Tinnitus is an annoying sensation of buzzing, hissing or ringing in the ear. It can become serious and diminish a person's hearing. It often develops as a result of exposure to loud noise, infections or injuries to nerve endings in the ear. Medical science has, so far, not found a cure, but there are things you can do to alleviate it and make it easier to live with. Home remedies, supplements and medical procedures are available to reduce the noise, and offer people at least some relief, allowing them to have better hearing.
Ginkgo biloba
Sylvia Anderson, Editor of the Alternative Health Journal, recommends taking ginkgo biloba supplements for tinnitus. Ginkgo helps increase blood circulation to the neck, head and brain. The recommended dose is two tablets or capsules of ginkgo extract three times a day with meals. It can take several months to feel results.
CoEnzyme Q10 (CoQ10)
According to the U.S. National Library of Medicine at the National Institutes of Health website, a clinical trial was conducted to ascertain the effects of CoEnzyme Q10 on patients with tinnitus. The findings indicated that CoQ10 may have some benefit in reducing noise in the ears from tinnitus for certain people.
Avoid Loud Noise
Protect your ears by avoiding exposure to loud noises and loud music. Loud noises can not only do additional damage to the ear, they can be painful to those who have existing tinnitus, according to Oregon Health and Science.
Fan or White Noise Generator
Using a fan or white noise generator while you sleep helps mask noises, and some people get relief from the ringing in their ears by the distraction offered by this equipment, according to the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association website.
Eliminate Wax Buildup
The American Tinnitus Association explains that many people suffering from tinnitus also may experience hearing loss as a result of having wax buildup in the ears. It suggests visiting an audiologist for an assessment of their condition. If there is excess wax in the ear, removing it may increase the ability to hear and reduce the noise of tinnitus.
Reduce Salt Intake
The intake of salt can raise blood pressure in individuals who are susceptible to the effects of sodium. According to the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association, tinnitus can be caused by hypertension, or high blood pressure. Reducing salt intake is an important step to reduce blood pressure and possibly reducing the intensity of tinnitus noises.
Avoid Caffeine
Avoid caffeine, recommends the Oregon Health and Science University in its fact sheet on tinnitus. Caffeine may reduce blood flow to the head and ears by constricting capillaries and other small blood vessels.
