Tinnitus {ringing in the ears}
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Homeopathic Remedies for Tinnitus
(Ringing in the Ears) Also indexed
as: Ears (Ringing), Ringing in the Ears Ringing, roaring, buzzing, and
other noises in the ears that are unrelated to external sounds can be intermittent or continuous. This condition can be very
distracting and irritating, and is sometimes associated with partial hearing loss. Tinnitus can accompany other conditions
related to the ears and nervous system, some of which need a physician’s assessment and treatment. Homeopathic remedies
often reduce the discomfort and frustration that come with tinnitus. Although homeopathic substances
listed in this article are generally not known to cause serious side effects, their effectiveness has not been demonstrated
by scientific research. Consumers should check labels carefully, since a homeopathic product that is not diluted, or not diluted
enough, can contain ingredients that cause allergic reactions, side effects, or interactions. It is always advisable to discuss
any new treatment program with your healthcare practitioner. For dosage information,
please read the information at the end of this section. See also “Using Homeopathy With Professional Guidance”
in What Is Homeopathy? Calcarea carbonica:
When this remedy is indicated, tinnitus may be experienced alone or with vertigo. The person may have hearing problems, or
cracking and pulsing sensations in the ears. People who need this remedy are usually chilly, easily fatigued, crave sweets,
and feel overwhelmed and anxious when unwell. Carbo vegetabilis:
This remedy may be useful if ringing in the ears occurs during flu or other conditions involving vertigo and nausea. The symptoms
may be worst in the evening and at night. The person may feel cold and faint, but usually has a craving for fresh and moving
air. Carbo vegetabilis is also helpful when an illness has been prolonged or recovery is slow. China (also
called Cinchona officinalis): This remedy is often helpful to people who feel touchy, weak, and nervous with sensitivity
to noise and tinnitus. It is often indicated after fluids have been lost through vomiting, diarrhea, heavy sweating, and surgery
or other conditions involving blood loss. Chininum sulphuricum:
Buzzing, ringing, and roaring sounds that are loud enough to impair the person’s hearing suggest a need for this remedy.
The person may also have a tendency toward chills and vertigo, during which the tinnitus is often worse. Cimicifuga:
People likely to respond to this remedy are very sensitive to noise, along with tinnitus, and often have pain and muscle tension
in the neck and back. They are usually energetic, nervous, and talkative, but become depressed or fearful when not feeling
well. Headaches and problems during menstrual periods are often seen in people who need this remedy. Coffea cruda:
This remedy may be helpful to an excitable, nervous person with tinnitus accompanied by extremely sensitive hearing and a
buzzing feeling in the back of the head. People who need this remedy often have insomnia from mental overstimulation. Graphites:
This remedy may be beneficial to a person who has tinnitus with associated deafness. Hissing and clicking sounds are often
heard in the ears (or even louder sounds like gunshots). People who need this remedy may also have a tendency toward constipation,
poor concentration, and cracking skin eruptions. Kali carbonicum:
Tinnitus with ringing or roaring, accompanied by cracking noises and itching in the ears, may be relieved with this remedy.
Vertigo experienced on turning is another indication. People who need this remedy are often quite conservative, with a rigid
code of ethics. They tend to feel anxiety in the region of the stomach. Lycopodium:
A humming and roaring in the ears, along with impairment of hearing, suggest the use of this remedy. Sounds may also seem
to echo in the ears. People needing Lycopodium often have a tendency toward ear infections with discharge, as well
as chronic digestive problems or urinary tract complaints. Natrum salicylicum:
This remedy may be beneficial if ringing in the ears is like a low, dull hum. Loss of hearing related to bone conduction,
as well as nerve interference and vertigo, may be involved. Natrum salicylicum is a useful remedy when tinnitus and
tiredness occur after influenza or along with Meniere’s disease. Salicylicum
acidum: This remedy is indicated for tinnitus with very loud roaring or ringing sounds, which may be accompanied by deafness
or vertigo. The problem may have begun with flu, or occur in a person with Meniere’s disease. Salicylicum acidum
may also be helpful if tinnitus has been caused by too much aspirin. Select the remedy
that most closely matches the symptoms. In conditions where self-treatment is appropriate, unless otherwise directed by a
physician, a lower potency (6X, 6C, 12X, 12C, 30X, or 30C) should be used. In addition, instructions for use are usually printed
on the label. Many homeopathic
physicians suggest that remedies be used as follows: Take one dose and wait for a response. If improvement is seen, continue
to wait and let the remedy work. If improvement lags significantly or has clearly stopped, another dose may be taken. The
frequency of dosage varies with the condition and the individual. Sometimes a dose may be required several times an hour;
other times a dose may be indicated several times a day; and in some situations, one dose per day (or less) can be sufficient. If no response is
seen within a reasonable amount of time, select a different remedy. For more information,
including references, see What is Homeopathy? and Understanding Homeopathic Potencies.
