Tinnitus -- a condition characterized by ringing in one or both ears -- is a relatively common problem among Americans. Ten to 15 percent of American adults have tinnitus that requires medical intervention, according to the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association. Although tinnitus can be caused by something as simple as ear wax, it can also be a symptom of a serious health problem. Before you try any dietary approach to treating this condition, meet with your family physician to discuss an overall approach.
Tinnitus Information
Although the exact cause or causes of tinnitus are unknown, certain health conditions can trigger or worsen it, according to the American Tinnitus Association. Among those health conditions are sinus infections, heart disease, Meniere's disease and brain tumors. Repeated exposure to loud noise can also lead to tinnitus. Those who have it describe the sound not only as a ringing, but also as a roaring, pulsing, whistling or hissing.
Dietary Strategies
Several dietary strategies have been used to treat tinnitus and other types of hearing loss. In her book "Prescription for Nutritional Healing," certified nutritional consultant Phyllis Balch writes that eating fresh pineapple may help to decrease any inflammation that's contributing to tinnitus. An ear or sinus infection can cause ear inflammation and, in turn, tinnitus. Balch also recommends garlic, liver, kelp and other sea vegetables. Consider reducing or eliminating the following substances from your diet: refined sugar, caffeine, chocolate and sodium. Further studies need to be done, though, to substantiate these approaches to treating tinnitus.
A Helpful Food
Liver may be a helpful food in treating tinnitus. Liver has significant amounts of vitamin B12, and a deficiency may contribute to auditory pathway dysfunction, according to the nonprofit Life Extension Foundation. Liver is also an excellent source of copper, folate, selenium, riboflavin, tryptophan, zinc, pyridoxine, pantothenic acid and vitamin C. More scientific research is necessary to determine the true efficacy of liver and other vitamin B12-rich foods in treating tinnitus.
Considerations
Tinnitus is often a difficult condition to treat, which is frustrating for both doctor and patient. If you develop any constant noise in one or both ears, see your doctor for a thorough examination. Your doctor can recommend a treatment plan that may include therapies such as biofeedback, electrical stimulation and relaxation therapy. Also consider seeing a clinical nutrition expert, who can counsel you on the potential side effects, drug interactions and limitations of diet and nutrition in treating your tinnitus. A larger body of scientific research evidence may be needed to validate the health benefits of some foods traditionally used in treating tinnitus.
References
- American Speech-Language-Hearing Association: Tinnitus
- American Tinnitus Association: About Tinnitus
- "Prescription for Nutritional Healing"; Phyllis A. Balch, CNC; 2010
- "The World's Healthiest Foods"; George Mateljan; 2007
- Life Extension: Tinnitus
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