If you suffer from tinnitus, find out how the right supplements could help
What is tinnitus?
Tinnitus is a symptom that causes people to hear sounds, despite there being no external stimulus. This sound, usually ringing, whistling or hissing, could be low or high pitched, and may seem as though it’s being heard in one or both ears, or from inside the middle of the head.
“If it can be heard by the doctor with a stethoscope, it’s called objective tinnitus. If not, it’s central tinnitus,” explains Ear, Nose and Throat surgeon, Andrew Camilleri. Mild tinnitus is relatively common and usually stops soon after it has started, but for some people the condition can be severe and long-lasting.
What causes tinnitus?
Tinnitus can affect anyone. The precise cause is not fully understood, but there are risk factors, making some people more prone than others. “Objective tinnitus is internal sound caused by blood flow, jaw or neck motion, transmitted to the ear, but central tinnitus is caused by a problem in the inner ear (cochlea),” explains Camilleri. “People with hearing impairment of whatever cause can suffer tinnitus. Excessive noise is without doubt one of the major factors, but vascular problems or ageing can also be the cause.”
Medical causes include stress, allergy, diabetes, surgery, thyroid problems, blood circulation problems – including blood pressure or anaemia – injury or tumours in the head or neck, medication or treatable causes in the ear, such as wax or glue ear.
How can tinnitus be treated?
To prevent tinnitus, it’s important to take care of your hearing, especially if you’re exposed to long periods of loud noise. Tinnitus can be distressing, but try to stay as relaxed as possible as stress could exacerbate symptoms. Making healthy changes to your lifestyle, such as stopping smoking, could help blood flow and general well being.
“If a medical cause can be identified then treatment will solve the problem,” says Camilleri. “When the cause is not identifiable then the main treatment is masking, i.e. raising the level of ground noise to drown out the tinnitus, using a hearing aid or any noise-making devise, such as a radio.”
People have also sought help from supplements and traditional herbal medicines. Studies have suggested Ginkgo Biloba and Pycnogenol could both help relieve tinnitus.
Ginkgo Biloba has a mild blood-thinning effect, which could help improve circulation and relieve tinnitus. Research conducted in Denmark in 1998 by Soholm, found that after four to six weeks being treated with Ginkgo Biloba tinnitus sufferers noted a reduction in symptoms.
Pycnogenol, which has powerful antioxidant qualities, could also be beneficial. “Grossi MG has suggested that in selected patients with tinnitus and altered perfusion, Pycnogenol is effective over a short period of time in relieving symptoms by improving cochlear blood flow,” says Camilleri.
February 6-12 is Tinnitus Awareness Week. If you suspect you have tinnitus, visit your doctor for advice.
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