Tinnitus :: Healthy Lifestyles and Natural Weight Loss Information

Tinnitus

Symptoms

Ear ringing, or tinnitus, is a general term for any kind of sound heard in the ear in the absence of, or different from, any actual outside noise. The sound is continuous or reappearing, and may pulsate with the heartbeat and accompany loss of *hearing. Ear ringing combined with hearing loss and *dizziness are symptoms of Meniere’s disease.

Causes

Loud noise can certainly cause the ears to ring, but this usually disappears with time. Ear ringing also accompanies most *ear problems that involve blockages or infections. The eustachian tube is a tunnel connecting the ear and *throat, and becomes blocked due to excess mucus from *sinus and throat infections or *allergies. The outer ear can also become blocked if earwax builds up or a foreign body lodges in the ear.

When not related to an ear problem, tinnitus is caused by *hypoglycemia, or *jaw or *neck problems, but is most often a result of a *circulatory problem around the ear. The cause is typically *arteriosclerosis, with a direct link to a diet rich in sugars, refined foods and unhealthy fats from meat, margarine and commercial vegetable oils, and lacking in fiber-rich, wholesome foods. Changes in *blood pressure and *anemia affect oxygen supply to the cells and cause problems. *Toxins and medications also cause ear ringing. In sensitive people, the mercury in common amalgam dental fillings is at fault. In many cases, the ringing is a signal that the body is overwhelmed with *stress and work.

Nutrition

Buzzing in the ears can be a symptom of arteriosclerosis or high *blood pressure, degenerative diseases which are too often the result of poor diet. An abundance of animal protein, especially red meat, refined flours and sugars, and processed foods constrict the arteries and stress the body.

A three-day fruit and vegetable juice fast can clear the ear of clogging mucus. Thereafter, a four-week therapy of garlic juice, which lowers blood pressure and dilates and relaxes tiny blood vessels, is an effective treatment when combined with a predominantly vegetarian, whole foods diet including plenty of raw vegetables and fruit. Drastically reducing the intake of saturated fats, vegetable shortening and margarine (which thicken the blood and inhibit the flow of oxygen and nutrients to the inner ear) can produce a dramatic improvement in hearing. Avoid sugar, which promotes tinnitus by provoking adrenalin release, which in turn causes vasoconstriction in the inner ear.

Vitamin A deficiency can lead to inner-ear problems. Good sources of vitamin A are blueberries and yellow vegetables and fruits, such as carrots, yams and cantaloupe.

Nutritional Supplements

Ear ringing is in part caused by missing nutrients and poor diet. Vitamin A deficiency can cause inner-ear problems such as ear ringing, since this vitamin is important for the membranes in the ear. Vitamin E improves oxygen supply to the cells. Magnesium and zinc imbalances will also cause tinnitus. Supplementing B vitamins, especially B₁₂, B₆ and B₅ (pantothenic acid), often improves ear ringing.

Daily Dosages

Vitamin B₁₂, 1 mg

Zinc, 30 mg, with 3 mg copper
Vitamin B complex, 50 mg twice

Vitamin E, with mixed tocopherols, 400 IU

Vitamin A, 10,000 IU (avoid during pregnancy)

Herbal Remedies

Complement a nutrient-rich diet with herbs that stimulate circulation.

Ginkgo biloba helps promote blood circulation in the small capillaries. As this herb has no side-effects, it can be taken regularly as 15-20 drops diluted in water daily.

Passion flower extract regulates neurotransmitters and circulation.

If the problem is related to *constipation, take 1 tbsp. of ramson juice daily to clear the large intestine.

Supplementation with vegetal silica, an aqueous extract from horsetail, has been found to decrease tinnitus. Take 3-4 capsules daily.

Mistletoe tea increases blood circulation. Mix 3 cups of cold water and 3 tsp. of mistletoe herb. Let stand overnight. Next morning strain, warm up and drink 3 cups daily unsweetened.

