Tinnitus is a ringing, tinkling, buzzing, or other sound in the ear that occurs in the absence of an auditory stimulus. It may be constant or intermittent, of sudden or insidious onset. The exact cause is unknown and may be different in different cases, but there is good reason to believe that circulatory disturbances play a role. The perception of sound in the absence of stimulus implies a malfunction of the auditory nerve, just as paraesthesias by analogy imply a malfunction of the distal sensory nerves. The ear seems especially vulnerable to this due to the unique vascular system which supplies the organ of Corti, which itself is essentially a highly specialized network of sensory nerves. This involves a system of spiral capillaries with numerous pericytes to regulate blood flow, the purpose being to actually slow circulation through the ear and eliminate pulsations caused by the heartbeat. Normally, this ingenious design prevents the turbulence and pulsation otherwise inherent to the circulatory system from being registered by the ear, and thus interfering with normal hearing. However, it leaves the auditory organ especially vulnerable to ischemia, or anything that would disturb or further slow the circulation[i]. Tinnitus has been associated with nearby tumors (which can compress blood vessels), local inflammation (involving tissue swelling, which can do the same), underlying cardiovascular disease, and anemia, all of which have the common feature of potentially compromising the delivery of oxygen to the auditory system. There are also several ototoxic drugs which can cause tinnitus, most notably quinine and the salicylates, which in toxic amounts impair mitochondrial function and probably disable the ear from maintaining the correct ion gradients required for signal transduction in the cochlea. In cases of tinnitus which are not due to a tumor or exposure to ototoxic drugs, that is cases in which it is difficult to determine a precise etiology, the most rational approach to treatment should involve reducing inflammation, increasing circulation, and in general supporting the mitochondria and cardiovascular system.
Homeopathics
China 30C – single homeopathic remedy indicated for the keynote symptom tinnitus after loss of blood or other vital fluids. The condition will likely be accompanied by at state of pronounced exhaustion or weakness.
Circulapar™ – glandular homeopathic for the circulatory system, indicated for symptoms of cold clammy feet, numbness of the limbs, painful calves upon walking, and numbness of the lower extremities.
Dizziness HP™ – high potency formula indicated for relief of dizziness and light-headedness. Vertigo and tinnitus often present as concomitant symptoms.
Otoflam HP™ – high potency formula indicated for relief of inflammation and pain in the ears.
Ototone™ – homeopathic tonifier for the ear, indicated for relief of mild earache with soreness, sticking pain in ear, and minor swelling of the ear with redness.
* Tinnitus HP™ – (will rename to Ring HP) high potency formula indicated for noises in the ear such as ringing, buzzing, or roaring.
Vertitone™ – homeopathic tonifier indicated for relief of dizziness and motion sickness with nausea. Vertigo and tinnitus often present as concomitant symptoms.
Herbals
American Ginseng – single spagyric herbal, indicated to support vitality and red blood cell production if underlying anemia is suspected.
Circulacom™ – fortifier for the circulation, indicated to support the vascular system.
* Ginkgocom™ – fortifier for the microcirculatory and cardiovascular systems.
* Gotacom™ – fortifier for the brain and endocrine system, indicated to support the auditory nerve.
Inflammacom™ – (will rename Turmericom) fortifier for the immune system, indicated to address inflammation.
Myrrhcom™ –fortifier for the sinuses, indicated for inflammation especially in the head and neck.
Nettlecom™ – nutritive and fortifier for the blood, indicated as a blood builder if anemia is suspected.
Nutritionals
* Arteriozyme – supplemental enzymes to support the circulatory system, indicated for tinnitus if underlying cardiovascular disease is suspected.
Methylfol – methylated B vitamins to support hematopoesis.
* Co Q-10 C or Co Q-10 30 mg or Co Q-10 Chew – Coenzyme Q-10 is critical to mitochondrial function, indicated to support cellular energy production and maintenance of ion gradients required for acoustic transduction.
Manganese Chelate – deficiency of this trace mineral is believed to be a potential cause of tinnitus.
Marine Omega 3 Pro™ – essential fatty acid supplement, indicated to address inflammation.
N-Acetyl Cysteine Plus– supports production of glutathione, indicated if exposure to ototoxic substances is suspected.
Physician’s Choice™ –full spectrum vitamin and mineral supplement to provide a balanced supply of essential nutrients.
Additional Considerations
There have been case reports of tinnitus resolving with chiropractic manipulation[ii]. This treatment avenue is definitely worth exploring.
An acoustic neuroma is a relatively common benign tumor of the auditory nerve which has been implicated in tinnitus. Unremitting tinnitus of insidious onset which does not respond to treatment may warrant imaging studies to rule out this cause.
[i] Shi X. Physiopathology of the cochlear microcirculation. Hear Res. 2011;282(1-2):10–24. doi:10.1016/j.heares.2011.08.006
[ii] Emary PC. Chiropractic management of a 40-year-old female patient with Ménière disease. J Chiropr Med. 2010;9(1):22–27. doi:10.1016/j.jcm.2009.12.007
*Denotes primary remedy.
**These statements are based upon traditional homeopathic practice.
**Claims based on traditional homeopathic practice, not accepted medical evidence. Not FDA evaluated.
These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
revised 3/1/21