Tinnitus is a condition that affects the ears, where you constantly hear a noise or ringing. It is a common ailment and affects more than 15% of the population, according to research by Mayo Clinic(1). Tinnitus can worsen with age, so it’s essential to cure tinnitus at the right time. Common tinnitus symptoms include roaring, buzzing, ringing, or humming sound in the ears.
Tinnitus is of two types, subjective and objective. Subjective tinnitus is the more common type, and in this case, only you can hear the sound. Objective tinnitus is when the doctor can hear the sound during an examination.
Table of Contents
What Causes Tinnitus?
A common cause of tinnitus is damage to the small sensory hair cells in the cochlea, which is situated in the inner ear. These cells can get weaker by age or excessively loud noise can cause this condition. This sensory loss changes the way your brain perceives sound; if it receives stimuli around a certain frequency, it changes the perception of sound. If a foreign object or earwax is causing tinnitus, removing that object gets rid of tinnitus.
How Can Home Remedies Help Treat Tinnitus?
Tinnitus can be caused by various reasons, including foods, medications, alcohol, and more. Before defining its type and how to treat tinnitus, it’s important to understand the symptoms and what is causing the tinnitus.
The two common preventable causes for tinnitus are avoiding loud noise and prescription medication that causes tinnitus or is a side-effect of the medicine, according to a study by Better Health Channel(2). Subjective tinnitus can be cured with the help of home remedies.
how to Get Rid of Tinnitus: 6 Natural Cures
- Home Remedies
- Foods
- Herbs
- Essential Oils
- Alternative Remedies
- Supplements
CURE 1: Home Remedies for Tinnitus
Tinnitus can be treated in several ways, and depending on the severity of your condition, you can choose the remedy that suits you best. Below are some home remedies for tinnitus.
1. Exercise
Why is it effective?
The constant ringing in the ear can be irritating and disturb your daily routine. Many people have found that exercise can help reduce tinnitus.
How to use?
Aerobics:
If you have high blood pressure or any other health condition that’s causing tinnitus, aerobic exercises can reduce high blood pressure, thus helping curb your tinnitus, too.
Breathing exercises:
Inhale through your nose and exhale slowly. Repeat this four to five times.
Imagery:
Once you finish your breathing exercise, relax and imagine yourself in a scenic place with a calm environment. This will help calm all your senses.
How much to use?
You can do a breathing exercise every time you experience tinnitus.
2. Yoga for Tinnitus
Why is it effective?
A study(2) indicates that yoga for tinnitus can reduce its symptoms in most individuals. Yoga reduces strain and protects the body against infections, both of which can cause tinnitus.
How to use?
Hand to toe pose:
Stand straight and inhale. Now slowly bend forward till your hands touch your toes. Hold for five to six seconds then slowly come back up.
Cow pose:
Sit on the floor with your legs folded. Now slowly bend your right knee and bring it over your left leg so that your feet are on the floor. Hold for two to three seconds, then change the leg.
Cobra pose:
Lie down on your stomach with your palms flat on the floor next to your chest. Now slowly raise your torso and hold for three to four seconds.
How much to use?
Practising yoga daily for 20-30 minutes has a lot of health benefits, including helping to treat tinnitus.
3. Meditation
Why is it effective?
Meditation is a powerful coping mechanism for stress, depression, and anxiety, all of which are common causes of tinnitus. It also helps people to cope with tinnitus symptoms.
How to use?
Sit on the floor in a calm place. Focus on regulating your breathing with deep inhales and exhales. Then, try to clear all thoughts from your mind and focus only on one point in the mind, which could be a mantra or phrase.
How much to use?
Try to meditate at least once every day for 15 minutes either after you wake up or before going to bed.
4. Massage
Why is it effective?
Muscle tension can worsen your tinnitus, and a massage can help relax your muscles, thus helping to treat tinnitus.
How to use?
Neck massage:
There are certain points around the neck and ear that can be targeted in a neck massage to relieve tinnitus. Grabbing the earlobe and pulling it upwards and to the side, for instance, is helpful.
Swedish massage:
This type of massage can soothe your muscles and relieve tension in the neck and back.
How much to use?