Also indexed
as: Idopathic Endolymphatic Hydrops, Ménière’s Syndrome Ringing or roaring
sounds in the ears, along with episodes of vertigo, may signal the presence of Ménière’s disease. According to research
or other evidence, the following self-care steps may ease many of the symptoms: These recommendations are not comprehensive
and are not intended to replace the advice of your doctor or pharmacist. Continue reading the full Ménière’s disease
article for more in-depth, fully-referenced information on medicines, vitamins, herbs, and dietary and lifestyle changes that
may be helpful. Ménière’s disease (MD)
is a disorder of the inner ear causing episodes of dizziness (vertigo); ringing, buzzing, roaring, whistling, or hissing sounds in the
ears (tinnitus); fluctuating levels of hearing loss; and a sensation of fullness
in the ear. Head trauma and syphilis can
cause MD, although in most cases the cause is unknown. Product
ratings for Ménière’s disease Flavonoids (hydroxyethylrutosides) People with Ménière’s
disease may have vertigo that may be associated with nausea and vomiting. Symptoms may also include a recurrent feeling of
fullness or pressure in the affected ear and hearing difficulty. People with Ménière’s disease may also have tinnitus,
which may be intermittent or continuous. The symptoms of MD are associated with an underlying condition referred to as endolymphatic
hydrops, an excess accumulation of the fluid of the inner ear.1 When people have only one of the symptoms associated
with Ménière’s disease, such as tinnitus or vertigo, the condition is not usually considered MD. A low-salt diet (no more than 800–1,000 mg sodium per day) combined
with diuretic medication, is believed to reduce endolymphatic hydrops,2 and is often recommended in MD.3
4 5 While the benefits of a low salt diet and diuretics have not been scientifically proven for this
condition,6 clinics specializing in MD report a significant reduction or stabilization of symptoms with this regimen.7
Preliminary human trials suggest a low-salt diet may reduce the progression of hearing loss associated with MD.8 MD is associated with allergies
to airborne particles, mold, and food in some individuals, according to many preliminary reports.9 10
11 12 13 In one preliminary study, 50% of participants with MD reported known food or inhalant
allergies.14 In a controlled study, participants with MD who underwent allergy treatment, including avoiding foods
suspected of provoking allergic reactions, reported statistically significant improvement in tinnitus, vertigo, and hearing.15 In this study, the most common food allergies were to wheat and soy. Most participants also had allergies to milk, corn, egg, and yeast. Some cases of MD are associated
with high blood triglycerides and cholesterol, and abnormalities in blood sugar regulation, such as diabetes and hypoglycemia.16 17 18 19 20
In one preliminary study,21 a modified hypoglycemia diet with moderate to high intake of protein, moderate to low
intake of fat, and restricted intake of complex carbohydrates was found to reduce MD symptoms in a large number of patients
with blood sugar abnormalities. Participants with high cholesterol were put on low cholesterol diets, and those that were
overweight were put on calorie-restricted diets. In addition, refined carbohydrates, alcohol, and caffeine were prohibited, and small frequent meals with between meal snacks
were recommended. A majority of participants were also given supplements of calcium, fluoride, and vitamin D as described below, so the importance of these dietary changes
to the overall effectiveness of the program cannot be determined. This intriguing report needs confirmation from controlled
trials. Lifestyle changes often recommended
for MD include the elimination of caffeine, nicotine, and alcohol.22 Although not
scientifically proven, intake of these substances is believed to increase the frequency of MD attacks. In animal studies,
both alcohol and caffeine have been reported to impair mechanisms in the inner ear that assist in maintaining balance.23 People frequently affected
by disabling vertigo might require a surgical treatment (vestibular neurectomy or labyrinthectomy).
