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14 Natural Remedies to Soothe Tinnitus

| Modified on Dec 19, 2024
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Tinnitus Natural Remedies

Tinnitus, commonly known for causing the perception of sounds like ringing or buzzing without an actual sound source, can be triggered by various conditions, including age-related hearing loss, ear injuries, circulatory system issues, exposure to loud noises, and certain medications.

Although there are standard medical treatments for tinnitus, many seek natural alternatives to alleviate its symptoms. This article delves into several natural remedies that have been thoroughly researched and are often recommended for managing tinnitus.

Natural Remedies for Tinnitus

Here are 14 well-researched natural remedies and supplements that may help reduce the severity of tinnitus and improve quality of life:

1. Omega-3 Fatty Acids

Omega-3 fatty acids are polyunsaturated fats commonly found in fish, such as salmon, mackerel, and tuna. They have anti-inflammatory properties, which can benefit individuals with tinnitus caused by inflammation.

2. Zinc

Zinc is a mineral that is essential for immune function, wound healing, and DNA synthesis. It also has antioxidant properties, which can help protect against cellular damage.

Zinc deficiency has been linked to tinnitus in some studies, and supplementation with zinc has been found to reduce tinnitus severity in some individuals. However, excessive zinc intake can lead to toxicity, so it is essential to consult a healthcare professional before taking zinc supplements.

3. Ginkgo Biloba

Ginkgo biloba is an herbal supplement that improves memory and cognitive function. It has also been found to improve blood flow and reduce inflammation, benefiting individuals with tinnitus.1

4. Vitamin B12

Vitamin B12 is an essential vitamin that is important for the proper functioning of the nervous system. It also has antioxidant properties, which can help protect against cellular damage. Some studies have found a link between vitamin B12 deficiency and tinnitus.2

5. Acupuncture

Acupuncture is a traditional Chinese medicine technique that involves the insertion of thin needles into specific points on the body. It is effective in relieving tinnitus symptoms in some individuals according to research studies.3

6. Magnesium

Magnesium is a mineral that plays a crucial role in nerve and muscle function. It has also been found to have protective effects on the auditory system. Some studies have found that magnesium supplementation can reduce the severity of tinnitus symptoms.4

7. Vitamin C

Vitamin C is an antioxidant that can help protect against cellular damage. Some studies have found a link between vitamin C deficiency and tinnitus, and supplementation with vitamin C has been found to reduce the severity of tinnitus symptoms in some individuals.

8. Coenzyme Q10

Coenzyme Q10 is an antioxidant that is essential for energy production in cells. It has also been found to have protective effects on the auditory system.5

9. Melatonin

Melatonin is a hormone that is involved in regulating sleep-wake cycles. It also has antioxidant properties, which can help protect against cellular damage. Some studies have found that supplementation with melatonin can reduce the severity of tinnitus symptoms, especially for individuals who have difficulty sleeping due to the ringing in their ears.6

10. Zinc 

Zinc is a mineral that is essential for immune function, wound healing, and DNA synthesis. It also has antioxidant properties, which can help protect against cellular damage. Some studies have found a link between zinc deficiency and tinnitus, and supplementation with zinc has been found to reduce the severity of tinnitus symptoms in some individuals.7

11. N-acetylcysteine (NAC)

 N-acetylcysteine is a form of the amino acid cysteine that has antioxidant properties. It has been found to have protective effects on the auditory system and can help reduce the severity of tinnitus symptoms.8,9

12. Black Cohosh

 Black cohosh is an herbal supplement commonly used to relieve menopausal symptoms. It has also been found to have anti-inflammatory properties and can help reduce the severity of tinnitus symptoms.

13. Acetyl-L-Carnitine

Acetyl-L-carnitine is an amino acid that is involved in energy production in cells. It has also been found to have protective effects on the auditory system and can help reduce the severity of tinnitus symptoms.9

14. Dietary Changes

While there is limited research on the link between specific diets and tinnitus, some dietary changes may help alleviate tinnitus symptoms. One diet that has shown promise is the ketogenic diet. The ketogenic diet is a high-fat, low-carbohydrate diet that has been found to have anti-inflammatory effects. Since inflammation can contribute to tinnitus, the ketogenic diet may help reduce the severity of tinnitus symptoms. However, more research is needed to determine the efficacy of the ketogenic diet in treating tinnitus.

