DR. WALKER

Tips for Managing Tinnitus (Ringing in the Ears)

What is Tinnitus?

Tinnitus is commonly referred to as abnormal ringing sound without an external cause. Tinnitus is not just ringing in the ear however but may also be described as buzzing, whistling, hissing or even roaring sounds. It is a relatively common phenomenon affecting more than 50 million people and may be severe enough to affect activities of daily living. Sometimes this affect only one ear but some have reported this abnormal sound in both ears, and sometimes different sound in either ear. Although the condition is often mild, it could be severe enough, to cause some degree of anxiety or depression.

What are some of the associated causes?
Metabolic causes. Hyperinsulinemia is a commonly associated condition. Other metabolic conditions to include underactive/hypothyroidism, autoimmune disorders, diabetes, and high blood pressure.
Medications. There are several medications known to be associated with tinnitus. These include water pills/diuretics like furosemide and bumetanide, antibiotics such as erythromycin and polymyxin B, and quinine.

Temporomandibular joint disorders (TMJ) abnormalities.
Temporomandibular joint is the actual joint that connects the lower jaw to the skull. The joint comprises of discs, ligaments, and muscles that enable one to chew and to talk. Abnormality in this region can cause tinnitus.

Earwax. Excessive wax build up may also cause tinnitus.
Vestibular disorder. A well-known associated disorder affecting the 8th cranial nerve, called vestibular schwannoma have been associated. Otosclerosis. This is a condition in which there is an abnormal bone growth in the middle ear. This can lead to a hearing loss and tinnitus.
Exposure. Exposure to loud sounds, even with a single episode, could result in tinnitus. These sound/noise, include noise in the work environment could result in some degree of hearing loss and tinnitus. Some of the more common occupations include musicians, carpenters, landscapers, street repair workers, and long-term usage of chainsaws have all been implicated.
Ménière’s disease. This condition affects the inner part of the ear, and could affect hearing and balance.

How is tinnitus treated?

Although there is no known cure for tinnitus, there are many suggestions by the experts, in treating this disorder. These include hearing aids, cochlear implants, and medications. There are a few more practical things to consider prior to these options.

Maskers. Although not fixing the problem, this could alleviate some of the limitations enabling one to sleep or focus. These electronic devices allow different low-level sounds which could diminish the ringing in the ear at least temporarily. These are sometimes called “white noise, machine. “

Self-Care Tips:

Ginkgo biloba. Gingko biloba extract dose of 120 mg, twice daily is a well-accepted treatment for several health conditions, including tinnitus. But since tinnitus is multifactorial, it is recommended to evaluate patients individually and based on the cause of tinnitus, then different doses of Ginkgo biloba could be suggested. Clinicians could consider a ginkgo treatment course for suffers of chronic tinnitus who are free of contraindications.
Coenzyme Q 10 (CoQ10). Data suggests CoQ10 might be another antioxidant capable of protecting from hearing loss and reversing some symptoms of tinnitus, especially in patients with low CoQ10 levels.
A major side effect of statins is they significantly reduce the level of Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) in the body. Lower level of CoQ10 had increased incidence of tinnitus. Study shows a significant improvement in tinnitus symptoms in those who initially had the lowest CoQ10 levels. Patients were given 100 mg three times daily. At the end of the study, they found mean plasma concentration of CoQ10 significantly increased. These results showed a significant improvement in tinnitus in those who initially had the lowest CoQ10 levels. Adequate vitamin B6 nutrition is essential for CoQ10 biosynthesis. Lastly, remember that as we age, we are not able to absorb CoQ10 as readily as younger people.
N-acetylcysteine. N-acetylcysteine raises levels of L-cysteine needed to create glutathione. Glutathione is the body’s master antioxidant which helps to protect our body from oxidative damage, and has anti-aging, anti-carcinogenic and anti-inflammatory properties. High antioxidant levels may be why NAC appears helpful for treating tinnitus.
Curcumin/black pepper. One of the main causes of tinnitus is inflammation. Curcumin is a wonderful anti-inflammatory and a great antioxidant. It is thought that these properties are important in the reduction of symptoms associated with tinnitus. Turmeric/curcumin down regulates the production and the genetic expression of enzymes involved in inflammation. Remember that turmeric/curcumin is fat soluble, and therefore consuming curcumin with a fatty meal enhances absorption. Remember also to take curcumin with a bit of black pepper for even better absorption.