Some people might benefit from a tinnitus masker, which is a hearing device that produces a sound that is more tolerable than
the ringing in the ears. Healthcare providers may also suggest the use of earplugs in the presence of loud noises to prevent
damage to the ear. Certain flavonoids, known as hydroxyethylrutosides (HR), have been reported to improve
symptoms of MD in one double-blind study. In this study, 2 grams per day of HR for three months resulted in either stabilization
of or improvement in hearing.24 Other types of flavonoids have not been studied as treatments for MD. Some cases of MD are associated
with otosclerosis,25 26 27 28 a disease affecting the small bones of the inner
ear. Otosclerosis often goes undiagnosed in people with MD, although the coexistence is well documented.29 While
preliminary reports suggest otosclerosis may be a cause of MD,30 31 the relationship between these two
conditions remains unclear. Sodium fluoride, a mineral compound available only by prescription, is reported
to improve otosclerosis.32 33 34 35 In a preliminary study,36 people
with MD and otosclerosis were given supplements of 50 mg of sodium fluoride, 200 mg calcium carbonate, and a multiple vitamin supplying 400–800 IU of vitamin D per day, for periods ranging from six months to over five years.
Many participants also had blood sugar abnormalities, and were asked to follow a modified hypoglycemia diet as described above.
Significant improvement in vertigo was reported within six months, but improvements in hearing required
one to two years. Because most participants used both diet and supplements, the importance of fluoride, calcium, and/or vitamin D to the overall results of this trial is unclear. Are
there any side effects or interactions? : Although Ginkgo biloba extract (GBE) has not been studied specifically for its effects in MD, in preliminary studies it has been reported to
reduce symptoms of tinnitus, vertigo, and hearing loss due to unspecified inner ear disorders.37
Controlled research using GBE is needed to determine whether it is a treatment option specifically for MD. Are
there any side effects or interactions? People with MD are frequently
found to have musculoskeletal disorders of the head and neck,38 including cervical spine disorders (CSD; disorders
of the joints of the neck),39 and disorders of the jaw (craniomandibular disorders or CMD).40 Physical
therapy to the cervical spine relieves MD-like symptoms in some cases, according to one preliminary report.41 Although
spinal manipulation has been shown to reduce vertigo in preliminary human studies,42 43 44
controlled research with MD patients is lacking. Some authorities recommend
psychological counseling45 to reduce both the significant emotional distress caused by living with this disorder46
47 and possible stress-related MD symptoms,48 49 however, the benefits of counseling have
not been established by controlled research. MD is not caused by psychological factors,50 and it is unclear whether
stress increases the frequency or severity of attacks.51 Preliminary human studies suggest that stress increases
awareness of symptoms,52 particularly vertigo.53 In a controlled human study of tinnitus, which included three participants with MD, weekly one-hour sessions
of relaxation and coping techniques for ten weeks significantly reduced both tinnitus and tinnitus annoyance.54
Since very few of these participants had MD, it is not clear whether these techniques would be helpful for people with MD. Vestibular rehabilitation
