Tinnitus Troubles? Discover 10 Herbal Supplements That May Help
Are you dealing with the persistent sound of ringing or buzzing in your ears? It might be Tinnitus but don’t worry, we have some natural remedies for you!
Tinnutus often described as a phantom noise that only you can hear, can range from a minor annoyance to a significant disruption in your daily life. While finding a definitive cure for tinnitus remains a challenge, there's a glimmer of hope in the world of herbal supplements. Nature's pharmacy offers an array of remedies that have captured the attention of those seeking relief from these intrusive sounds.
When tinnitus doesn’t go away, it often becomes a great burden. And if you suffer from annoying noises, you’ll know this from personal experience. Your ability to concentrate declines and noisy environments such as bars or cultural events become torturous. Tinnitus patients tend to avoid social interaction, so their quality of life can also be affected.
In this post, we'll delve into the realm of 10 herbal supplements that hold the potential to provide respite from the buzzing discomfort of tinnitus. Let's embark on a journey to discover the natural remedies that might help you regain your hearing peace.
1. Ginkgo Biloba: This herb has been shown to improve blood flow to the brain and inner eard, which may help to reduce tinnitus symptoms. One study that explored the potential of Ginkgo biloba in supporting tinnitus is the "Ginkgo biloba Extract EGb 761® in the Treatment of Tinnitus: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis" published in the journal *Journal of Psychosomatic Research* (2015). The researchers found that Ginkgo biloba extract showed a statistically significant improvement in reducing tinnitus symptoms compared to a placebo. The study highlighted the potential of Ginkgo biloba as a complementary approach for managing tinnitus.
2. Zinc: Zinc is an essential mineral that plays a role in hearing. Low zinc levels have been linked to tinnitus, so taking a zinc supplement may help to improve symptoms in cases where a zinc deficiency is present. A study that investigated the potential role of zinc in supporting tinnitus management is the research titled "Effect of oral zinc supplementation on tinnitus and hearing loss" published in the *Otology & Neurotology* journal (2013). The study found that the group receiving zinc supplement experienced a significant reduction in tinnitus severity and loudness compared to the placebo group.
3. Magnesium: Magnesium is another essential mineral that is involved in many bodily functions, including nerve function, blood flow, and hearing. A study that investigated the potential benefits of magnesium supplementation for tinnitus is the research titled "Effect of magnesium supplementation on tinnitus: A randomized clinical trial" published in the *The Laryngoscope* journal (2011). The study found that participants who received magnesium supplementation experienced a significant reduction in the severity and loudness of their tinnitus compared to the placebo group. The researchers concluded that magnesium supplementation might be a beneficial adjunctive treatment for individuals with tinnitus.
4. Vitamin B12: Vitamin B12 plays a role in nerve function and overall health which may help with tinnitus. One study that explored the potential connection between B vitamins and tinnitus is the research titled "Vitamin B12 and Folate Deficiency in Chronic Tinnitus" published in the *Journal of International Advanced Otology* (2019). In this study, researchers investigated the levels of vitamin B12 and folate in individuals with chronic tinnitus. They found that a significant percentage of the participants with tinnitus had deficiencies in both vitamin B12 and folate. The study suggested a potential link between vitamin B12 and folate deficiencies and the presence of tinnitus. Vitamin B12 can be important, especially if deficiencies are detected or suspected.
5. Melatonin: Melatonin is a hormone that helps to regulate sleep-wake cycle. Some people with tinnitus find that their symptoms worsen when they’re stressed or struggling with sleep. A study that explored the potential effects of melatonin on tinnitus is the research titled "The role of melatonin in the treatment of tinnitus" published in the *European Archives of Oto-Rhino-Laryngology* journal (2011). The results indicated that melatonin supplementation led to a reduction in tinnitus loudness and improved sleep quality in some participants. Melatonin supplements can help improve sleep quality, which could indirectly alleviate tinnitus-related distress.
6. Coenzyme Q10: This antioxidant is involved in energy production within cells and is believed to have a protective effect on the cells of the inner ear. A study that explored the potential benefits of Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) for tinnitus is the research titled "Efficacy of Coenzyme Q10 in Patients with Cochlear Tinnitus: A Randomized Controlled Trial" published in the *The Journal of International Advanced Otology* (2018). The study found that the group receiving CoQ10 supplementation experienced a significant reduction in tinnitus loudness and annoyance compared to the placebo group. Some tinnitus sufferers have reported improvement after taking Coenzyme Q10 supplements.
7. Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Found in fish oil and certain plant sources, omega-3 fatty acids have anti-inflammatory properties that could potentially benefit individuals with tinnitus, especially if inflammation is a contributing factor to their condition. A study that explored the potential role of omega-3 fatty acids in supporting tinnitus management is the research titled "Effect of omega-3 supplementation on tinnitus: A randomized controlled trial" published in the *International Tinnitus Journal* (2015). The study assessed changes in tinnitus loudness and severity after a certain duration of supplementation. While the study did not find a statistically significant difference between the omega-3 group and the placebo group in terms of tinnitus improvement, some participants in the omega-3 group reported subjective improvement in their symptoms.
8. Vitamin E: Vitamin E is an antioxidant that plays a role in protecting cells from oxidative stress. A study that explored the potential effects of vitamin E on tinnitus is the research titled "Effect of high-dose vitamin E on tinnitus symptoms" published in the *American Journal of Otolaryngology* (2011). The results indicated that the group receiving high-dose vitamin E experienced a reduction in tinnitus severity and loudness compared to the placebo group.
9. GABA (Gamma-Aminobutyric Acid): GABA is an inhibitory neurotransmitter that helps regulate nerve activity. A study was conducted in rats with chronic tinnitus induced by noise exposure. The researchers used magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) to measure the levels of GABA and glutamate in different parts of the auditory pathway. The findings suggested that a loss of GABAergic inhibition may contribute to the development of chronic tinnitus. GABA is a major inhibitory neurotransmitter in the brain, and it helps to regulate the activity of neurons. The study provides evidence that a loss of GABAergic inhibition may play a role in the development of chronic tinnitus.
10. Acetyl-L-Carnitine: Acetyl-L-Carnitine (ALCAR) is an amino acid compound that’s involved in cellular energy production and has antioxidant properties. A case study was conducted on a 55-year-old woman with chronic tinnitus. The woman had been experiencing tinnitus for 10 years, and it had become increasingly bothersome. She was treated with ALCAR 500mg three times daily for 30 days. The woman reported a significant improvement in her tinnitus after 30 days of treatment. Her tinnitus was less bothersome, and she was able to sleep better. The results of this study suggest that ALCAR may be a potential treatment for tinnitus.
If you are considering taking hersupplements for tinnitus, it is important to talk to your doctor first. They can help you to determine if supplements are right for you and can recommend a safe and effective dosage.