary
tinnitus, which is a ringing or buzzing in the ear
a feeling of fullness in the ear
earache
Unremoved earwax buildup can lead to infection. Contact your doctor if you experience the symptoms of infection, such as:
severe pain in your ear
pain in your ear that doesn’t subside
drainage from your ear
fever
coughing
persistent hearing loss
an odor coming from your ear
dizziness
It’s important to note that hearing loss, dizziness, and earaches also have many other causes. See your doctor if any of these symptoms are frequent. A full medical evaluation can help determine whether the problem is due to excess earwax or another health issue entirely.
Earwax in children
Children, like adults, naturally produce earwax. While it may be tempting to remove the wax, doing so can damage your child’s ears.
If you suspect your child has earwax buildup or a blockage, it’s best to see a pediatrician. Your child’s doctor may also notice excess wax during regular ear exams and remove it as needed. Also, if you notice your child sticking their finger or other objects in their ear out of irritation, you might want to ask their doctor to check their ears for wax buildup.
Earwax in older adults
Earwax can also be problematic in older adults. Some adults may let wax buildup go until it begins obstructing hearing. In fact, most cases of conductive hearing loss in older adults are caused by earwax buildup. This makes sounds seem muffled. A hearing aid can also contribute to a wax blockage.
How to get rid of excess earwax
You should never attempt to dig out earwax buildup yourself. This can cause major damage to your ear and lead to infection or hearing loss.
However, you’ll often be able to get rid of the excess earwax yourself. Only use cotton swabs on the outer portion of your ears if necessary.
Softening earwax
To soften earwax, you can purchase over-the-counter drops made specifically for this purpose. You can also use the following substances:
mineral oil
hydrogen peroxide
carbamide peroxide
baby oil
glycerin
Ear irrigation
Another way to remove earwax buildup is by irrigating the ear. Never attempt to irrigate your ear if you have an ear injury or have had a medical procedure done on your ear. Irrigation of a ruptured eardrum could cause hearing loss or infection.
Never use products that were made for irrigating your mouth or teeth. They produce more force than your eardrum can safely tolerate.
To properly irrigate your ear, follow the directions provided with an over-the-counter kit, or follow these steps:
Stand or sit with your head in an upright position.
Hold the outside of your ear and pull it gently upward.
With a syringe, send a stream of body-temperature water into your ear. Water that’s too cold or too warm can cause dizziness.
Allow water to drain by tipping your head.
It might be necessary to do this several times. If you often deal with wax buildup, routine ear irrigations may help prevent the condition.
Getting help from your doctor
Most people don’t need frequent medical help for earwax removal. In fact, the Cleveland Clinic says that a once-a-year cleaning at your annual doctor’s appointment is usually enough to keep blockage at bay.
If you’re unable to clear the wax or if your ear becomes more irritated, seek medical treatment. Other conditions may cause symptoms of earwax buildup. It’s important that your doctor can rule those out. They can use an otoscope, a lighted instrument with a magnifier, to see clearly into your inner ear.
To remove wax buildup, your doctor may use:
irrigation
suction
a curette, which is a small, curved instrument
Follow your doctor’s instructions for aftercare carefully.
Most people do well after earwax removal. Hearing often returns to normal immediately. However, some people are prone to produce too much wax and will face the problem again.
Warning about ear candles
Ear candles are marketed as a treatment for earwax buildup and other conditions. However, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)Trusted Source warns consumers that these products may not be safe.
This treatment is also known as ear coning or thermal auricular therapy. It involves inserting a lit tube of fabric coated in beeswax or paraffin into the ear. The theory is that the suction produced will pull wax out of the ear canal. According to the FDA, the use of these candles can result in:
burns to the ear and face
bleeding
punctured eardrums
injuries from dripping wax
fire hazards
This can be especially dangerous for young children who have trouble being still. The FDA has received reports of injuries and burns, some of which required outpatient surgery. The agency believes such incidents are probably underreported.
Check with your healthcare professional before trying to use these products.
What’s the outlook?
While sometimes bothersome, earwax is a natural part of your ear health. You should avoid removing earwax with objects because this can worsen the problem. In severe cases, cotton swabs can even damage the eardrum or ear canal.
Medical help is usually only necessary when you have excess earwax that doesn’t come out on its own. If you suspect you have earwax buildup or blockage, see your doctor for assistance.
Vertigo
Vertigo is a feeling of dizziness that occurs without any accompanying movement. It’s caused by your senses telling your brain that your body is off balance, even though it isn’t. Vertigo is a symptom of an underlying condition, not a diagnosis in itself. It can be a result of several different things.
Some types of vertigo will only happen once, and some types will continue to recur until the underlying condition is found. One of the most common types of vertigo is called benign positional paroxysmal vertigo (BPPV). BPPV is caused by deposits that build up in your inner ear, which navigates your sense of balance. Vestibular neuritis, stroke, head or neck injuries, and Meniere’s disease are all other conditions that can cause vertigo. If you are experiencing vertigo at home, there are several home remedies that you can use to treat it.