exercises, used primarily to aid in recovery from vertigo, are also recommended by some authorities for MD,55 although
controlled research on these exercises for MD is lacking. According to these authorities, the exercises should be started
only after symptoms have been stabilized with other treatments, and should not be done during active MD. A qualified musculoskeletal
healthcare specialist should be consulted. Transcutaneous electrical
nerve stimulation (TENS), a form of physiotherapy used by musculoskeletal healthcare specialists, has been reported to reduce
tinnitus in people with MD in preliminary studies.56 57 58 TENS is thought to improve tinnitus
by increasing circulation to the inner ear.59 In one large preliminary trial, participants with tinnitus due to
various causes, including MD, received two 25- to 30-minute treatments to the ear per week for three to five weeks.60
Sixty percent of people with MD reported significant improvement of tinnitus after this treatment, and many reported a decrease
in pressure in the treated ear. A controlled trial comparing the effectiveness of TENS and applied relaxation (AR; the use
of an audiotape to guide the participant through a series of muscle relaxation exercises) in MD found either treatment produced
similar positive results,61 but these could have been due to placebo effects. In this study, participants treated
themselves with three 30-minute TENS treatments to the hand per day for two weeks, with one participant continuing treatment
for three months. Acupuncture is reported to reduce symptoms of MD in preliminary studies.62
63 In one trial, vertigo was eliminated after one to three treatments in a group of 34 MD patients, and measurements
of hearing also improved.64 Controlled research is needed to confirm these results. 1. Baloh RW. Vertigo. Lancet
1998;352:1841–6 [review]. 2. Knox GW, McPherson A. Meniere’s
disease: differential diagnosis and treatment. Am Fam Physician 1997;55:1185–90, 1193–4 [review]. 3. Pyykko I, Magnusson M, Schalen
L, Enbom H. Pharmacological treatment of vertigo. Acta Laryngol 1988; 455:77–81 [review]. 4. Saeed SR. Diagnosis and treatment
of Meniere’s disease. BMJ 1998;316:368–72 [review]. 5. Boles R, Rice DH, Hybels R,
Work WP. Conservative management of Meniere’s disease: Furstenberg regimen revisited. Ann Otol Rhinol Laryngol
1975;84:513–7. 6. Stahle J. Medical treatment
of fluctuant hearing loss in Meniere’s disease. Am J Otol 1984;5:529–33 [review]. 7. Spencer JT Jr. Hyperlipoproteinemia,
hyperinsulinism, and Meniere’s disease. South Med J 1981;74:1194–7,1200. 8. Saeed SR. Diagnosis and treatment
of Meniere’s disease. BMJ 1998;316:368–72 [review]. 9. Boles R, Rice DH, Hybels R,
Work WP. Conservative management of Meniere’s disease: Furstenberg regimen revisited. Ann Otol Rhinol Laryngol
1975;84:513–7. 10. Santos PM, Hall RA, Snyder
JM, et al. Diuretic and diet effect on Meniere’s disease evaluated by the 1985 Committee on Hearing and Equilibrium
guidelines. Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg 1993;109:680–9. 11. Gibbs SR, Mabry RL, Roland
PS, et al. Electrocochleographic changes after intranasal allergen challenge: A possible diagnostic tool in patients with
Meniere’s disease. Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg 1999;121:283–4. 12. Derebery MJ. Allergic and immunologic
aspects of Meniere’s disease. Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg 1996;114:360–5. 13. Derebery MJ. The role of allergy
in Meniere’s disease. Otolaryngol Clin North Am 1997;30:1007–16 [review]. 14. Dornhoffer JL, Arenberg IK.
