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 Ménière's disease.
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.
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.
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. (For supplementation for specific problems associated with circulation, see Arteriosclerosis and Circulatory Problems.)
Daily dosages:
Most Important
Vitamin B12, 1 mg
Zinc, 30 mg, with 3 mg copper
Helpful
Vitamin B complex, 50 mg twice
Vitamin E, with mixed tocopherols, 400 IU
Vitamin A, 10,000 IU
(avoid during pregnancy)
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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)