Tinnitus is a condition where a person hears noises in the ear without the presence of any external sound. This condition can affect either one ear or both the ears and is often accompanied by symptoms like ‘change of side (or ear)’ from where the sounds are coming, the intensity, pitch, volume, and type of sound. In a few cases, symptoms like vertigo, difficulty in hearing, discharge from ear and fullness/heaviness in the ears are also present. Homeopathic medicines can not only help in decreasing the severity of the symptoms but also treat the condition on a long-term basis. People struggling with tinnitus often develop other conditions like
depression, anxiety, insomnia, stress and difficulty in concentrating as a result of hearing constant sounds. According to a report published in the journal Frontiers in Neurology (2014), ‘many patients have suggested that their distress is an inevitable consequence of the psychophysical characteristics of tinnitus.’ Different people hear different sounds when afflicted with tinnitus. Some common sounds associated with the condition are ringing, buzzing, hissing, roaring, and whistling.
How effective is Homoeopathy in treating Tinnitus
Presently, there are no conventional drugs available to cure tinnitus completely. In most cases, tinnitus may develop as a result of some other underlying issue. Certain drugs are used to reduce the complications or severity of tinnitus. Other methods involve suppressing the symptoms with the help of noise-masking contraptions. While they do provide a certain degree of relief from the symptoms of tinnitus, they fail to address the underlying cause. Often, discontinuation of these treatment options leads to worsening of the condition. Side-effects of drugs used in these cases can also be severe, and finding the medication involves trial and error. The surest way to manage tinnitus is to determine the root cause and treat it to assure complete recovery.
A Natural way of treating Tinnitus
Being an ancient, 200-year-old medical system and science that was founded by German physician Samuel Hahnemann way back in the 1700s, the cures used in homeopathy are derived from nature and thus devoid of toxins. Naturally occurring substances are used to make the remedies, which work in harmony with the system. These also help restore the natural healing processes of the body.
No Side-Effects
Homeopathic medicines do not have any side effects because of their extremely diluted nature, and the fact that they are made of natural substances. On the other hand, conventional drugs that contain tricyclic antidepressants are used only to manage severe tinnitus because of their severe side-effects. Some of the adverse effects include blurred vision, heart problems, constipation, and dry mouth. Frequently used drug called alprazolam helps reduce the symptoms of tinnitus, but it too comes with side effects like nausea and drowsiness. This drug also causes dependency and can be habit-forming.
Holistic Approach
Another key benefit of homoeopathy is that it aims to cure the problem from the root. Rather than suppressing the symptoms of a disorder, homeopathy addresses all the associated symptoms and offers a comprehensive treatment approach. Noise-masking contraptions such as noise-cancellation machines or hearing aids only suppress the symptoms and provide temporary relief. These are more like supplementary solutions and do not treat the main problem.
Individualized Cure
Individualization is the key to homeopathic treatment. Every person is treated as a unique individual with their own set of symptoms rather than being classified into a category. It is important to opt for individualized approach because tinnitus is a condition that develops due to a variety of reasons, therefore to find the correct solution, it is essential to know the exact cause of the problem. For instance, in some people, tinnitus may occur due to a blockage or obstruction within the inner ear, while in others, it may be a side-effect of a drug. These two cases cannot be treated with one medicine and therefore individualized treatment for each case is necessary, and this is the very basis of homeopathy. Similarly, different people hear different types of sounds as a result of tinnitus and require different medicines. For example, for drumming sounds inside the ears, Lachesis Muta is indicated, while for humming sounds, China Officinalis is used.
Simple and Effective
Individualized and holistic approach towards finding and prescribing right remedy to a patient makes homeopathy a simple yet effective course of treatment. A single dose of the correct medicine can have a lasting effect for months or even years. The first course of treatment for tinnitus involves identifying underlying causes and screening the treatable conditions. This includes measures like cleaning excessive earwax, changing medications or surgical intervention. With homeopathy, invasive treatments like surgery can be held off since there are different treatment options available to fix internal problems naturally.
