Tinnitus is a symptom of an underlying medical condition, not a disease or condition itself. So, it is important to figure out what is causing the ringing sensation in your ears before trying to treat or mask the noise. When tinnitus is brought on by heart or blood vessel problems, a change in diet may help minimize the problem. In many other cases, foods are not a factor.
Tinnitus
People who suffer from tinnitus may describe hearing a ringing, hissing, clicking, roaring or buzzing sound in one or both ears. The noise may be mildly annoying or so severe you have trouble with normal, day-to-day activities. An estimated 50 million Americans experience some degree of tinnitus, according to the American Tinnitus Association. There is no cure, but there are a variety of treatments, depending on the cause of the tinnitus.
Treatments
When tinnitus is caused by disorders such as hypo- or hyperthyroidism, Lyme disease, fibromyalgia, jaw misalignment or certain types of tumors, treating those problems can help alleviate the tinnitus. Sometimes the treatment is as easy as having wax buildup removed from your ears. Tinnitus is often the result of exposure to loud noises that can damage or destroy hair cells, which cannot be renewed or replaced. A doctor may recommend hearing aids, white noise machines, masking devices or prescription medications to help. In some cases, cardiovascular problems trigger tinnitus and, thus, dietary changes that bring conditions such as high blood pressure under control can help decrease the ear noise.
Dietary Changes
The American Tinnitus Association recommends paying attention to what you eat and drink to determine if anything in particular aggravates your tinnitus. Possible triggers include salty foods, artificial sweeteners, sugary foods, and alcoholic and caffeinated beverages. The ATA recommends cutting these suspicious foods out of your diet one-by-one to determine what helps. Start by eliminating alcoholic drinks. Alcohol can increase the force of blood by dilating blood vessels and increasing the flow of blood in the inner ear. Don't pick up a cigarette instead. Nicotine is another possible tinnitus irritant.
Prevention
There aren't any foods specifically recommended to prevent tinnitus, but following a heart-healthy diet and getting plenty of exercise may help reduce tinnitus linked to blood vessel disorders. Follow a diet plan that includes lots of fruits, vegetables, whole grains and lean proteins. Don't turn up the volume too loud when listening to music or TV, and if you work in a noisy environment, use hearing protection. Have your ears checked for wax buildup.
