Tinnitus is the perception of sound when there is no corresponding external stimulus. Not considered a disease, tinnitus is rather a symptom of diseases and injuries related to the ear, head, brain and blood vessels. Vitamin B-3, or niacin, is a commonly used natural remedy purported to help certain types of tinnitus, but mega-dosing can potentially lead to temporary tinnitus. Consult with your doctor before supplementing with B-3 for tinnitus.
Tinnitus Causes
Tinnitus may result from a natural hearing impairment related to aging, loud music, exposure to loud noises, sensitivity to some medications, congenital defects, ear infections, head trauma, allergies, wax build-up, atherosclerosis and dietary deficiencies, according to "Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine." Long-term, chronic tinnitus most often stems from being exposed to sounds with high decibel levels, but short-term tinnitus is commonly caused by negative reactions to drugs, especially aspirin and benzodiazepines. Dr. H. Winter Griffith, author of the "Complete Guide to Symptoms, Illness and Surgery," explains that about 20 percent of Americans between the ages of 55 and 65 experience tinnitus.
Symptoms
People who experience tinnitus describe the condition in different ways. The sensation of tinnitus may be a high-pitched frequency, constant static noise, roaring and whooshing sounds or ringing. Tinnitus may be constant or intermittent, and may last for minutes or many years, depending on its cause. Reduced hearing, headaches, dizziness and ear itchiness are all common symptoms that accompany tinnitus.
B-3 for Tinnitus
Niacin, as nicotinic acid, exhibits vasodilating properties, which means it relaxes blood vessels, especially small ones. When blood vessels vasodilate, their internal lumens increase in diameter, which slightly reduces blood pressure and allows more blood to flow through, according to the Linus Pauling Institute. Tinnitus caused by clogged or damaged blood vessels leading to or from your ear may benefit from nicotinic acid because of its vasodilating properties, but it would be unlikely to work for most other causes. However, human research on the effects of nicotinic acid on tinnitus is lacking. Consult your primary-care physician about the benefits and side effects of niacin supplements.
Too Much B-3
Taking too much nicotinic, usually dosages over 35 mg, can cause "niacin flushing," which involves temporary burning, redness and itchiness around your head, face and neck due to vasodilation of small blood vessels close to the surface of your skin. Although not a typical symptom of niacin flushing, sounds produced from increased blood flow in and around the head and ears may be perceived as temporary tinnitus. Taking aspirin to fight the symptoms of niacin flushing will increase your risk of drug-induced tinnitus. Non-flushing B-3 is available and called nicotinamide, but it does not have vasodilating properties and would be ineffective for all types of tinnitus.
References
- "Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine"; A. Fauci et al.; 2008
- "Complete Guide to Symptoms, Illness and Surgery: 5th Edition"; H. Winter Griffith; 2006
- Linus Pauling Institute; Niacin - B3; Jane Higdon and Victoria J. Drake; June 2007