A Safe Option
Natural remedies for tinnitus have given proven results in treating cases where the symptoms are mild to moderate. In case of severe symptoms, homeopathy can help reduce the severity and recurrence of the symptoms. Conventional treatments for tinnitus that involve the use of drugs or masking techniques may not be suitable across all ages. Children and adults alike are susceptible to side-effects from drugs, and this treatment option is rarely recommended for children. Homeopathy works in harmony with the body by restoring the natural healing processes. It can be used safely to treat tinnitus in people of all age groups. Further, these remedies also help treat accompanying symptoms like vertigo, ear discharges, fullness/heaviness in the ears and conditions linked to Meniere’s disease. The duration of homeopathy treatments for tinnitus varies from person to person, although in most cases, gradual improvement over a given period has been noted. The chances of a relapse of the condition, once the treatment has been successfully administered, are next to none.
Top 8 Homeopathic Remedies for Tinnitus
Medicines that help treat tinnitus are Kali Muriaticum, Natrum Salicylicum, Chenopodium Anthelmenticum, Chininum Sulphuricum, Salicylicum Acidicum, Graphites Naturalis, Pulsatilla Pratensis and China Officinalis. When chosen carefully on the basis of the merits of the symptoms they can be the perfect homeopathic relief for tinnitus.
1. Kali Muriaticum — Top Grade Medicine For Tinnitus
Kali Muriaticum is a top medicine to cure Tinnitus. Key indications to prescribe this remedy are excessive build-up or discharge of mucus in the throat area or the nostrils and a history of long-standing ear discharges (Otorrhea). Popping and crackling noises in the ear, and the crackling sound gets worse when one swallows. Deafness from ear catarrh is also possible. Persistent fullness or heaviness in the ears is another key indication to use this remedy.
When to use Kali Muriaticum?
Kali Muriaticum should be administered in the cases of tinnitus that have a long history of chronic catarrhal conditions of middle ear accompanied by snapping and other sounds in the ear.
How to use Kali Muriaticum?
It should be administered in in 6X and 30C power twice daily for best results.
2. Natrum Salicylicum — For Tinnitus That Starts After Meniere’s Disease
Natrum Salicylicum is administered to manage tinnitus that results due to Meniere’s disease, where a triad of symptoms including noises in the ear, vertigo and hearing loss appear. The sounds are low in tone and constant. Vertigo aggravates when one sits up or rises from the bed. However, lying down offers relief. This is a wonderful medicine for tinnitus and vertigo.
When to use Natrum Salicylicum?
It is administered in cases of tinnitus that occur due to Meniere’s disease where sounds are present in constant and low tone along with vertigo that worsens when one raises head.
How to use Natrum Salicylicum?
Natrum Salicylicum can be administered in 30C power one or two times daily to begin with. However, one can enhance the potency upto 200 and 1M after consulting a qualified homoeopath.
3. Chenopodium Anthelminticum — For Tinnitus with Sudden Spells Of Vertigo
Chenopodium Anthelminticum is a natural homoeopathic remedy prepared from plant of Wormseed, and is administered in cases of tinnitus if there are sudden spurts of vertigo. The patient may be able to hear high-pitched sounds but be deaf to human noise. The noises in the ear in these cases are mainly ringing buzzing, or roaring in nature. Tinnitus synchronising with heartbeats is another key feature indicating the requirement for this medicine.
When to use Chenopodium Antelminticum?
This medicine is main administered to treat tinnitus with sudden spells of vertigo. Ringing, buzzing and roaring noises are heard along with tinnitus that synchronises with heartbeats.
How to use Chenopodium Antelminticum?
Chenopodium can be used in 30C or 200C depending upon the intensity of the symptoms, and can be administered one or two times a day for good results.
4. Graphites Naturalis — For Tinnitus With Buzzing and Hissing Sounds
Graphites Naturalis is widely administered to treat cases of somatic tinnitus, where the symptoms of tinnitus aggravate if there is a movement of the jaw and the head. The noises in the ear are mainly buzzing, hissing, whistling or roaring in nature. In some cases, cracking sounds in the ears are observed. A feeling of dryness in the ear and ‘stuffed ear’ also indicate the need for this medicine. People who need this medicine hear better in noisy places.