Schedule a massage session once a month, or depending on the severity of your tinnitus, with a licensed massage therapist.
5. Muscle Relaxation Techniques
Why is it effective?
The more tension in your muscles, the worse your tinnitus will get. So, to avoid tinnitus, practice muscle relaxing exercises regularly.
How to use?
Sit down and focus on the muscles in one particular area of your body, say your shoulder. Inhale and tighten those muscles for five seconds. Release them suddenly. This will relieve the tightness in the muscles, Repeat with other areas where you may be feeling the tension.
How much to use?
Practice these muscles relaxing techniques whenever you feel stressed or when experiencing tinnitus.
Tinnitus can be caused due to high levels of stress, anxiety, or depression.
CURE 2: Foods
When you have tinnitus, eating fresh, home-cooked meals is beneficial for your health. Natural foods should be given preference over preserved foods to avoid making your tinnitus worse. Here are certain foods that can help to stop tinnitus.
1. Pineapple
Why is it effective?
Pineapple reduces blood pressure, and it is high in potassium, which helps regulate your blood flow. Better blood flow strengths the healthy cells in your body, thus fighting tinnitus.
How to use?
Pineapple can be taken in a fruit salad, taken as a snack, or add it to your dessert.
How much to use?
To avoid excessive intake of potassium, limit your pineapple consumption to one serving two to three times a week.
2. Chicken
Why is it effective?
Chicken is high in B12, which means it improves the RBC count in your body and helps relieve tinnitus symptoms.
How to use?
Try taking grilled chicken with some salt as a seasoning to avoid excessive fat intake.
How much to use?
Eating chicken three times a week can help increase B12 levels in your body.
3. Watermelon
Why is it effective?
Watermelon contains antioxidants that help remove toxins from your body. They are also high in Vitamin C and A. And, it’s low in calories, making it a perfect snack.
How to use?
You can have watermelon raw, as a juice, or in a salad.
How much to use?
Watermelon is healthy and can be had four to five times a week.
Also Read: Benefits Of Eating Watermelon To Lose Weight
4. Avocado
Why is it effective?
Avocado helps reduce tinnitus and also improves heart health. It is a rich source of calcium and magnesium.
How to use?
Take an avocado with a sandwich, salad, or on your toast.
How much to use?
One serving of this healthy fruit can be had daily.
Also Read: Easy Avocado Recipes That Babies and Toddlers Will Love
5. Kiwi
Why is it effective?
This power-packed food can help treat a lot of disorders, including tinnitus. It contains potassium, Vitamin C, and calcium.
How to use?
Kiwi can be eaten raw, with a salad, or as a side-dish with meat. It also complements any dessert.
How much to use?
One kiwi fruit a week is the recommended intake.
6. Spinach
Why is it effective?
Tinnitus is often caused by a build-up of fluid in the ears. Consuming foods rich in potassium, like spinach, can help ease this build-up.
How to use?
Spinach can be added to your salad, smoothie, sandwich, or included in any side dish.
How much to use?
Try to consume one serving of spinach five times a week.
7. Seafood
Why is it effective?
Any food that has high levels of zinc are good for those suffering from tinnitus. Zinc deficiency can also cause tinnitus, and eating food rich in this mineral will alleviate tinnitus.
How to use?
Cooked fish or oysters make a great meal.
How much to use?
Too much seafood is not healthy since it also contains fat. Limit your seafood intake to one to two times a week.
8. Eggs
Why is it effective?
Vitamin B12 is one of the essential vitamins for tinnitus prevention, since its deficiency is also a cause of tinnitus, and eggs are a great source of the vitamin. They are also rich in protein, which can help reduce tinnitus symptoms.
How to use?
Eggs make a healthy breakfast, or they can be added to a sandwich.
How much to use?
Include one egg in your daily meal plan.
Men experience ear ringing caused by tinnitus more than women, and 1% of them have tinnitus severe enough to impact their daily life.
CURE 3: Herbs for Tinnitus
Herbal remedies have their origins in ancient Indian, Chinese, and Roman culture. These remedies have been used to treat many health problems effectively. And, there are many herbs for tinnitus that you can choose from to effectively cure it.
