Tinnitus

Table of Contents

Other names

Ringing in the ears
Ear noise perception
Auditory phantom sensation

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:

  • Subjective tinnitus: Perceived only by the individual, most common form

  • Objective tinnitus: Rare, audible to a clinician during examination, often linked to vascular or muscular causes

  • Tonal tinnitus: Perceived as a continuous tone

  • Pulsatile tinnitus: Rhythmical sound in sync with heartbeat, often related to vascular changes

Common Causes:

  • Noise-induced hearing loss

  • Age-related hearing decline (presbycusis)

  • Earwax buildup or middle ear blockages

  • Ototoxic medications (e.g., NSAIDs, antibiotics, diuretics)

  • Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) dysfunction

  • Head or neck injuries

  • Stress or anxiety

  • Circulatory disorders or high blood pressure

Severity Causes:

  • Prolonged noise exposure or unresolved ear damage

  • Untreated TMJ or cervical spine issues

  • Chronic stress and sleep deprivation

  • Vestibular or neurological conditions

  • Lack of coping mechanisms or emotional support

When to See a Doctor:

  • Tinnitus accompanied by hearing loss or dizziness

  • Pulsatile tinnitus or sounds that match your heartbeat

  • Sudden onset or worsening of tinnitus

  • Tinnitus in only one ear

  • Difficulty sleeping, concentrating, or functioning normally

  • 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.