In general, a healthy and balanced diet that includes plenty of fruits and vegetables, whole grains, lean protein, and healthy fats may be beneficial for overall health, which can help alleviate tinnitus symptoms.

Natural Tinnitus Treatments Suggested by Earth Clinic Readers

Discover a collection of natural remedies for tinnitus as recommended by readers of Earth Clinic. These suggestions include various approaches that individuals have tried and found beneficial.

ALA

Several readers have successfully treated their tinnitus with alpha-lipoic acid, or ALA. One reader shared that they took 600mg daily for a few months and noticed a significant decrease in the ringing in their ears.

Gingko Biloba

Another popular natural remedy for tinnitus is ginkgo biloba. One reader shared that they took a daily dose of 120mg and found that their tinnitus had entirely disappeared after a few weeks of use.

Apple Cider Vinegar

Many readers have also reported success in treating their tinnitus with apple cider vinegar. One reader shared that they took a teaspoon of apple cider vinegar in a glass of water daily and found that their tinnitus had improved significantly.

Other Remedies

Other natural remedies that have been reported to offer relief from tinnitus include magnesium, zinc, and melatonin. Several readers have found that taking magnesium and zinc supplements helped to reduce the severity of their tinnitus. Melatonin has also been reported to be effective in treating tinnitus, especially for individuals who have difficulty sleeping due to the ringing in their ears.

If other symptoms accompany tinnitus or are particularly distressing, a consultation with a doctor would be prudent to rule out an underlying cause, like SSCD.

Conclusion

In conclusion, tinnitus is a common condition caused by various factors, such as age-related hearing loss, ear injury, circulatory system disorders, exposure to loud noise, or certain medications. While conventional treatments are available, natural remedies and dietary changes may help alleviate tinnitus symptoms. Omega-3 fatty acids, zinc, ginkgo biloba, vitamin B12, and acupuncture are among the natural remedies that effectively reduce the severity of tinnitus symptoms.

Other natural remedies, such as magnesium, vitamin C, coenzyme Q10, melatonin, N-acetylcysteine, black cohosh, and acetyl-L-carnitine, may also be beneficial. However, it is important to consult with a healthcare professional before trying any new treatment, especially if other symptoms accompany tinnitus or are particularly distressing.

With the proper treatment and management, it is possible to reduce the severity of tinnitus symptoms and improve quality of life.

Please continue reading below for feedback from Earth Clinic readers who have tried various natural remedies for tinnitus, and let our community know what helped you!​

The comments below reflect the personal experiences and opinions of readers and do not represent medical advice or the views of this website. The information shared has not been evaluated by the FDA and is not intended to diagnose, treat, or prevent any disease or health condition. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for medical concerns.
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Alpha Lipoic Acid

3 User Reviews
5 star (1) 
  33%
1 star (2) 
  67%
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Posted by Denise E (Crescent City, CA) on 02/25/2023

After suffering with tinnitus for about 7 years now, it did improve after I was on my ketogenic diet (basically dropped sugars, high simple carbs) drink more water, intermittent fasting, gym weight-training, and walking. It got better, but not gone, and flares up some days so bad I have to use my little Chrome Doze white-noise app on my Android phone. I've heard it can be from hearing loss which I have slight hearing loss in one ear.

I want to post this so I can evaluate ALA now and here in 2023. I've just today ordered 300mg capsules, look like Vit E caps of Puritans' Pride 120 and I'll take one a day to start. I will be back to report because I long for my tinnitus to stop so I can hear the sounds of silence once again. Normal sounds when I take a walk, hear the birds etc. My tinnitus is 24/7 although I shouldn't say that as I don't know what it is like when I'm asleep. I know I can't fall asleep most of the time w/o sound app. Mine sounds like a high pitched piano key and no breaks, steady. My heart goes out to all that have this health issue. Like I said, I'm going to (finally) try the ALA, Denise E.

Replied by Denise E
(Crescent City, CA)
02/28/2023

I've started my ALA, just came in the mail yesterday. It's 300mg and I am taking it 2 x day. I will keep track of my results on paper, and transfer it all to a post. I got the Puritans Pride. Thanks to all that posted on this topic. Denise

Alpha Lipoic Acid
Posted by Woodman (Salem, Oregon) on 07/19/2012
 ★☆☆☆☆

I have been taking ALA for several months now for neuropathy in my feet - but I have tinnitus as well. The ALA has done NOTHING for the tinnitus...FYI.