1. Ginkgo biloba for tinnitus
Why is it effective?
Consuming Ginkgo Biloba for tinnitus can improve the blood flow to the brain. It also contains active ingredients which improve blood vessel elasticity.
How to use?
Ginkgo biloba can be taken in tablet or powder form. Mix the powdered extract with two spoons of water and take it on an empty stomach.
How much to use?
The recommended intake of Ginkgo biloba is 80 mg daily.
2. Garlic
Why is it effective?
Garlic, in general, can boost your immunity and helps fight infections due to its antibacterial and antifungal properties. It also reduces high blood pressure.
How to use?
Garlic can be added as a seasoning in any soup or salad. It can also be roasted in oil and taken with bread.
How much to use?
Two to three stems of garlic daily can improve your overall health.
3. Ashwagandha
Why is it effective?
Ashwagandha is an Ayurvedic remedy for treating tinnitus. If you have sleep problems, this herbal extract can help calm your mind and aid in sleeping.
How to use?
Take one tablet of ashwagandha with a cup of warm milk every night before bed.
How much to use?
The recommended daily intake is 250 mg -350 mg.
4. Gushen Pianas
Why is it effective?
This Chinese herb is used to treat tinnitus and hearing loss. It helps remove phlegm-accumulation, which is a common reason for tinnitus.
How to use?
This herb is available in tablet form, which can be taken after your meal.
How much to use?
Take one tablet of Gushen Pianas once daily.
5. Sesame
Why is it effective?
Sesame is rich in antioxidants and helps detoxify your body. It also helps treat diabetes and aids in liver function. According to ayurvedic practice, sesame oil can be used to treat tinnitus.
How to use?
Apply sesame oil behind your ears before bed.
How much to use?
Two to three drops of oil every night can show the effects of this herb.
CURE 4: Essential Oils for Tinnitus
Essential oils for tinnitus can lessen its intensity, and some can also help fight it.
1. Patchouli Oil
Why is it effective?
Patchouli is popular for its circulatory benefits by repairing blood vessels. It helps drain excess fluids in the body, which reduces tinnitus.
How to use?
Dilute two to three drops of Patchouli oil with a carrier oil and massage it behind your ears. You can also inhale it to stimulate your nervous system.
How much to use?
Massage the oil behind your ears every night before bed or when you experience ringing in the ear.
2. Juniper Berry Oil
Why is it effective?
Juniper berry is known for its antiseptic benefits and is used to treat various infections. The juniper berry oil can help to treat any infection, which might be causing tinnitus.
How to use?
Inhale the oil directly or dilute it and massage your earlobes with it.
How much to use?
Use Juniper Berry oil daily so as to effectively treat tinnitus caused by infection.
3. Lavender Oil
Why is it effective?
This gentle and soothing essential oil is used to treat many disorders and is one of the most popular oils. Lavender can relieve stress and tension.
How to use?
You can directly apply lavender oil onto your skin or add a few drops of it into your bathwater.
How much to use?
A few drops of lavender oil can soothe your mind and also help sleep better.
4. Cypress Oil
Why is it effective?
Cypress oil helps improve blood flow and calm the nerves. Better blood flow to your brain means more healthy cells, which can prevent tinnitus.
How to use?
Apply this oil onto your skin directly or inhale it. You can add a few drops of it to your room diffuser.
How much to use?
Two to three drops of Cypress oil before bed every night is sufficient to improve blood circulation.
5. Basil Oil
Why is it effective?
This essential oil, too, has antiseptic effects and helps reduce the throbbing accompanying tinnitus. It also relieves topical itching.
How to use?
Apply some drops of the oil directly onto your skin or add it to your bathwater.
How much to use?
You can use basil oil to treat tinnitus two to three times a week.
6. Helichrysum Oil
Why is it effective?
Helichrysum oil comes from the sunflower family and is the most effective oil when it comes to treating tinnitus. It helps drain excess fluids from the body and also has anti-inflammatory properties.
How to use?
Take a few drops of this oil on a cotton ball and gently massage it on the outer part of your ear.
How much to use?
Massaging the oil daily will help reduce tinnitus.