Immune mechanisms in Meniere’s syndrome. Otolaryngol Clin North Am 1997;30:1017–26 [review]. 15. Howard BK, Mabry RL, Meyerhoff
WL, Mabry CS. Use of a screening RAST in a large neuro-otologic practice. Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg 1997;117:653–9. 16. Derebery MJ, Rao VS, Siglock
TJ, et al. Meniere’s disease: an immune-complex mediated illness? Laryngoscope 1991;101:225–9. 17. Derebery MJ. Allergic management
of Meniere’s disease: an outcome study. Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg 2000;122:174–82. 18. Spencer JT Jr. Hyperlipoproteinemia,
hyperinsulinism, and Meniere’s disease. South Med J 1981;74:1194–7, 1200. 19. Kirtane MV, Medikeri SB, Rao
P. Blood levels of glucose and insulin in Meniere’s disease. Acta Otolaryngol Suppl 1984;406:42–5. 20. Mangabeira Albernaz PL, Fukuda
Y. Glucose, insulin and inner ear pathology. Acta Otolaryngol 1984;97:496–501. 21. Brookler KH, Glenn MB. Meniere’s
syndrome: an approach to therapy. Ear Nose Throat J 1995;74:534–8,540, 542. 22. Karjalainen S, Sarlund H, Vartiainen
E, Pyorala K. Plasma insulin response to oral glucose load in Meniere’s disease. Am J Otolaryngol 1986;7:250–2. 23. Brookler KH, Glenn MB. Meniere’s
syndrome: an approach to therapy. Ear Nose Throat J 1995;74:534–8, 540, 542. 24. Moser M, Ranacher G, Wilmot
TJ, Golden GJ. A double-blind clinical trial of hydroxyethylrutosides in Meniere’s disease. J Laryngol Otol
1984;98:265–72. 25. Franklin DJ, Pollak A, Fisch
U. Meniere’s symptoms resulting from bilateral otosclerotic occlusion of the endolymphatic duct: an analysis of a causal
relationship between otosclerosis and Meniere’s disease. Am J Otol 1990;11:135–40. 26. Liston SL, Paparella MM, Mancini
F, Anderson JH. Otosclerosis and endolymphatic hydrops. Laryngoscope 1984;94:1003–7. 27. Freeman J. Otosclerosis and
vestibular dysfunction. Laryngoscope 1980;90:1481–7. 28. Sismanis A, Hughes GB, Abedi
E. Coexisting otosclerosis and Meniere’s disease: a diagnostic and therapeutic dilemma. Laryngoscope 1986;96:9–13. 29. Sismanis A, Hughes GB, Abedi
E. Coexisting otosclerosis and Meniere’s disease: a diagnostic and therapeutic dilemma. Laryngoscope 1986;96:9–13. 30. Franklin DJ, Pollak A, Fisch
U. Meniere’s symptoms resulting from bilateral otosclerotic occlusion of the endolymphatic duct: an analysis of a causal
relationship between otosclerosis and Meniere’s disease. Am J Otol1990;11:135–40. 31. Brookler KH, Glenn MB. Meniere’s
syndrome: an approach to therapy. Ear Nose Throat J 1995;74:534–8, 540, 542. 32. Freeman J. Otosclerosis and
vestibular dysfunction. Laryngoscope 1980;90:1481–7. 33. Bretlau P, Hansen HJ, Causse
J, Causse JB. Otospongiosis: morphologic and microchemical investigation after NaF-treatment. Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg
1981;89:646–50. 34. Causse JR, Causse JB, Uriel
J, et al. Sodium fluoride therapy. Am J Otol 1993;14:482–90 [review]. 35. Sismanis A, Hughes GB, Abedi
E. Coexisting otosclerosis and Meniere’s disease: a diagnostic and therapeutic dilemma. Laryngoscope 1986;96:9–13. 36. Brookler KH, Glenn MB. Meniere’s
syndrome: an approach to therapy. Ear Nose Throat J 1995;74:534–8, 540, 542. 37. Clostre F. Ginkgo biloba extract
(EGb 761). State of knowledge in the dawn of the year 2000. Ann Pharm Fr 1999 ;57:1S8–88 [review; in French]. 38. Franz B, Altidis P, Altidis
B, Collis-Brown G. The cervicogenic otoocular syndrome: A suspected forerunner of Meniere’s disease. Int Tinnitus
J 1999;5:125–130. 39. Bjorne A, Berven A, Agerberg
G. Cervical signs and symptoms in patients with Meniere’s disease: a controlled study. Cranio 1998;16:194–202. 40. Bjorne A, Agerberg G. Craniomandibular
