Tinnitus is a common and annoying problem that causes noise or ringing in the ears. Tinnitus is a symptom of an underlying health issue such as an ear injury or age-related hearing loss. Diagnosing and treating the fundamental cause of tinnitus may provide relief. Vitamin B-6, or pyridoxine, helps the immune system produce antibodies that are essential to fending off disease. Vitamin B-6, however, is not listed as a treatment for tinnitus, according to MedlinePlus, a website published by the National Institutes of Health.
Considerations
Head injuries, ear infections, exposure to loud noise, along with heart and blood vessel problems can all cause tinnitus. Often the cause of noise and ringing in the ears can't be found.
B-6 is a water-soluble vitamin found in foods like vegetables, cereals and beans.
B-6 may guard against heart disease and help manage cholesterol.
Other Vitamins and Supplements
Vitamin B-12 and a combination of vitamins A and E have been mentioned as possible treatments for tinnitus, but no strong evidence supports their use, notes the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center.
A study published in 2007 in "Progress in Brain Research" found people with a zinc deficiency can be up to 69 percent more likely to have tinnitus. Four out of five small studies suggested that zinc supplementation may ease symptoms of tinnitus, but larger clinical trials are needed to confirm these assertions.
Conventional Treatment
Certain medications may help diminish the severity of tinnitus. Tricyclic antidepressants such as amitriptyline and nortriptyline have been moderately effective, but they can cause unpleasant side effects such blurred vision, constipation, dry mouth and possibly heart problems.
Anti-anxiety agents like alprazolam may help reduce symptoms. These drugs are potentially habit-forming and cause side effects like nausea and drowsiness.
Lifestyle Remedies
Limiting your exposure to things that may exacerbate tinnitus, such as loud noises and nicotine, can help keep symptoms under control. Low-volume radio static or a fan may cover up the noise and ringing from tinnitus.
Relaxation techniques such as meditation and exercise can help manage symptoms, since stress can intensify tinnitus, explains Mayo Clinic. Limiting your alcohol intake may also help since alcohol expands your blood vessels, which causes increased blood flow, especially in the inner ear.
References
- Mayo Clinic; Tinnitus; July 31, 2010
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Vitamin B6
- University of Pittsburgh Medical Center; Tinnitus Aurium; February 2011
- MedlinePlus; Pyridoxine (Vitamin B6); Dec. 13, 2010
- "Progress in Brain Research"; Zinc as a possible treatment for tinnitus; C.B.Coelho; 2007
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