Tinnitus: Causes, Treatments, and Nutritional Supplements

Tinnitus and Dietary Supplements

I really find it hard to believe what the traditional Chinese medicine doctor told me at the end of last month.
He said my tinnitus is caused by neural fatigue.
My tinnitus includes sounds like buzzing, EE, or noise similar to a base station, radio interference, or a poorly tuned channel.
Suddenly, it is accompanied by a sensation in my head, and sometimes my left ear feels stuffy and swollen.
I have been experiencing tinnitus 24/7 for almost two months now, and I don’t understand the cause.
I have never had tinnitus before; it started suddenly about 1-2 days after the Double Tenth National Day holiday.
Sometimes the sound is very loud, especially when it is quiet around me.
I consulted a traditional Chinese medicine doctor, and sometimes I also have trouble sleeping.
My mother doesn’t understand and thinks my insomnia is causing the tinnitus.
However, even when I sleep well, I still don’t know what is causing the tinnitus or the head noise.
I find it hard to believe that the medicine prescribed by the doctor is for emotional issues leading to neural fatigue causing tinnitus.
Additionally, I really dislike taking Western medicine and undergoing Western medical examinations.
My mother told me she has experienced tinnitus before, sometimes a buzzing sound.
She said it was because she used to have the same issue, but now she goes to bed early, wakes up early, and exercises, which helps.
She believes that long-term late nights and poor sleep can lead to neural fatigue.
She mentioned that she used to have poor sleep and experienced dizziness and vomiting, but I don’t have those symptoms.
Since the day my tinnitus started, I have also experienced sudden headaches and overall fatigue.
It’s not that I don’t want to go to the hospital; it’s just that I really dislike taking Western medicine and undergoing examinations.
I have completely lost trust in all Western doctors.
Moreover, I sometimes experience that stuffy feeling in my ears, and I notice that when the weather is cold, the tinnitus becomes very quiet, while in hot weather, it becomes very loud.
Last Saturday afternoon, I visited another traditional Chinese medicine clinic.
The doctor not only prescribed medication and acupuncture treatment but also suggested that I go to the hospital for examinations, including middle ear analysis, auditory transmission, and pure tone audiometry, all of which came back normal.
The doctor initially wanted to prescribe vitamin B complex to help nourish the nerves and see if it could reduce the tinnitus.
I told the doctor that I don’t like taking medications or supplements.
When I got home, my mother gave me Mivolis Magnesium + Vitamin C + Vitamin B6 + B12, saying it should be dissolved in water.
However, when I dropped one into cold water, it didn’t dissolve, so I had to take it with hot water.
Last night, when I took the supplement, it suddenly got stuck in my throat or stomach, which was uncomfortable.
When I opened my mouth to exhale or breathe, it felt difficult.
Later, when I burped, it didn’t feel stuck anymore.
But I’m concerned about whether the pill is stuck in my lungs, esophagus, or stomach.
After burping, where does the supplement go? How should I take the B6 and B12 supplements? Can you please advise me?

Chen, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2023/12/09

Dr. Gao Peiyi reply Traditional Chinese Medicine

Oral administration of B6 and B12 is possible, but it has limited benefits for tinnitus.
Hospital examinations are primarily to rule out critical illnesses and manageable underlying conditions, after which treatment options are quite limited.
Typically, Western medicine education suggests coexisting peacefully with the condition and becoming good friends with it.
As for the efficacy of Traditional Chinese Medicine, herbal medicine is more effective than acupuncture; however, each practitioner has various formulas, and the daily dosage and treatment approach can differ significantly, making it difficult to generalize the effectiveness.

Reply Date: 2023/12/09

More Info

Tinnitus, often described as ringing, buzzing, or hissing in the ears, can be a perplexing and distressing condition. Understanding its causes, treatments, and potential nutritional supplements can help manage this condition effectively.

Causes of Tinnitus
Tinnitus can arise from various factors, including:
1. Hearing Loss: Age-related hearing loss (presbycusis) is a common cause. As we age, the sensory cells in the inner ear can deteriorate, leading to tinnitus.

2. Exposure to Loud Noises: Prolonged exposure to loud sounds can damage the hair cells in the cochlea, leading to tinnitus.

3. Ear Infections or Blockages: Conditions such as earwax buildup, middle ear infections, or Eustachian tube dysfunction can cause pressure changes in the ear, resulting in tinnitus.

4. Neurological Conditions: Conditions like Meniere's disease, vestibular schwannoma (acoustic neuroma), or even head injuries can lead to tinnitus.

5. Medications: Certain medications, particularly ototoxic drugs (like some antibiotics and chemotherapy agents), can cause or worsen tinnitus.

6. Stress and Anxiety: Emotional stress can exacerbate tinnitus, leading to a cycle of anxiety and increased perception of the sounds.

Treatments for Tinnitus
While there is no one-size-fits-all cure for tinnitus, several treatment options can help manage symptoms:
1. Sound Therapy: This involves using background noise or white noise machines to mask the tinnitus sounds. Many people find relief by listening to soft music or nature sounds.

2. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): CBT can help change the way you perceive tinnitus and reduce the distress it causes.

3. Hearing Aids: For those with hearing loss, hearing aids can amplify external sounds, making tinnitus less noticeable.

4. Medications: While no specific medication can cure tinnitus, some antidepressants or anti-anxiety medications may help alleviate the distress associated with it.

5. Tinnitus Retraining Therapy (TRT): This combines sound therapy with counseling to help the brain ignore the tinnitus sounds.

Nutritional Supplements
Some individuals explore nutritional supplements to manage tinnitus symptoms, although scientific evidence supporting their effectiveness varies:
1. Vitamin B12: Deficiency in vitamin B12 has been linked to tinnitus. Supplementing with B12 may help if a deficiency is present.

2. Magnesium: Some studies suggest that magnesium may protect against noise-induced hearing loss and could potentially help with tinnitus.

3. Zinc: Zinc deficiency has been associated with tinnitus, and supplementation may be beneficial for some individuals.

4. Ginkgo Biloba: This herbal supplement is sometimes used for tinnitus, although research results are mixed regarding its effectiveness.

5. Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Found in fish oil, these may support overall ear health, but more research is needed to establish a direct link to tinnitus relief.

Managing Tinnitus
Given your concerns about medications and your experiences with various treatments, it’s essential to approach tinnitus management holistically. Here are some strategies:
- Lifestyle Changes: Regular exercise, a balanced diet, and good sleep hygiene can improve overall well-being and may help reduce tinnitus symptoms.

- Stress Management: Techniques such as mindfulness, meditation, or yoga can help manage stress, which may, in turn, alleviate tinnitus.

- Avoiding Triggers: Identify and avoid potential triggers, such as caffeine, nicotine, and loud environments, which may worsen tinnitus.

- Consulting Healthcare Professionals: Since you have expressed distrust in Western medicine, consider seeking a healthcare provider who respects your preferences and can offer a balanced approach, incorporating both traditional and alternative therapies.

Conclusion
Tinnitus can be a challenging condition, but understanding its causes and exploring various treatment options can empower you to manage it effectively. While nutritional supplements may offer some benefits, they should be considered as part of a broader strategy that includes lifestyle modifications and professional guidance. If symptoms persist or worsen, seeking a comprehensive evaluation from an ear specialist or a trusted healthcare provider is advisable.

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