Tinnitus
Synopsis
Tinnitus is the perception of sound in the ears or head without an external source. It is often described as ringing, buzzing, hissing, or humming and may affect one or both ears. Tinnitus can be intermittent or constant and range from a mild nuisance to a debilitating condition that interferes with concentration, sleep, and mental well-being. While not a disease itself, tinnitus is often a symptom of underlying issues such as hearing loss, ear injury, exposure to loud noise, or circulatory problems. Stress, poor sleep, and certain medications can worsen symptoms. Though there is no universal cure, many people find relief through lifestyle changes and supportive remedies.
Types:
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Subjective tinnitus: Perceived only by the individual, most common form
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Objective tinnitus: Rare, audible to a clinician during examination, often linked to vascular or muscular causes
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Tonal tinnitus: Perceived as a continuous tone
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Pulsatile tinnitus: Rhythmical sound in sync with heartbeat, often related to vascular changes
Common Causes:
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Noise-induced hearing loss
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Age-related hearing decline (presbycusis)
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Earwax buildup or middle ear blockages
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Ototoxic medications (e.g., NSAIDs, antibiotics, diuretics)
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Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) dysfunction
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Head or neck injuries
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Stress or anxiety
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Circulatory disorders or high blood pressure
Severity Causes:
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Prolonged noise exposure or unresolved ear damage
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Untreated TMJ or cervical spine issues
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Chronic stress and sleep deprivation
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Vestibular or neurological conditions
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Lack of coping mechanisms or emotional support
When to See a Doctor:
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Tinnitus accompanied by hearing loss or dizziness
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Pulsatile tinnitus or sounds that match your heartbeat
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Sudden onset or worsening of tinnitus
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Tinnitus in only one ear
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Difficulty sleeping, concentrating, or functioning normally
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History of head trauma or neurological symptoms
Natural Remedies
Magnesium: Supports auditory nerve health and may reduce the severity of noise-induced tinnitus, especially in cases linked to hearing damage.
GABA: Calms neural excitability and may reduce the perception of phantom noise, particularly when stress or anxiety is a contributing factor.
L-theanine: Promotes relaxation and mental clarity. Helps reduce stress-related tinnitus and improves sleep quality.
Ashwagandha: Reduces cortisol and balances nervous system function, easing tinnitus symptoms triggered by emotional stress.
Vitamin B6: Supports neurotransmitter production and may aid auditory system regulation, especially if deficiency-related.
Probiotics: Support gut-brain communication and reduce systemic inflammation, which may help modulate tinnitus in inflammation-linked cases.
Sound therapy and relaxation: Use of white noise machines, soft music, or nature sounds can mask ringing and improve focus or sleep.
Mindfulness and stress reduction: Breathing techniques, meditation, or yoga help reduce the emotional reaction to tinnitus and lower perceived intensity.
Ingredients
These raw ingredients are often used in alternative medicine to treat this condition.
ashwagandha
GABA (gamma aminobutyric acid)
l-theanine
magnesium
zinc
vitamin B6
Acetyl L-Carnitine
acetyl l-carnitine
Acetyl L-Carnitine Arginate
Acetyl-L-Carnitine-L-Arginine
Alpha Lipoic Acid
Biotin
Acetyl-L-Carnitine
Alpha-Lipoic Acid
Ashwagandha
bacoside
Bacosides (mixed)
Chinese Dodder
Coenzyme Q10
coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10)
Ginkgo
ginkgo biloba
Ginkgo Falvone Glycoside
Ginkgo Flavone Glycoside
Ginkgo flavones
Ginkgo Flavonglycosides
Ginkgoflavones
Ginkgoside
Ginseng (unspecified)
Magnesium Taurinate
melatonin
Melatonin
nicotinamide riboside
Picamilon
Taurine
Terpene Lactone (unspecified)
ubiquinol
Vitamin B6 (Mixed)
Vitamin B6 (pyridoxal 5 phosphate)
Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine HCl)
Vitamin B6 (pyridoxine hydrochloride)
Vitamin E (Gamma Tocotrienol)