Alpha Lipoic Acid
Posted by Joleneal (Phenix City, Al) on 06/06/2012
 ★☆☆☆☆

I take ALA for my numbness due to my diabetes. I take 300 mg a day. Unfortunately, it is sporadic as I sometimes blow off my supplements on the weekend. It hasn't touched my tinnitus yet - but it just started a month ago and I have not been consistent in my supplement intake.

However, the 1st ENT I went to said it was a nerve issue, and ALA is support for nerves. So, I'm going to double my dose and see what happens.

Alpha Lipoic Acid
Posted by Victor (Tarrytown, New York, USA) on 05/13/2012
 ★★★★★

Alpha Lipoic Acid pills for Tinnitus: I am so excited about my recent cure for my more than 10-years of hearing what souds like a steam radiator valve whistle in both ears almost continuously, with some days better than others, but never complete relief, until this week, after adding 200 milligrams of Alpha-lipoic acid to my daily intake of vitamins, minerals and other supplements about 3 to 4 weeks ago.

While I could be wrong, its certainly worth trying if you have been suffering for any period of time with tinnitus.

Replied by Diver
(Bern, Switzerland)
12/03/2014

Hi. My doctor explained two types of Tinnitus:

1-The one caused by inter ear damage and

2-The one caused by brain's wrongly interpretation (possible inner brain problems).

So for which one ALA or ACV type solutions are helping. Only ear related one? thank you.

Apple Cider Vinegar

13 User Reviews
5 star (12) 
  92%
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Posted by Triton1924 (Nelson, British Columbia ) on 02/12/2021 2 posts
 ★☆☆☆☆

I have been using apple cider as ear drops for 4 weeks along with Alpha Lipoic acid and unfortunately absolutely no difference in the ringing.

Replied by Kelly
(Seattle)
11/03/2022

A CAUTION REGARDING APPLE CIDER VINEGAR: One of the leading causes of tinnitus are salicylate -- the chemical compound found in aspirin (which was originally made from willow bark) and is also found in the skins and seeds of fruits and vegetables. It's also found in high amounts in VINEGAR. A google search will turn up more information.

So while vinegar may help some with tinnitus -- it also could be CAUSING your tinnitus, or if you try it and it gets worse, it could be because of the salicylate content.

Denise E
(Crescent City, CA)
02/26/2023

Thanks for this, Kelly, I know years ago I over-did the aspirin and got ringing in my ears but it went away. Came back with a vengeance in about 2012. It started as a swishing whenever I got up in the night. About a year or less after that, the ringing became 24/7 basically, no breaks at all from it.

I don't do ACV except when I have a tummy-ache, bloated etc. It's horrible on tooth enamel too as I experienced recently because I was doing too much without rinsing/brushing immediately after drinking it diluted in water.

Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Shawna (Missoula, Mt) on 08/29/2017
 ★★★★★

Editor's Choice

Oh boy did I have a miserable last three days. In my left ear there appeared a whooshing rythmic pulsating loud heartbeat. Had to raise level of tv and turn on music to drown it out at bedtime. My remedy today was hydrogen peroxide in affected ear, ( laid down 10 minutes) then an 8 ounce glass of spring water with tablespoon of ACV. Drank it down in one shot with straw....waited....nothing happened. Lo and behold 3 hours later I am back to normal and joyful. It works, yay!!!!

Replied by Gina
(Texas)
12/10/2018
★★★★★

it works! My left ear clogged up after sleeping on that side and wouldn't unclog- started whooshing noises then water running, dings, it got very loud the 3rd day. I found this post. yay! Noise much diminished after first dose- tolerable- diminishes with each dose. couldn't use Apple Cider Vinegar before- really shocked my system- either I really need it or the one teaspoon in 8 oz water is palatable mix.

Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Phil S. (Adelaide, Australia) on 11/03/2016
 ★★★★★

Editor's Choice

I tried the ACV treatment for my tinnitus by eye dropping ACV into my ear every night for 2 weeks, and nothing much happened, and I started to think that this treatment might just be an old wives tale. Then after a couple of days of non treatment and I noticed that about 80% of the hissing sound in my ear had gone. I was re enthused so started using it again, and voila!! It went away completely. I'm really quite astonished as my local doctor told me years ago that there's no treatment for this condition, like hell there isn't . If and when it returns, I'll simply resume the treatment. What a relief . Thank you so much Earth Clinic/ Phil

Replied by Maryelle
(Sacramento)
11/05/2016

Hi Phil, did you use straight ACV. Also, how many drops in the ear?

