Tinnitus, commonly known for causing the perception of sounds like ringing or buzzing without an actual sound source, can be triggered by various conditions, including age-related hearing loss, ear injuries, circulatory system issues, exposure to loud noises, and certain medications.
Although there are standard medical treatments for tinnitus, many seek natural alternatives to alleviate its symptoms. This article delves into several natural remedies that have been thoroughly researched and are often recommended for managing tinnitus.
Here are 14 well-researched natural remedies and supplements that may help reduce the severity of tinnitus and improve quality of life:
Omega-3 fatty acids are polyunsaturated fats commonly found in fish, such as salmon, mackerel, and tuna. They have anti-inflammatory properties, which can benefit individuals with tinnitus caused by inflammation.
Zinc is a mineral that is essential for immune function, wound healing, and DNA synthesis. It also has antioxidant properties, which can help protect against cellular damage.
Zinc deficiency has been linked to tinnitus in some studies, and supplementation with zinc has been found to reduce tinnitus severity in some individuals. However, excessive zinc intake can lead to toxicity, so it is essential to consult a healthcare professional before taking zinc supplements.
Ginkgo biloba is an herbal supplement that improves memory and cognitive function. It has also been found to improve blood flow and reduce inflammation, benefiting individuals with tinnitus.1
Vitamin B12 is an essential vitamin that is important for the proper functioning of the nervous system. It also has antioxidant properties, which can help protect against cellular damage. Some studies have found a link between vitamin B12 deficiency and tinnitus.2
Acupuncture is a traditional Chinese medicine technique that involves the insertion of thin needles into specific points on the body. It is effective in relieving tinnitus symptoms in some individuals according to research studies.3
Magnesium is a mineral that plays a crucial role in nerve and muscle function. It has also been found to have protective effects on the auditory system. Some studies have found that magnesium supplementation can reduce the severity of tinnitus symptoms.4
Vitamin C is an antioxidant that can help protect against cellular damage. Some studies have found a link between vitamin C deficiency and tinnitus, and supplementation with vitamin C has been found to reduce the severity of tinnitus symptoms in some individuals.
Coenzyme Q10 is an antioxidant that is essential for energy production in cells. It has also been found to have protective effects on the auditory system.5
Melatonin is a hormone that is involved in regulating sleep-wake cycles. It also has antioxidant properties, which can help protect against cellular damage. Some studies have found that supplementation with melatonin can reduce the severity of tinnitus symptoms, especially for individuals who have difficulty sleeping due to the ringing in their ears.6
Zinc is a mineral that is essential for immune function, wound healing, and DNA synthesis. It also has antioxidant properties, which can help protect against cellular damage. Some studies have found a link between zinc deficiency and tinnitus, and supplementation with zinc has been found to reduce the severity of tinnitus symptoms in some individuals.7
N-acetylcysteine is a form of the amino acid cysteine that has antioxidant properties. It has been found to have protective effects on the auditory system and can help reduce the severity of tinnitus symptoms.8,9
Black cohosh is an herbal supplement commonly used to relieve menopausal symptoms. It has also been found to have anti-inflammatory properties and can help reduce the severity of tinnitus symptoms.
Acetyl-L-carnitine is an amino acid that is involved in energy production in cells. It has also been found to have protective effects on the auditory system and can help reduce the severity of tinnitus symptoms.9
While there is limited research on the link between specific diets and tinnitus, some dietary changes may help alleviate tinnitus symptoms. One diet that has shown promise is the ketogenic diet. The ketogenic diet is a high-fat, low-carbohydrate diet that has been found to have anti-inflammatory effects. Since inflammation can contribute to tinnitus, the ketogenic diet may help reduce the severity of tinnitus symptoms. However, more research is needed to determine the efficacy of the ketogenic diet in treating tinnitus.
In general, a healthy and balanced diet that includes plenty of fruits and vegetables, whole grains, lean protein, and healthy fats may be beneficial for overall health, which can help alleviate tinnitus symptoms.
Discover a collection of natural remedies for tinnitus as recommended by readers of Earth Clinic. These suggestions include various approaches that individuals have tried and found beneficial.
Several readers have successfully treated their tinnitus with alpha-lipoic acid, or ALA. One reader shared that they took 600mg daily for a few months and noticed a significant decrease in the ringing in their ears.
Another popular natural remedy for tinnitus is ginkgo biloba. One reader shared that they took a daily dose of 120mg and found that their tinnitus had entirely disappeared after a few weeks of use.
Many readers have also reported success in treating their tinnitus with apple cider vinegar. One reader shared that they took a teaspoon of apple cider vinegar in a glass of water daily and found that their tinnitus had improved significantly.
Other natural remedies that have been reported to offer relief from tinnitus include magnesium, zinc, and melatonin. Several readers have found that taking magnesium and zinc supplements helped to reduce the severity of their tinnitus. Melatonin has also been reported to be effective in treating tinnitus, especially for individuals who have difficulty sleeping due to the ringing in their ears.
If other symptoms accompany tinnitus or are particularly distressing, a consultation with a doctor would be prudent to rule out an underlying cause, like SSCD.
In conclusion, tinnitus is a common condition caused by various factors, such as age-related hearing loss, ear injury, circulatory system disorders, exposure to loud noise, or certain medications. While conventional treatments are available, natural remedies and dietary changes may help alleviate tinnitus symptoms. Omega-3 fatty acids, zinc, ginkgo biloba, vitamin B12, and acupuncture are among the natural remedies that effectively reduce the severity of tinnitus symptoms.
Other natural remedies, such as magnesium, vitamin C, coenzyme Q10, melatonin, N-acetylcysteine, black cohosh, and acetyl-L-carnitine, may also be beneficial. However, it is important to consult with a healthcare professional before trying any new treatment, especially if other symptoms accompany tinnitus or are particularly distressing.
With the proper treatment and management, it is possible to reduce the severity of tinnitus symptoms and improve quality of life.
Please continue reading below for feedback from Earth Clinic readers who have tried various natural remedies for tinnitus, and let our community know what helped you!