7. Frankincense Oil
Why is it effective?
Frankincense oil is a powerful astringent and helps protect skin cells.
How to use?
Dilute the oil with a carrier oil and massage it around your ears
How much to use?
Frankincense is a potent oil, so two to three drops of it three times a week.
CURE 5: Alternate Remedies
Many alternative therapies have been tried for tinnitus and have worked successfully. Below are some alternative therapies that you can try.
1. Acupuncture for Tinnitus
Why is it effective?
Acupuncture technique focuses on balancing your internal energy. In this practice, it is believed that any imbalance in the body’s functions is caused by a disturbance in your energy. Acupuncture focuses on healing that disturbance.
How to use?
Acupuncture involves inserting needles into your body at certain pain points to help reduce any problem.
How much to use?
You acupuncture practitioner can advise on how frequently you need acupuncture depending on your symptoms.
2. Acupressure for tinnitus
Why is it effective?
Acupressure is similar to acupuncture, but it involves pressing the pain points instead of the use of needles.
How to use?
The most common pressure point for tinnitus is ear-gate, located right in front of the earlobe. Applying pressure on these points relieves the tension in your jaw and mouth.
How much to use?
Acupressure is a self-care remedy and can be used whenever you feel tinnitus symptoms.
3. Hypnosis
Why is it effective?
Hypnosis has been known to reduce tinnitus effectively. Hypnosis works with the subconscious to reduce perceptions and responses.
How to use?
The hypnotherapist will help you relax and then work with your subconscious so that tinnitus symptoms are not as noticeable.
How much to use?
Your practitioner will guide you on the frequency of your sessions based on your reaction and symptoms.
4. Cognitive-behavioral therapy
Why is it effective?
This therapy uses various techniques like relaxation, imagery, discussion about beliefs, and more. The practice of CBT has been known to improve depression and tinnitus caused by stress.
How to use?
Your CBT practitioner will advise what kind of therapy is required for you.
How much to use?
The sessions can be conducted individually or in groups once a week for 8-12 weeks.
5. Sound Therapy
Why is it effective?
Sound therapy is a form of exercise that may help quite the constant ringing in the ears. This form of therapy was developed to make tinnitus less noticeable. This therapy includes instruments that make a quiet background. Just keep the device on a desk or carry it around with you.
How to use?
When you experience tinnitus, switch on the instrument to mask the sound in your ears.
How much to use?
It can be used every time your tinnitus occurs.
6. Biofeedback
Why is it effective?
This therapy aims to learn an individual’s perspective and what prompts a person’s belief. This technique establishes a connection between a person’s mind and body. In this therapy, individuals get to learn how the cognitive and emotional processes work. This encourages people to understand what affects their health and thus helps maintain an overall healthy lifestyle.
How to use?
Biofeedback therapy is used to treat nervous disorders, stress, and hypertension.
How much to use?
The amount of biofeedback required by you will be advised by your practitioner.
7. Hyperbaric Oxygen Treatment
Why is it effective?
This therapy focuses on how an individual perceives sound in the absence of acoustic stimulation. It helps increase hyperbaric oxygen in the blood, which is useful for tinnitus caused by a deficiency of oxygen in the blood. If your tinnitus is accompanied by hearing loss, this therapy is useful for you.
How to use?
This therapy increases the HBO in your bloodstream.
How much to use?
The hyperbaric practitioner will advise you on how many sessions you need.
CURE 6: Supplements for Tinnitus
Tinnitus is commonly caused by a deficiency of minerals in your body. Below are some supplements for tinnitus to help relieve its symptoms.
1. Maritime Pine
Why is it effective?
Maritime bark is used in many medicines. It helps improve diabetes, blood vessels and any diseases caused by the heart. Maritime pine contains active ingredients that stimulate the nerves and improve blood flow. It also has antioxidants, which helps fight infections.
How to use?
You can take the supplement as a tablet with your meal.
How much to use?
For infections and to improve blood flow, 50 mg maritime pine supplement is recommended every day.
2. Zinc
Why is it effective?
Small amounts of zinc are required for maintaining health and blood flow. But, our bodies don’t store this nutrient, so it should be consumed regularly for best effects.