Replied by Denise
(Mosta)
01/11/2017

Hi, did you use the ACV directly or was it diluted?

Replied by Ronald
(Az)
02/28/2017

Did this really work for you, I have had tinnitus for 16 months, maybe noise induce not sure but, how long did you have it for and how did you get it. Please really need help?

Replied by Iama
(Usa)
01/27/2018
★★★★★

ACV can help, but you need to dilute it for sure. Put about one tablespoon of Apple Cider Vinegar and one tablespoon of good, clean water in a small saucepan and very gently warm it up. Not hot, just warm enough to be comfortable. Use an eye dropper and put a couple of drops in your ear. Do this 3-4 times a day.

Replied by Stephen
(USA)
04/03/2022

How many drops of ACV and times per day? Thank you.

Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Joel B. (Hawaii) on 06/10/2015
 ★★★★★

Editor's Choice

I had this Tinnitus for about a year now and it was driving me crazzzzzzzzzzzzy! I think mine was triggered by a Wi-Fi device that seemed to have a particularly strong signal. I did not have this problem before I moved to a new home which had this Wi-Fi. Anyway, that was the start of it, then I moved to a new place and there was no Wi-fi signal, but the condition got worse! I hear the "whooshing" pulse and a few different ringing frequencies. My hearing is impaired and I thought I was going deaf, I can't hear any of the smaller sounds, and I get frustrated talking to people because I am unable to hear a lot of what they say. Anyway after dealing with this for way too long, I finally came here to Earth Clinic.

Upon reading about ACV. I tried it. It worked almost immediatly!!! I am so impressed. I think the causitive factors for this condition can be many, but it is also in large part because there are too many "organisms" inside the ear. They cause swelling and intefere with the normal ear functioning. The ACV. in the ear is anti-fungal, and anti-inflammatory so it works.

I used about a 70% ACV - 30% water solution. I put it in a clean small dropper bottle, and put about 1/2 dropper in each ear. The cool thing was that after I cleared out my right ear with a paper towel there was all this brown stuff on the towel. The left ear was mostly clear. I did this treatment twice a day for about 4 days and now there is no more Brown stuff coming out!!! All clear. I have to be honest, the ringing is not totally gone but it is so much better. I am very impressed with this simple remedy ACV!!!

Aloha from the big island of Hawaii!

Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Caitlin (Ausin, Tx) on 01/30/2015
 ★★★★★

Editor's Choice

I woke up tired, listless, with a horrible headache and the worst tinnitus I've ever had. By the way, my tinnitus is usually constant - less prevalent sometimes; more at other times.

After testing various foods that I'm allergic to yet still eat occasionally, I've found the culprits of my constant ear-ringing: wheat and milk (low grade tinnitus), nuts (high) and diet sugars (extremely high).

Last night, I made almond meal brownies, using lots of diet sugar and milk chocolate chips -- I'd stopped making these but because my husband loves them and asks for them, I occasionally make them for him. I had 5 small cookies. The tinnitus began just before I went to bed.

Here's what I did this morning: I diluted a dropper-full of ACV in 1/4 cup of water and put in both my ears -- no difference detected after 30 minutes. Next, I went with a few drops of straight ACV down each ear. Results: Tinnitus in left ear is totally gone; Tinnitus in right ear lessened to about 70%. Whooopeee! After finding the cause, FINALLY I've found, if not a cure, at least a relief! The cure, it seems, is to stop eating what I'm allergic to even when I'm cooking for others!

Until those allergens leave my body, I plan to spend the day drinking a teaspoon of ACV in every glass of water and, using the straight ACV drops (drained out after a minute), particularly before bed because the constant ringing keeps me from entering deeper sleep. I hope this helps other tinnitus sufferers! Caitlin

Replied by Todd J.
(Williamston, Nc)
07/20/2017

I was searching for a treatment for tinnitus yesterday and was told by an elderly phamacist that aspartame, the junk they substitute for sugar to make things like drinks diet, is believed to be one cause of ringing in the ears. Mine started back in 2004 after a ruptured aneurism. I figure that I was lucky to be alive and was told that there is no cure, so I have been living with it for the last 13 years, and now I hear about ACV and think, I have this in my cabinet ALL the time. Cant wait to try it out and see how it works.

