Tinnitus: 8 Natural Solutions for Ringing in the Ears

Its presence should not be understood as a disease, but rather as a sign that something is wrong properly in our body.

But the perception of tinnitus can become so intense and continuous that, on occasions, less ability to enjoy free time and social relationships, and can interfere with work life, generate anxiety, irritability, mood swings and sleep patterns, difficulty concentrating, depression and social isolation.

Why are the ears ringing and what can be done?

In general terms, there are usually several factors that come together in tinnitus or that originate it: pathologies of the inner ear (cochlear, labyrinthine damage…), alterations in the central nervous system, disorders in the temporomandibular joint, cervical problems and even emotional problems.

Hence, most professionals opt for a multidisciplinary approach of the same. Josep Ribas, a psychologist who is an expert in tinnitus, assures that the success of the treatment lies in the joint work that we carry out in four areas:

auditory: Going to an otolaryngologist who manages to detect possible physical injuries.Biochemistry: with taking medication (prescribed by a psychiatrist).Mechanics: with the help of a physiotherapist or a maxillofacial dentist to check if there is any mandibular or cervical maladjustment.Emotional: the feelings involved in the appearance and development of these sounds are worked on.

Stress, a tinnitus trigger

It is also important to find out what situations trigger it. They all affect us in one way or another. stress, anxiety and exhaustion, both physical and mental. Well, all of them present a direct cause and effect relationship both in the appearance of tinnitus and in its treatment and prognosis.

When we experience emotional tension in a sustained manner over time, the blood vessels in our ears they can narrow and exert a negative influence on the nutrient concentration.

If the cells of the inner ear are not well nourished, they cannot carry out their metabolic functions properly and suffer risk of injury.

A temporary or chronic problem

It should be noted that about a 30% of the adult population has ever experienced them in life (at least temporarily), but there are cases in which the person has to live with them 24 hours a day.

Given the anguish that this situation can cause, the first thing we need to know is that you can live with tinnitus without losing quality of lifeas exposed by the Association of People Affected by Tinnitus (APAT).

Effective therapies and techniques against tinnitus

as a first step In the treatment of tinnitus, it is essential that the person have their basic needs regulated; that is, eating, sleeping, varied stimulation, a minimum of physical exercise and relaxation.

In addition, according to José Boronat, president of APAT, part of the solution lies in achieving a cognitive restructuring of the problem, in such a way that the person understands it and, with the help of an expert psychologist, learns to bring tinnitus to the subconscious. In this way, the sound will not be perceived for much of the time and, if it is perceived, it will not be aggressive.

Between the most used techniqueswe can highlight the following:

1. Change your mind

One of the most important techniques used today is thinking change. It consists of detecting certain interpretations that provoke extremely intense emotions, difficult to handle and, thanks to the use less negative languagethe affected person focuses more on what he can do.

2. Acceptance and commitment

In recent years, third-generation therapies such as Acceptance and Commitment (ACT) and mindfulness have also been developed. In these cases, unlike what happens in more classical therapies, such as cognitive-behavioral, the aim is not to change the content of our thoughts, but rather relate to our thoughts in a more natural wayclarifies the health psychologist Cinthya González.

Specifically, ACT seeks to improve the patient’s situation by acceptance of reality without facing itwithout reacting negatively to changes, free from all judgment and acquiring a commitment to the emotions and thoughts that appear.

3. Mindfulness

Mindfulness, for its part, involves paying full and conscious attention to the present moment, using all five senses. The person learns to focus their attention, increases their level of relaxation and, therefore, the time of disengagement of tinnitus.

Try savor pleasant daily actions (for example, the shower, the fresh morning air, a glass of water, the first sip of tea), while we observe the bodily and emotional reaction that they provoke in us, it invites us to be fully aware of the moment.

4. Electrostimulation

In those cases in which there is some type of alteration in the structure of the inner ear, the mastoid cochlear electrical stimulation appears to be a fairly feasible option.

Doctor Gonzalo Martínez-Monche, a pioneer in the application of this therapy in our country, explains that, through radio frequencies, it is possible to regenerate damaged cells and, in 60% of the cases treated, the tinnitus decreases or even disappears.

5. Traditional Chinese Medicine

In the treatment of tinnitus with traditional Chinese medicine, the ear symptoms are linked to the Renal System. The kidneys store our ancestral energy, that which we receive from our parents at the time of pregnancy, but it weakens as we get older.

The acupuncture and the moxibustion (with ginger) help in the treatment of tinnitus related to cervical disorders.

6. Manual therapies

Osteopathy and chiropractic can also be very helpful for unblock the cervical area and improve blood flow in the upper body.

7. Relaxation

He yoga and different deep relaxation techniques They can help us avoid muscle tension and improve symptoms.

Similarly, adequate rest and the practice of tai chi and chi kung to bring energy to the upper part of the body, they can also help.

8. Cultivate a positive attitude

The worries, anticipations, ruminations and negative thoughts that we generate throughout the day increase this psychological restlessness; in fact, when we improve the quality of our thoughts, they occur automatic changes on the perception of tinnitus.

If our emotional state is positive, it is much easier for us not to focus all our attention on the sound and we are able to interpret it in a less catastrophic way and dramatic.

The most appropriate diet to promote silence

During the night, we secrete melatonin, a hormone that helps us regulate sleep cycles. However, with the altered emotional state, the amount we generate decreases. It is therefore advisable to take a supplement that favors the melatonin secretionbecause being rested helps reduce the perception of tinnitus.

The vitamin supplements with magnesium, melatonin, ginkgo biloba and vitamin B, and the compounds of magnesium, zinc and vitamins A, B and D can help.

If you have a lot of nervous tension, you can take relaxing plants such as passion flower, valerian, orange blossom and lemon balm.

Eat foods like oats, whole grains, watercress, alfalfa, dates, bananas, carrots, beets, celery, sunflower and pumpkin seeds. Are foods rich in tryptophana protector of the central nervous system that enhances good humor and helps prevent anxiety states.

What substances to avoid

He monosodium glutamate, widely used in Asian cuisine, can intensify the perception of tinnitus. It may be hidden in spices, broths, and sauces. Avoid it!

Certain drugs increase the intensity of tinnitus in those who suffer from it and even cause it to appear in people who do not suffer from it. These include the acetylsalicylics (aspirin) and the drugs used in chemotherapy (from platinum).