Cayenne isn't likely to help your tinnitus. Like most herbal remedies for ringing in the ears, its effects are anecdotal at best. This isn't to say that complementary and alternative medicines can't help improve this condition, but cayenne isn't one of the popular modalities. The source of its use to treat tinnitus is likely related to cayenne's purported benefit on blood pressure and blood cholesterol. Both conditions affect the transport of blood, including to the ear. By improving blood flow, the potential exists that tinnitus will improve as well. However, no scientific evidence exists that cayenne can improve cholesterol levels or treat circulatory disorders.
Step 1
Talk to a doctor. For most people, the cause of this condition is directly related to the ear itself. It may be the result of age-related hearing loss or exposure to loud noises. Even a stiffening of the bones in your inner ear can cause this phantom ringing. However, you can develop tinnitus from blood vessel disorders, such as high blood pressure or atherosclerosis, which is the narrowing of the arteries. Either of these conditions can affect the transport of blood to the ear, causing the sudden perception of sound that isn't there.
Step 2
Consult a specialist. An ear, nose and throat specialist can further assess your condition. If an underlying disorder is causing the ringing, this can be treated, which should improve your tinnitus. If the ringing is linked to inner ear problems, the ENT specialist can recommend medications and devices for treatment.
Step 3
Try a ginkgo biloba supplement instead of taking cayenne pepper. This herbal remedy has shown promise in treating this condition, according to MayoClinic.com. Therapeutic doses are often set at 120 to 160 mg.
Step 4
Pick up a zinc supplement. Like ginkgo, this mineral has shown promise in treating tinnitus. In this situation, it's linked to a deficiency in zinc. A study published in the journal "Otology and Neurotology" found that 82 percent of the participants experienced an improvement in their symptoms after taking a supplement of zinc.Therapeutic doses are often set at 50 mg.
Step 5
Have a sleep examination. The severity of tinnitus is often greater in people with a higher rate of sleep disturbances, according to a study by the Sleep Research Institute at the Sheba Medical Center in Israel. Examining your sleep cycle may reveal a sleep disorder that, once treated, could improve the ringing.
Tips and Warnings
- If treatment fails to improve tinnitus, cover the ringing by creating background noise. Working, reading or simply sitting in a quiet room can sometimes make tinnitus more perceptible, so running a fan, playing music or investing in a white noise machine can help mask the ringing, explains MayoClinic.com. Some people find tinnitus worsens with nicotine or alcohol use. Quit smoking and eliminate beer, wine and mixed drinks from your diet to see if these lifestyle changes improve the ringing.