When to use Graphites?
Graphites is administered in cases of tinnitus where the sounds are typically buzzing and hissing in nature and there is feeling of dryness in the ears and stuffiness.
How to use Graphites?
Graphites is administered in 30C potency one to two times daily for best outcome.
5. Chininum Sulphuricum — For Ringing Noises In Ear
Chininum Sulphuricum is a wonderful medicine to treat cases of tinnitus where intense sounds of different kinds like roaring, ringing, and buzzing are observed. The sounds are violent and are accompanied by deafness and vertigo. In some cases, an intense headache is felt. Chininum Sulph is also administered to treat Meniere’s disease.
When to use Chininum Sulphuricum?
Chininum Sulphuricum is recommended in cases of tinnitus with violent buzzing or roaring sound in the ears along with vertigo and some hearing loss.
How to use Chininum sulphuricum?
This medicine can be taken in 30C or 200C potency once or twice a day.
6. Salicylicum Acidicum – For Tinnitus With Roaring Noises And Partial Deafness
Salicylicum Acidicum gives best results particularly in cases of tinnitus with partial deafness, roaring noises and vertigo. These symptoms are quite similar to the effects of drug-induced auditory nerve irritation. Symptoms may appear or worsen after use of salicylates or quinine, making it beneficial as an antidotal remedy. Ear symptoms are accompanied by nausea, dizziness and headache. The auditory nerve is involved here with impaired or diminished hearing. One has a feeling as if the ears are full.
When to use Salicylicum Acidicum?
It is typically used in cases of tinnitus with roaring type of noise in ear accompanied by headache, vertigo and nausea. It is also helpful when tinnitus occurs after a person takes the drug ‘aspirin’ sometimes.
How to use Salicylicum Acidicum?
Take it in 30C potency initially for good results. The potency can be raised to 200 or 1M under the ghidance of a homoeopathic doctor.
7. Pulsatilla Pratensis – For Tinnitus With Shifting Type Of Noises
Prepared from plant Windflower Pulsatilla, Pratensis is used in cases of tinnitus with rushing, humming or roaring sounds in the ears. The noise may be shifting or intermittent or may change completely. There may be deafness especially when associated with catarrhal (mucous) conditions of the middle ear. These symptoms often follow or accompany colds, blocked Eustachian tube or sinus congestion. One may feel pressure, fullness or obstruction in the ears.
When to use Pulsatilla Pratensis?
Pulsatilla is typically used in treating tinnitus where the sounds are intermittent, shifting or interchangeable – roaring rushing or humming. Tinnitus can be associated with cold, sinus congestion and Eustachian tube blockage.
How to use Pulsatilla Pratensis?
Pulsatilla works wonders in 30C potency. It can be taken once or twice a day for good results.
8. China Officinalis – For Tinnitus With Severe Debility
When there is acute ringing humming, buzzing or roaring noise in the ears, this medicine gives the best treatment. Ticking noises inside the ears is also a key indication. These noises are accompanied by exhaustion, loss of vital fluids and profound weakness. Diminished hearing or intermittent deafness accompany the noises. There is a feeling as if the ears are full or blocked.
When to use China Officinalis?
This medicine is essentially used for tinnitus with extreme ringing roaring or humming noises, accompanied by severe exhaustion.
How to use China Officinalis?
It is best in 30C potency once or twice a day.
Few other medicines for specific noises:
1. Petroleum Oleum is used to treat tinnitus when there is a clear bell-like sound in the ear. There is marked itching and dryness in the ear. People who cannot bear too many sounds of people talking together, and the elderly exhibiting signs of deafness are often treated with this medicine.
2. Formica Rufa is another medicine for buzzing noises in the ear, along with pain in the ear and difficulty in hearing. The pain may radiate to the temporal region of the head. Earache may be severe in the morning, the ears may feel hot and are sensitive to touch.
