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.

I am a 90-year-old female with high blood pressure, heart trouble and arthritis. I am on prescription medication for my blood pressure and heart and use over-the-counter Mineral Ice for my arthritis. I also take vitamins C and E and omega 3 fish oil.

About four months ago, I started to get dizziness. I felt like I was drunk. I didn’t do anything about it because I thought it would stop sooner or later. Well, it didn’t and one day I felt so terrible that my daughter rushed me to the emergency room where all sorts of tests were performed. They told me everything was normal and they didn’t know what was causing my dizziness.

What am I doing or not doing that would cause this terrible dizziness?

DEAR READER:
There are two types of dizziness: vertigo (which usually stems from the inner ear) and lightheadedness (which has many causes).

Treatment depends on the type and cause of your dizziness. Lightheadedness can have many causes ranging from blocked arteries to low blood pressure to medication side effects. Careful testing must be done to determine the cause. Since you have already had testing, I don’t believe that your problem stems from lightheadedness; however, you may wish to see your family physician. He or she can review your medications, order repeat or additional testing, or refer you to a specialist.

Vertigo, on the other hand, is often the result of an inner ear abnormality. It can also be caused by the vestibular center of the ear (the oval space in the middle of the ear bones) or pathways in the central nervous system. The most common symptom is the sensation of movement, similar to the effects caused by the over-indulgence of alcohol.
You appear to have a text-book case of vertigo. I recommend that you make an appointment with an ear-nose-and-throat specialist who can perform testing to make a positive diagnosis. At the same time he or she may choose to test you for other causes such as Meniere’s disease, otitis interna (inner ear infection) and more. He or she may also choose to show you special maneuvers, such as the Epley maneuver, or prescribe medication, such as Antivert, to reduce or control your symptoms.

A final option is to try an over-the-counter medication called Lipo-Flavonoid. This product is designed to reduce or eliminate tinnitus and vertigo. It is not effective (as is true for many medications) for all individuals but for those in whon it works, it can provide amazing results.

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 self-addressed, stamped number 10 envelope and $2 to Newsletter, PO Box 167, Wickliffe, OH 44092. Be sure to mention the title.