disorders in patients with Meniere’s disease. A controlled study. J Orofacial Pain 1996;10:28–37. 41. Franz B, Altidis P, Altidis
B, Collis-Brown G. The cervicogenic otoocular syndrome: A suspected forerunner of Meniere’s disease. Int Tinnitus
J 1999;5:125–130. 42. Bracher ES, Almeida CI, Almeida
RR, et al. A combined approach for the treatment of cervical vertigo. J Manipulative Physiol Ther 2000;23:96–100. 43. Galm R, Rittmeister M, Schmitt
E. Vertigo in patients with cervical spine dysfunction. Eur Spine J 1998;7:55–8. 44. Hulse M, Holzl M. [No title
available] HNO 2000;48:295–301 [in German]. 45. Hagnebo C, Andersson G, Melin
L. Correlates of vertigo attacks in Meniere’s disease. Psychother Psychosom 1998;67:311–6. 46. Hagnebo C, Melin L, Larsen
HC, et al. The influence of vertigo, hearing impairment and tinnitus on the daily life of Meniere patients. Scand Audiol
1997;26:69–76. 47. House JW, Crary WG, Wexler
M. The inter-relationship of vertigo and stress. Otolaryngol Clin North Am 1980;13:625–9. 48. Wiet RJ, Kazan R, Shambaugh
GE Jr. An holistic approach to Meniere’s disease. Medical and surgical management. Laryngoscope 1981;91:1647–56. 49. Andersson G, Hagnebo C, Yardley
L. Stress and symptoms of Meniere’s disease: a time-series analysis. J Psychosom Res 1997;43:595–603. 50. House JW, Crary WG, Wexler
M. The inter-relationship of vertigo and stress. Otolaryngol Clin North Am 1980;13:625–9. 51. Andersson G, Hagnebo C, Yardley
L. Stress and symptoms of Meniere’s disease: a time-series analysis. J Psychosom Res 1997;43:595–603. 52. Andersson G, Hagnebo C, Yardley
L. Stress and symptoms of Meniere’s disease: a time-series analysis. J Psychosom Res 1997;43:595–603. 53. Sawada S, Takeda T, Saito H.
Antidiuretic hormone and psychosomatic aspects in Meniere’s disease. Acta Otolaryngol 1997;528:109–12. 54. Scott B, Lindberg P, Lyttkens
L, Melin L. Psychological treatment of tinnitus. An experimental group study. Scand Audiol 1985;14:223–30. 55. Clendaniel RA, Tucci DL. Vestibular
rehabilitation strategies in Meniere’s disease. Otolaryngol Clin North Am 1997;30:1145–58. 56. Kaada B, Hognestad S, Havstad
J. Transcutaneous nerve stimulation (TNS) in tinnitus. Scand Audiol 1989;18:211–7. 57. Steenerson R, Cronin GW. Treatment
of tinnitus with electrical stimulation. Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg 1999;121:511–3. 58. Scott B, Larsen HC, Lyttkens
L, Melin L. An experimental evaluation of the effects of transcutaneous nerve stimulation (TNS) and applied relaxation (AR)
on hearing ability, tinnitus and dizziness in patients with Meniere’s disease. Br J Audiol 1994;28:131–40. 59. Kaada B, Hognestad S, Havstad
J. Transcutaneous nerve stimulation (TNS) in tinnitus. Scand Audiol 1989;18:211–7. 60. Steenerson R, Cronin GW. Treatment
of tinnitus with electrical stimulation. Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg 1999;121:511–3. 61. Scott B, Larsen HC, Lyttkens
L, Melin L. An experimental evaluation of the effects of transcutaneous nerve stimulation (TNS) and applied relaxation (AR)
on hearing ability, tinnitus and dizziness in patients with Meniere’s disease. Br J Audiol 1994;28:131–40. 62. Yan SM. Acupuncture for Meniere’s
syndrome: short- and long-term observation of 189 cases. Int J Acupunct 1999;10:303–4. 63. Steinberger A, Pansini M. The
treatment of Meniere’s disease by acupuncture. Am J Chin Med 1983;11(1–4):102–5. 64. Steinberger A, Pansini M. The
treatment of Meniere’s disease by acupuncture. Am J Chin Med 1983;11(1–4):102–5.
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Reliable and relatively consistent scientific data showing a substantial health benefit.