Ringing in the ears, clinically known as tinnitus, is the perception of sound in the ears in the absence of outside sounds. Typically, these sounds are high pitched ringing, whirring, buzzing or beeping noises. According to E-medicine, approximately 10 to 15 percent of the population is affected by ringing in the ears. Typically, it is more prevalent with older age and accompanies hearing loss. People who have been exposed to loud noises, high doses of NSAIDs or intravenous antibiotics commonly experience ringing in the ears. It is also thought to be genetic or related to different types of middle and inner ear disorders, such as Meniere's disease. The diagnosis of tinnitus is not a disease in itself, but a symptom of something else. Currently, there is no cure, but there are various vitamins and minerals known to provide some relief.
Bioflavonoids
Bioflavonoids are naturally occurring compounds found in the pulp and rind of citrus fruits and other plants. They come in the form or citrus flavanoids, rutin, anthocyanidins, quercetin, naringenin and others. According to the Institute of Traditional Medicine, they have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antiallergenic and anti-viral properties and have recently been used in studies to relieve ringing in the ears. They generally have the property of enhancing blood circulation, which commonly affects people experiencing inner ear issues and those with Meniere's disease. Bioflavonoids are usually taken with Vitamin C.
Ginko Biloba
Ginko biloba is extracted from the leaves of the ginkgo biloba tree. The extract contains bioflavonoids and terpene lactones. According to E-medicine, this extract increases blood flow to the brain and small blood vessels that make up the inner ear and acts as a powerful antioxidant. Because ginkgo biloba affects platelet formation, it is recommended that platelet levels should be checked if ginkgo is used for more than 4 weeks.
Vitamin B
The B group vitamins are made up of vitamins B-1, 3, 6 and 12, found in niacin, pyridoxine, thiamine, folate and cobalamin. According to Tinnitus A to Z information, vitamin B-3 supports circulation of blood and helps functioning of the cochlear nerves in the middle ear, vitamin B-6 helps the production of serotonin, which is a brain neurotransmitter and vitamin B-12 is often found to be deficient in people who have dysfunctions of the outer and middle ear. Folic acid, another type of B vitamin, affects the central nervous system, and can stabilize the middle ear nerve endings. The B group vitamins can be taken individually or in a B-complex.
Zinc
According to a new study in "Otology and Neurotology," people with ringing in their ears experience significant improvement when given supplemental zinc. Current studies suggest that zinc deficiency is common in participants with tinnitus. Other studies have also shown that there is a high content of zinc in the inner ear and supplementing their diet with zinc for more than 2 weeks significantly improved their tinnitus.
Magnesium
A study in the Journal of Occupational Medicine has shown that noise exposure causes magnesium to be excreted from the body. People today are often exposed to many potentially damaging loud noises. Supplementing ones diet with magnesium could reduce noise-induced ear damage and thus reduce the likelihood of ringing in the ears. There are only a few studies on this relationship with magnesium, but many anecdotal reports from patients.