Red meat and fish are common dietary sources of zinc.
How to use?
Zinc supplements should be taken by mouth when using for treating zinc deficiency.
How much to use?
For women, the recommended daily zinc intake is 8 mg daily, and for men, it is 11 mg daily.
3. Melatonin
Why is it effective?
Melatonin is a hormone that is produced naturally in the body. It is commonly used to treat sleep disorders and adjust the body’s internal clock. Darkness induces the body to produce melatonin, which indicates that it’s time to sleep. For tinnitus, melatonin can aid in better sleep, since insomnia is common when suffering from tinnitus.
How to use?
Melatonin is generally taken in tablet form, but it is also available in forms that can be placed under the tongue to absorb directly into the bloodstream.
How much to use?
5 mg melatonin daily before bed is the advised dosage.
4. Vitamin B12
Why is it effective?
This is the most important vitamin required for the body to function properly. Vitamin deficiency causes a decrease in blood circulation cycle, thus preventing the growth of healthy cells.
How to use?
B12 supplements are taken as pills any time in the day.
How much to use?
The general dose of B12 is 15 mg daily.
Not everyone with tinnitus will get hearing loss; the conditions are co-existing, but one doesn’t have to accompany another.
Tinnitus Prevention Tips
According to a study, over one-third of cases of tinnitus are caused due to loud noises.
But that’s not the only reason for tinnitus, a variety of things can cause the condition. To cure tinnitus, you need to make some lifestyle changes, so that the tinnitus doesn’t get worse.
Use Noise-Cancelling Earplugs
If you know that you are going to be in a loud environment, always put on a pair of earplugs, preferably noise-canceling earphones. When you are exposed to noise, take a break every 15 minutes to give your ears some rest, which can protect your ears.
Manage Your Stress
Stress can also cause tinnitus problems, so every time you feel stressed, practise a breathing exercise to reduce it. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle is essential to treat tinnitus. Stress and anxiety can cause tinnitus to increase. Try to take out time to do things for yourself, thus reducing your stress.
Infection Can Cause Tinnitus
Tinnitus can also be caused by an ear infection, so if you wear hearing aids, keep them clean. It is advisable to not put anything on your ear, including cotton buds, since they can cause infection. Your ears have the ability to clean themselves. A build-up of wax can easily be removed with some olive oil, or your healthcare provider could remove it for you.
Sleep Better
Getting a good night’s rest is important for your overall health. Insomnia can cause a variety of disorders, including depression, stress, and tinnitus. If you do suffer from insomnia, try talking a calming herbal tea or aromatherapy to help you sleep better. If you do have tinnitus, insomnia can worsen its symptoms.
Also Read: Why is it good to take a hot bath to sleep better?
Avoid Alcohol
Increased alcohol consumption alters your brain’s ability to process sounds. It harms the central auditory cortex, which increases the time your brain takes to process sounds. Thus, if you are already suffering from the effects of tinnitus, try to avoid alcohol consumption.
Listening to loud music is not the only cause of tinnitus, other things like lifestyle and diet can also cause it.
More than 45 million people struggle with tinnitus in the United States, according to the American Tinnitus Association(3). The most common risk factors of tinnitus include noise exposure, headphones, smoking, and explosives. If you think you are susceptible to these and start experiencing the symptoms of tinnitus, consult your doctor. Most tinnitus symptoms are treatable with some lifestyle changes.
FAQs
1. What is tinnitus?
Tinnitus is noise or constant ringing sound in the ears. It is not a health condition but can cause other problems like hearing loss or a circulatory system disorder.
2. Is there a cure for tinnitus?
Medical drugs can’t fully cure tinnitus but can help reduce the symptoms to prevent further problems.
3. Can tinnitus go away?
In quite a few cases, tinnitus can go away on its own, according to a study by Harvard Health. But, instead of waiting for it to dissipate, it’s better to consult your doctor if the tinnitus persists for more than two weeks.
3. Is tinnitus permanent?
Tinnitus caused by a reaction to medications like aspirin can generally go away on its own, but some cases of the condition are permanent and require treatment to get rid of the symptoms.