At some point in your life, you’re bound to experience ringing in your ears. It’s usually annoying but temporary and disappears after a short time. But for others, the ringing, also known as tinnitus, is chronic or recurring. There are many things that could cause chronic tinnitus, including age-related hearing loss, loud noises, earwax buildup, other ear disorders, medications, head injuries, nerve problems, brain tumors, diseases like anemia, thyroid diseases, multiple sclerosis, and high blood pressure. The list goes on and on and some people never discover the cause of their tinnitus. They just have to live with it as it affects their thinking, emotions, hearing, sleep, and concentration. Fortunately, research in Brazil recently pointed to the hormone oxytocin as a possible treatment.
The Hormone That Helps
Oxytocin, also known as the “love hormone,” is associated with various stages of human interaction and bonding such as kissing, sex, childbirth, and breastfeeding. A study was conducted on 17 people with tinnitus who used either two puffs of an oxytocin nasal spray or a placebo. After 30 minutes and 24 hours, they were asked to assess their symptoms. The participants who used the oxytocin nasal spray experienced a substantial reduction in their tinnitus symptoms, and in some cases, their tinnitus disappeared entirely. If larger clinical trials show similar success, we might finally have a cure for tinnitus.
However, while oxytocin nasal spray can be purchased, its long-term side effects are unknown, and reported side effects range from abnormal heartbeats to nausea and vomiting. So, it might be best to wait for more information about oxytocin’s effect before using it.
Alternative Remedies
In the meantime, there are other safe and effective remedies for tinnitus to consider:
- Gingko Biloba: Taking two tablets of standardized gingko biloba extract three times per day with meals can help alleviate tinnitus. Gingko biloba increases blood circulation in the head and neck 1. Continue this regimen for at least two months.
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CoQ10 Supplement: In a preliminary trial, people with low levels of CoQ10 in their blood experienced significant improvements in their tinnitus after taking 100 mg of CoQ10 three times per day for 16 weeks 2.
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Lifestyle Adjustments: Cut out caffeine, alcohol, loud noises, and anything else that seems to aggravate your tinnitus.
Always keep in mind that, although these remedies have been found helpful for some, they may not work the same way for everyone. It may be necessary to try different methods or a combination of methods for the best results. And when in doubt, consult your doctor for personalized advice and guidance on managing your tinnitus.
“The ‘love hormone’ may quiet tinnitus.” Medical Xpress. Retrieved September 24, 2016.
[“Natural Cures for Ringing in the Ears?”] (http://www.drweil.com) Dr.Weil.com. Retrieved September 24, 2016.
“Coenzyme Q10.” University of Michigan Health System. Retrieved September 24, 2016.
- “Tinnitus.” MedlinePlus. Retrieved September 24, 2016. ↩
- “Tinnitus.” National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders. Retrieved September 24, 2016. ↩