Epley maneuver
Also called the “Canalith” repositioning maneuver, the Epley maneuver is the first go-to strategy for many people experiencing vertigo. ResearchTrusted Source indicates that the Epley maneuver is extremely effective for people with BPPV. You can perform the maneuver at home by following this simple procedure:
Start by sitting upright on a flat surface, with a pillow behind you and with your legs outstretched.
Turn your head 45 degrees to the right.
With your head still titled, quickly recline with your head on the pillow. Stay in this position for at least 30 seconds.
Slowly turn your head to the left, a full 90 degrees, without lifting your neck.
Engage your whole body, turning it to the left so that you are completely on your left side.
Slowly return to your original position, looking forward and sitting straight up.
You may also have someone assist you with the Epley maneuver by guiding your head according to the steps outlined above. It can be repeated three times in a row, and you may feel dizzy during each movement.
Semont-Toupet maneuver
The Semont-Toupet maneuver is a similar set of movements that you can perform at home to treat vertigo. This maneuver is less well-known, but some studiesTrusted Source claim it is just as effective.Trusted Source The Semont-Toupet maneuver is very similar to the Epley Maneuver, but it requires less neck flexibility.
Start by sitting upright on a flat surface, with a pillow behind you and with your legs outstretched.
Lie down, turning to your right, and look to your left side, looking upward.
Quickly sit up and turn to your left side, keeping your head facing to your left. You will now be looking down toward the ground.
Slowly return to your original position, looking forward and sitting straight up.
Brandt-Daroff exercise
This exercise is most commonly recommended for people with vertigo to do at home, because it is simple to do it unsupervised. You shouldn’t perform the Brandt-Daroff exercise unless you are in a safe place and won’t be driving for a while, because it might provoke increased dizziness for a short period of time.
Start by sitting on a flat surface, with your legs dangling as they would from a chair.
Turn your head as far as you can to the left side, then lay your head and torso down on your right side. Your legs should not move. Stay here for at least 30 seconds.
Sit up and turn your head back to the center position.
Repeat the exercise on the opposite side by turning your head as far as you can to the right side, then laying down on your left side.
You can do this exercise in a set of 5 repetitions and repeat it as often as 3 times a day, twice a week.
Gingko biloba
Ginkgo biloba has been studied for its effects on vertigo and found to be as effectiveTrusted Source as the leading prescription medication to treat vertigo. Gingko biloba extract can be purchased in liquid or capsule form. Taking 240 milligrams of ginkgo biloba each day should lessen your vertigo symptoms and make you feel more on-balance.
Shop for ginkgo biloba supplements.
Stress management
Some conditions that cause vertigo, including Meniere’s disease, can be triggered by stress. Developing coping strategies to navigate stressful circumstances could decrease your episodes of vertigo. Practicing meditation and deep-breathing techniques are a good place to start. Long-term stress isn’t something you can simply breathe through, and often the causes of stress aren’t things that you can cut out of your life. Simply being aware of what is causing you stress might cut down on your vertigo symptoms.
Yoga and tai chi
YogaTrusted Source and tai chi are known to reduce stress while increasing flexibility and balance. Physical therapy performed in an outpatient setting trains your brain to compensate for the cause of your vertigo, and exercise you do at home can mimic this effect. Try simple yoga poses, such as Child’s Pose and Corpse Pose, when you’re feeling dizzy. Be cautious about anything that involves sudden bending forward, as that could make your symptoms temporarily feel stronger.
Shop for yoga mats.
Adequate amount of sleep
Feelings of vertigo can be triggeredTrusted Source by sleep deprivation. If you’re experiencing vertigo for the first time, it might be a result of stress or lack of sleep. If you can stop what you’re doing and take a short nap, you may find that your feelings of vertigo have resolved themselves.
Hydration
Sometimes vertigo is caused by simple dehydration. Reducing your sodium intake may help. But the best way to stay hydrated is to simply drink plenty of water. Monitor your water intake and try to account for hot, humid conditions and sweaty situations that might make you lose extra fluids. Plan to drink extra water during times you tend to become dehydrated. You might find that simply being aware of how much water you’re drinking helps decrease vertigo episodes.
Vitamin D
If you suspect your vertigo is connected to something you aren’t getting in your diet, you could be right. A studyTrusted Source suggests that a lack of vitamin D can worsen symptoms for people that have BPPV, the most common cause of vertigo. A glass of fortified milk or orange juice, canned tuna, and even egg yolks will all give your levels of vitamin D a boost. Have your doctor check your vitamin D levels so you know if you need more in your diet or if you need a supplement.
Shop for vitamin D supplements.
Avoiding alcohol
Beyond the dizziness you feel while drinking, alcohol can actually change the composition of the fluid in your inner ear, according to the Vestibular Disorders Association. Alcohol also dehydrates you. These things can affect your balance even when you’re sober. Cutting back on alcohol consumption, or even stopping completely, might help your vertigo symptoms.
Outlook
Vertigo is not a diagnosis, but it’s a symptom of an underlying condition if it keeps occurring. Treating vertigo at home might work as a short-term solution. But if you continue to experience frequent vertigo, it’s important to find out the cause. Your general practitioner might be able to diagnose you, or you may be referred to an ear, nose, and throat specialist or neurologist for further evaluation.