Tinnitus: Understanding Causes, Symptoms & Potential Treatments

Tinnitus is the perception of sound, such as a ringing or hissing, in one or both ears. It's not a disease but a symptom caused by ear infections, wax buildup, allergies or injuries. Objective Tinnitus refers to an actual sound being created in the middle ear. Subjective Tinnitus is more common and refers to a sound that is perceived by the affected person. Cures vary for each.

Treating Objective Tinnitus

• Gamma knife radio-surgery, Teflon implants and cleaning the ear canal can correct the underlying cause of the sound.

Natural Remedies

• Wild oats, wild hyssop, vitamin B complex, vitamin A and Gingko Biloba applied directly can be effective.

Sound Treatment

• White noise or low-pitched sound treatment is effective, as well as avoiding absolute silence.

Light Therapy

• Photobiomodulation, low-level laser therapy, is used in some cases.

Diet

• Dairy products, alcohol, saturated fats, sugars and salt can exacerbate the symptom.