Tinnitus

Tinnitus is something we never really think about until we get it, but you doubtless know someone who suffers from this invisible but maddening condition. In fact approximately 20% of Australians have tinnitus, which means ringing in the ears, from the Latin tinere, to jingle. While for some, tinnitus may be just a minor annoyance, for others it may be so loud that it interferes with conversation, keeps them awake at night and causes high levels of stress and anxiety.

As it worsens with stress, tinnitus can lead to a feeling of helplessness and depression. It is said to be the worst condition to suffer from next to chronic pain and chronic dizziness. Tinnitus may come in a wide range of sounds, anything from buzzing to clicking, rushing, roaring ringing or clanging. The condition may begin gradually, but if health deteriorates it could worsen so it is best to address it early.

Tinnitus can originate in different parts of the ear. Sometimes it is related to pressure problems from phlegm, viruses or a weakness or injury affecting the middle ear muscles, ear drum or Eustachian tube. This type of tinnitus can be eased if the pressure problems in the ear are resolved. This may occur through relaxation, body work to relax the neck and face muscles or changing the diet to reduce allergies and mucous.

Supplementing with colloidal minerals, anti oxidants such as pine bark extract, grape seed extract, CoQ10 and circuminoids and Gingko Biloba may also assist. However it is important to take these ingredients in a high quality product with a balanced combination to feel the best results.

Chinese herbal treatments and acupuncture can help to balance kidney energy, which is closely related to the ear, and may be effective for some types of tinnitus.

If the tinnitus is related to industrial deafness or other excess noise exposure, it is likely that the cilia (hair like cells) in the inner ear, have been damaged. This type of tinnitus may be harder to treat, depending on the extent of the damage. Sensorineural tinnitus (related to cilia damage) is usually a high pitched ringing sound. In addition to good mineral supplementation, this type of tinnitus is likely to respond only to a direct auditory therapy such as Sound Therapy. This therapy is not usually recommended by Doctors or Audiologists as it is considered an alternative, but many wholistic practitioners are now aware of it. Research shows that chronic tinnitus, while it originates with an ear problem, is often perpetuated by certain systems in the brain. The limbic system is the part of the brain causing instinctive emotional reactions such as fear, anger and stress. Because our auditory system is closely linked to our emotions, tinnitus can aggravate the limbic system and set up a perpetual feedback cycle of reactivity, somewhat like feedback on a concert sound system. To calm this cycle it can be beneficial to study a form of biofeedback or phsycho-physical training such as tai chi, chi-kung, autogenics, meditation or the Alexander Technique. These techniques will also help with many of the side effects of tinnitus: stress, sleeplessness and anxiety.

Each tinnitus sufferer must find the right combination of treatments. Fortunately many natural therapies are now available for tinnitus and not only are they pleasant to do but carry other beneficial side effects. If you explore what is on offer, your tinnitus may even be the key that leads you to a better life!

Rafaele Joudry’s best selling book, Triumph Over Tinnitus is in stores now or can be ordered from Sound Therapy International on 1300 55 77 96 www.soundtherapyinternational.com