DEAR DR. GOTT:
I have been diagnosed with tinnitus and told there is nothing I can do for it.
Would you know of an herbal remedy or natural cure I might try?
DEAR READER:
Tinnitus is defined as a noise, ringing, clicking, or buzzing in the ears that affects more than 12 million Americans. Common causes are ears blocked by wax and damage from loud noises such as from lawn mowers, engines and heavy equipment.
Tinnitus isn’t an actual condition, but a symptom of an underlying problem such as injury to the ear, a circulatory system disorder or simple, age-related hearing loss. Less common conditions are Meniere’s disease and acoustic neuromas. Some antibiotics, cancer medications, diuretics, and almost 200 other medications are linked to tinnitus.
The most common type of tinnitus is known as subjective, caused by problems in the outer, middle or inner ear where tiny hairs move as a result of sound wave pressure. Tinnitus results when the hairs become bent or broken. It may be present constantly, some of the time or in one ear or both.
Avoid alcohol, loud sounds and other triggers. If you are bothered while attempting to sleep, try turning on music (or better still, static) from a radio at a low volume. If you are on any medication that is linked to tinnitus, ask your physician to switch you to another drug.
Herbal remedies include feverfew, Hawthorne, rosemary, ginkgo biloba and essential oils. Vitamins and mineral remedies include magnesium, vitamins A and C, and bioflavonoids. I am not sure how effective vitamins, minerals or herbs might be. The only thing I can say is that they should not cause any harm if taken according to packaging recommendations.
An over-the-counter drug known as Lipo-Flavonoid, has met with success, according to a number of my readers.
Because you indicate nothing can be done for your tinnitus, I interpret you have seen an ear-nose-and-throat specialist. If not, that is your first step. Determine the reason for this annoyance and demand an understandable explanation of why nothing can be done. If you remain dissatisfied, request a second opinion from your primary care physician.
To give you related information, I am sending you a copy of my Health Report “Ear Infections and Disorders”. Other readers who would like a copy should send a long, self-addressed, number 10 envelope and $2 to Newsletter, PO Box 167, Wickliffe, OH 44092. Be sure to mention the title.
About Dr. Gott