3. Manganum Aceticum is used to treat tinnitus when one hears whistling type of noise. There is difficulty in hearing that gets worse in damp weather, along with an obstructed sensation in ears. There is shooting pain when one speaks or laughs.
4. Silicea Terra is used to treat tinnitus where one hears hissing sounds inside the ear. Other symptoms are a blocked sensation in the ear, shooting pain, sensitivity to cold air, ear discharge and hardness of hearing. The discharge may be purulent (pus-like) or blood-stained and may have a fetid odor. Somebody with a perforated ear drum can also be treated with this medicine.
5. Bryonia Alba is used to treat tinnitus when one hears chirping noises inside the ear. One may become intolerant towards noises from outside along with spells of vertigo. A deep, stitching or shooting pain is flet especially in open air. This medicine also works well to treat cases of tinnitus where a person hears a particular sound, like the gushing sound of water as falling in a dam.
6. Lachesis Muta is used to treat tinnitus when drumming sounds are felt in the ear. There is acute dryness along with difficulty in hearing. The ear is sensitive to wind, the ear may feel stiff and painful towards the evening or night time.
7. Antimonium Tartaricum is used to treat tinnitus where there are fluttering or flapping noises in the ear. The ear feels warm, along with twitching and tearing pain in the ear.
8. Hydrastis Canadensis is used to treat tinnitus where there is a machinery-like sound inside the ear. A thick mucus may flow from the ear, alon g with a sensation of fullness in the forehead.
9. Causticum is used to treat cases where one words and sounds echo in one’s ears. Other symptoms include a pulsating, burning sensation in the ear and pressure in the head and ears. A purulent, gluey/sticky ear discharge emanates from the ear. There is excess formation and accumulation of ear wax.
10. Theridion Curassavicum is used to treat tinnitus where one hears a waterfall kind of noise in the ear. The ear becomes sensitive along with pressure and feeling of fullness.
Causes and Risk Factors associated with Tinnitus
Many conditions can give rise to tinnitus. Prolonged exposure to loud sound is the most common cause, other reasons for tinnitus are high blood pressure, temporal-mandibular joint (TMJ) dysfunction, Meniere’s disease, build-up of excessive ear wax, ear infections, head or neck injuries, age-related hearing loss, emotional or chronic stress and excessive alcohol consumption. Tinnitus is more common in males as compared to females.
Specific Conditions that lead to Tinnitus
1. Damage in the inner ear, particularly the tiny hair cells, changes the way in which they respond to pressure from sound waves
2. Obstruction in the ear canal, chronic infections within the ear and ear-related disorders like otosclerosis.
3. Damage to the cranial nerve or the growth of a tumor which disrupts normal auditory function.
4. Degenerative disorders like cervical spondylosis that causes compression of arteries joined to the neck and ears.
5. Conditions like Bell’s palsy (a condition that causes weakening of facial muscles)
6. Chronic sinus infections
Risk Factors for Developing Tinnitus
1. Certain ototoxic medications ca cause damage to the inner ear leading to tinnitus. It can also be a side effect of consuming medicines like aspirin, quinine, certain antidepressants, anti-inflammatory medicines and some antibiotics.
2. Age may be one of the reasons as people above 60 years of age may develop degenerative changes in the cochlea.
3. Other medical conditions — Conditions like high blood pressure, nerve disorders, cardiovascular disease, diabetes mellitus, anemia, , inflammation, allergies and circulatory issues predispose a person towards tinnitus.
4. A history of ear-related disorders and chronic ear infections can lead to tinnitus.
Lifestyle-Related Factors
Few lifestyle habits can increase the risk of tinnitus, such as:
– Excessive smoking affects the sensitive nerve cells inside the ear and act as a stimulant
– Alcohol and substance abuse causes neurological damage
– Improper diet, malnutrition and rapid weight loss
– Continuous exposure to loud sound or noise
Managing Tinnitus
Prevention is the cure here – staying away from loud sounds, using earplugs or noise cancellation earphones in noisy areas, protecting ears from physical harm are some ways to prevent tinnitus from getting worse.