Regularly rinse ears with plantain or calendula infusion. Dry ears well with a cotton swab and place dry cotton in ear to avoid chilling.

Fresh plantain extract is an excellent remedy for the ears. Drink 2 tbsp. of juice three times daily for six weeks.

Homeopathy

As homeopathy is specific to every person, below is a sample of the many prescribed remedies. Take the 6c strength three times daily for up to two weeks. Consult a homeopath if the condition does not improve within forty-eight hours.

Take Salicylic acid for roaring in the ears, giddiness and deafness.

Carbon sulph is recommended for roaring, tingling, and a blocked feeling in the ears.

For buzzing, singing or hissing in the ears, take China sulph.

Tissue Salts

Take 4 tablets under the tongue three times daily.

Use Ferr phos if problem is due to blood pressure conditions.

If there is buzzing and/or humming, or ringing after nervous exhaustion, take Kali phos.

Mag phos helps if the sound is whizzing and ringing and hearing is limited.

External/Physical Therapies

Increase circulation to the ear area by massaging or applying a hot compress on the neck before going to bed. Dip a small towel into hot water, wring out, place on neck and place a dry towel over it.

Stimulate overall circulation with alternating hot and cold foot baths every evening.

Place a small cotton pouch filled with 3 tbsp. each of hot roasted millet seeds and salt on one ear. Leave on for ten minutes.

Regularly chew dried fruit. It increases circulation to the ear area.

Stress usually makes this condition worse, so take time to relax and sleep.

Acupressure

Apply deep thumb pressure for one minute to the points, as illustrated.

Reflexology

Work the reflexes to the ears and eyes, located along the base of all toes except the big one. Also work the adrenal glands, neck and cervical spine, as illustrated.

Other Suggestions

A chiropractic adjustment can help if the cause of ear ringing is a jaw or neck *dislocation. An occlusal splint can help stop *teeth grinding, which is also known to cause tinnitus.

Available Brand Name Products: Herbal Remedies

Ginkgo Biloba (Albi)

FloraSil (Flora)

Ginkgo Biloba (Flora)

Horsetail Leaves (Flora)

Ginkgo Biloba (Naka)

Ginkgo Biloba Phytosome (Natural Factors)

Silica Extract 500 mg (Natural Factors)

Gingko Biloba Extract (Nature’s Herbs)

Silica-Power (Nature’s Herbs)

Ginkoba (Pharmaton)

Ginkosan (Pharmaton)

Ginkgo Biloba Phytosome (Sisu)

Source: Encyclopedia of Natural Healing by Siegfried Gursche and Zoltan Rona

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Dizziness

Ear Problems
The most common cause of ear pain is a middle-ear infection, also known as otitis media. Young children between three months and three years are often plagued by this infection, though it can appear at any age.

Ear Ringing
Ear ringing, or tinnitus, is a general term for any kind of sound heard in the ear in the absence of, or different from, any actual outside noise. The sound is continuous or reappearing, and may pulsate with the heartbeat and accompany loss of *hearing.

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Eye Problems
Excessively dry or teary eyes are among the most common eye afflictions. Dry eyes often become red and are more prone to irritations and infections, as tears help eliminate bacteria and dust particles. Eye straining causes soreness, dryness and redness.

Nosebleed
The mucous membranes lining the inside of the nasal passages are well supplied with blood, so bleeding flows easily and quickly. Nosebleeds are common in children. Unless they occur repeatedly or along with other symptoms, they are not cause for concern.

Polyps
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Retinal Detachment
The retina is a delicate layer lining the inner eye, able to transform light into impulses that are then passed on to and translated by the brain into visual images. When the retina detaches, vision is affected immediately, but there is no pain and only one eye is affected at a time..

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Tonsillitis
Located at the back of the throat, tonsils assist the immune system by filtering for viral and bacterial intruders. Tonsillitis is a painful throat infection which causes the tonsils to redden and swell.

Visual Disturbances (see also Eye Problems)
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