Ear ringing or tinnitus is the sensation of hearing buzzing, chirping, ringing, whistling sounds that seems to come from inside our head. These sounds may be continuous or during intervals. This can lead to lack of concentration or unable to hear outside sound thus causing difficulty in leading a normal life. This condition occurs due to damage of the hair lining the auditory cells leading to random movements of sound waves causing sound impulses in the brain. Tinnitus can be due to infection, head injury, advancing age, exposure to loud noises, certain diseases or blockage of the ear.
Certain natural ways that needs to be adopted for reducing tinnitus are:-
- Abnormal ear sound is a symptom of arteriosclerosis and high blood pressure. Hence cut down saturated fats, animal foods as well as processed foods. Increase the intake of raw vegetables and fruits and complex carbohydrates like use of whole wheat instead of refined wheat, use of whole pulses. Avoid refined sugar as it can constrict the inner ear.
- Improve the intake of magnesium and potassium as these minerals can dilate the blood supply. These can be taken in the form of supplement or in the form of foods like apricots, banana, leafy vegetables or potatoes.
- Take B complex vitamins like Vitamin B6, B12 and B5 as it can stabilize the inner ear and improve the ear sounds. An additional intake of 50 mg of Vitamin B6 two to three times daily can improve the ear fluids. A 6 mgs. of Vitamin B12 is dairy products, egg, green leafy vegetables and whole grains.
- Supplements in the form of zinc sulfate can reduce hearing loss or ear sounds associated with old age. A supplementation of not more than 80 mgs. daily can be helpful.
- A combination of black cohosh and golden seal in 1:1 ratio is useful for tinnitus.
- Take 20mgs of lesser periwinkle three times a day as it contains vincamine which is essential for tinnitus.
- Drink tea prepared from fenugreek seeds thrice a day is effective against ear ringing.
answered by J M