1. Improve lifestyle
Some preventative steps are to avoid environments with loud noise, try to manage stress level (as it can worsen the tinnitus), and avoid too much alcohol, caffeine and smoking. A sedentary lifestyle with little or no physical activity, poor diet and insufficient sleep can lower immunity and increase susceptibility towards ear infections and nerve damage.
2. Reduce stress
Stress and inflammation tend to increase the risks of ear problems like vertigo, hearing loss, ear infections and a compromised immunity. These are, therefore, linked to tinnitus and can act as contributing factors. Natural stressbusters like exercise, anti-inflammatory diet and meditation are some options to manage stress.
3. Don’t use Q-tips
Aggressive use of Q-tips to clean the ears is another common cause of tinnitus. Earwax helps protect the ear by trapping dust and bacteria, so ideally it should not be removed frequently. In case you already suffering from tinnitus, it is best to consult a doctor about how to clean the ear and not use Q-tips for cleaning.
4. Take Medication
In some cases, conventional drugs like certain anti-depressants, antibiotics, recreational drugs and anti-inflammatory medications may contribute to tinnitus. In such cases, switching to alternative treatment options would be a better solution. A doctor can help a person transition into alternative medicine to get the best long-term relief.
5. Take good diet
When it comes to diet, certain foods can directly affect the working of the inner ear and contribute to the symptoms of tinnitus. Foods or preservatives that tend to aggravate the symptoms of tinnitus include excessive salt, artificial sweeteners, alcohol, stimulants like coffee, tea, sodas and monosodium glutamate (MSG). Foods like fresh fruits (banana, pineapple, pear and papaya) aid in blood
circulation in the body and lower blood pressure. Other foods like spinach, garlic and seafood are rich in zinc which is necessary in hearing issues.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. I have been hearing noises in the ear from the past six months; do I need to conduct any investigations?
Yes, there are specific investigations recommended for tinnitus to find out the cause of the problem, like an audiometry test. In cases where a head tumor is suspected, a CT scan or MRI is required. There is no specific test for diagnosing Tinnitus. The diagnosis is based on clinical symptoms, detailed medical history, ear examination, blood tests or imaging if required.
2. I have tinnitus, will it predispose me to loss of hearing?
No, tinnitus does not necessarily point towards loss of hearing. In some cases, some conditions co-exist, but one is not indicative of another. A person can have hearing loss even if he is not suffering from tinnitus or may have tinnitus without any hearing loss.
3. Why does tinnitus worsen at night?
Tinnitus often irritates a person more at night due to reduced environmental noise but increased mental focus on internal sounds.
4. How much exposure to loud noise may cause to tinnitus?
Yes, prolonged exposure to loud noises can lead to tinnitus. A short-term loud noise exposure can lead to temporary tinnitus which is usually short-lived and tends to resolve quickly. However, long-term exposure to a loud noise may cause permanent damage to haircells in the inner ear and lead to chronic tinnitus.
5. Can tinnitus be linked with TMJ disorder?
Yes, there are chances that a TMJ (temporal-mandibular joint) disorder may lead to tinnitus. The primary symptoms of TMJ disorder include pain in the TMJ joint while eating, talking or opening the mouth widely.
6. I suffered a neck injury four months ago, followed by noises in my right ear. Is there a link between these two incidents?
Yes, they can be related. A neck injury can damage the inner ear or nerves linked to hearing and lead to tinnitus.
7. Can stress and anxiety cause tinnitus?
Stress and anxiety do not directly cause tinnitus but can trigger or worsen its intensity.
8. Is tinnitus permanent?
Tinnitus can be temporary or chronic. In many cases, the condition it improves when the underlying cause is treated. However, chronic tinnitus requires long-term management and proper medication.
9. How much is homeopathy effective in treating tinnitus?
Homeopathy aims to treat tinnitus holistically and individually. By considering specific individual symptoms, constitution and associated complaints such as hearing loss, vertigo, or anxiety, the right homoeopathic medicine can help in reducing intensity and frequency of symptoms and gradually provide long-term relief.