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Tinnitus

What is tinnitus?

Tinnitus is not a disease. It's a symptom, most often associated with hearing loss. Tinnitus itself is not dangerous. Tinnitus is the sound of ringing in the ears without an external source. It may also be perceived as buzzing, hissing, or clicking. The sound may be constant or it may come and go. The sounds range in severity from a mild distraction to a disabling condition. The sound may happen in one or both ears. Tinnitus Maskers & hearing aids are the #1 treatment.

Sound Generators/Maskers

Devices produce a continuous low-level sound (such as white noise or ocean waves) to mask the tinnitus and make it less noticeable.

Hearing Aids

If tinnitus is associated with hearing loss, hearing aids amplify sounds and reduce the perceived loudness of tinnitus. This is known as the 'masking' effect.

Tinnitus & Diet

Diet can influence tinnitus management, as certain foods and nutrients may help ease symptoms while others could make them worse. A balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins promotes overall blood flow and ear health, potentially alleviating tinnitus severity. Foods with anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, such as berries, leafy greens, and omega-3 fatty acids, may reduce inner ear inflammation and improve auditory function. Meanwhile, excessive salt, alcohol, and processed foods might exacerbate tinnitus by affecting blood pressure or circulation. Maintaining a healthy, nutrient-rich diet tailored to your needs can support tinnitus management and overall wellness.

What To Avoid

  • Caffeine (coffee, tea, avoid EVEN traces of decaf)
  • Chocolate and any traces of cocoa
  • Licorice
  • Processed pre-packaged foods contain flavor enhancers to make food taste better. The primary flavor enhancer by the food industry is Monosodium Glutamate (MSG). MSG breaks down to Glutamate in the body. Glutamate is an excitatory neuro-transmitter that triggers neurons to fire until they become depleted and die. In fact, Glutamate is the primary villain causing tinnitus for many.
  • Salt has an immediate adverse effect on tinnitus by restricting blood vessels, increases blood pressure and reduces blood flow into the ears, eyes and brain. Increased blood pressure is directly linked to increased tinnitus. There are high levels of salt in most processed and pre-packaged foods. A can of soup contains more sodium than the recommended daily allowance.
  • Sulfites
  • Saturated, trans-fats, and butter have multiple negative effects on the body and tinnitus. Saturated fats are not recommended for those with diabetes or hyperinsulinemia. They also increase bad cholesterol (LDL), decrease good cholesterol (HDL), increase triglycerides and lead to atherosclerosis. Atherosclerosis is not only a risk factor in heart disease and stroke but also significantly reduces blood flow. People with tinnitus need to increase blood flow to the inner ear to remove toxins and maintain healthy cells. Tinnitus, in fact, can be caused by nothing more than decreased blood flow to the inner ear.
  • Alcohol
  • Tobacco and nicotine
  • Artificial sweeteners: Aspartame is an excitatory neuro­transmitter in the brain. It causes neurons to fire repeatedly until they become depleted and die. This causes untold damage to the nervous system and can lead to neuro-degenerative conditions including tinnitus.
  • Sugar: Ears are dependent on the regular delivery of oxygen and glucose (sugar) from the blood supply. When this supply of nutrients gets out of balance, damage to the auditory system can occur. Hyperinsulinemia (precursor to Type II Diabetes) occurs because the body becomes insensitive to insulin and ineffective in delivering sugar to the cells, where it is needed. Therefore the pancreas produces more and more insulin in order to process blood sugar. Studies have shown that a high proportion of people with tinnitus also have hyperinsulinemia. Research on tinnitus showed that a high proportion of people with tinnitus had their tinnitus improve when the study participants followed a diet appropriate for diabetics. 76% of the study participants had moderate or complete resolution of their tinnitus.

What To Eat

A healthy diet is not difficult. In fact, it is very simple and can be achieved with mindful choices. A general rule of thumb is that the closer food is to its original, natural state when consumed, the healthier it tends to be. Whole, unprocessed foods like fresh fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and nuts provide the essential nutrients your body needs to thrive. Minimizing highly processed foods, refined sugars, and artificial additives can further enhance your overall health and well-being. By choosing foods in their purest forms, you're not only nourishing your body but also fostering long-term habits that support energy, vitality, and balanced living.

Healthy Food

  • Organic foods
  • Whole freshly prepared foods
  • High protein
  • Legumes
  • Whole grains
  • Beans
  • Nuts
  • Natural sugars in fruits and vegetables take longer to digest and don't trigger tinnitus.

Healthy Drinks

  • Hydration! water water water
  • Herbal Tea (NOT decaffeinated. Decaf still has traces of caffeine)

Supplements known to alleviate tinnitus

  • Potassium
  • Magnesium
  • Zinc
  • Folic Acid
  • LipoFlavonoid
  • Polyphenols
  • Ginko Biloba
  • Melatonin

Helping The World Hear Better, 2 Ears At A Time.

Trusted by specialists and patients nationwide, we provide comprehensive hearing healthcare services, including hearing screenings, detailed evaluations, and effective tinnitus treatments, alongside a wide range of hearing aids to meet your needs.

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