Replied by Gene P.
(Knoxville, Tn)
07/09/2020

Wonderful post, Caitlyn. Your post finally connected the dots for me.

I have had constant Tinnitus for over 40 years. It started after I had an accident that broke my leg with bone sticking out. I HAD SURGERY. As a retired Anesthesiologist I now remember that most surgeons and all orthopedic surgeons give routine antibiotics during surgery.

ANTIBIOTICS kill the good bugs (symbiotic bacteria) in the body and this allows the fungus, alias candida -- that LOVES SUGAR and its carbohydrates -- to grow wild to cause every imaginable disorder in the body, ... and I think that is why every imaginable disease seems to have the same natural cures that kill the same culprit Candida.... and yes, for over 40 years all medical specialists have insisted that there is no cure for Tinnitus.

Time for me to take ACV, Bicarb.. colloidal-silver, DMSO, garlic and every other home remedy seriously. Thanks.

Gene

Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Drbrown (Ohio, US) on 09/30/2014
 ★★★★★

I developed some left ear ringing, though mine was a very low pitched hum. It sounded like a large truck was running inside my head. Really annoying when it was quiet. This was going on for about 2 weeks.

I mixed around a tea spoon of braggs organic ACV with a tiny bit of orange juice (can't stand the taste of ACV alone). Did this an hour before breakfast, then an hour after dinner. Woke up today and it was 95% better. If it's completely silent I still barely get the low humming. I did one more dose today. I will stop taking ACV now and see if it comes back. I definitely do not think it was coincidence that the humming stopped though. I've used ACV for other ailments as recommended by this site and had good success. I think everyone should implement this stuff into their diet in some small way.

Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Jnell (Lumby, Bc, Canada) on 04/04/2013
 ★★★★★

Tinnitus: Just over 1 month ago I started taking 1tsp of ACV in 8oz of filtered water 3x a day, after learning about it being a possible cure on here. I wasn't sure that it would work but thought I would give it a shot being as it is inexpensive and all natural ... I now have ZERO ringing or static sounds in my ear!!! This is just Amazing!!!

Replied by Mmsg
(Somewhere, Europe)
04/05/2013

Jnell, for how long had you had the tinnitus?

Replied by Jnell
(Lumby, BC)
04/08/2013

Nearly a year, it was awful!

Replied by Lenna
(Lumby, B C)
07/19/2021

Jnell, I am suffering constant loud tinnitus and am not getting any relief from an expensive supplement. I am going to try the ACV and just wanted to thank you for posting your story. Because you actually live in the same village, I feel safer trying something else.

Lenna

Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Sherif (Cairo, Egypt) on 03/15/2012

I'm tinnitus sufferer 4yrs ago, I'm member of lot of tinnintus groups at face book. One person had T 3YRS AGO. SHE USED ANTIFUNGAL for nails containing apple cider vinegar and the tinnitus disappear completely.

Replied by Nickie
(London, Uk)
01/15/2016
★★★★★

I'm with Judy on this. Couple of nights ago after watching an item on TV, I Googled the info and found 14 phone masts within 2 km which is the 'safety zone'. I have been experiencing tinnitus for 3 or 4 months now and I have been taking ACV daily for 5 years! Started after learning of the benefits of alkalising and it reduced hip pain of arthritis within a couple of days and got rid of 4 or 5 pounds of Christmas excess in a month. Now I'll stick some in my ear and hope it's equally effective but I still don't rust those masts. I have a mobile phone. Cost me about 9 bucks and I keep it in my purse for emergencies. These things cause neurological damage and cancers yet on the street or in stores every second person seems to have one glued to their ear as if their lives depended on it. Pretty sad when you realise the radio waves also negatively affect animals.

Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Priya (Oroville, Wa) on 07/10/2011
 ★★★★★

I came to this site just last night. I have been experiencing ringing in my ear for 2 days. Started with a sore throat then went to my right ear. Prior to this I was having a low in and out humming happening for months. Went to get my hearing checked and all was good. I'm 58 and in good health I keep active. Last night I took my first dose of ACV in water 2 Tblsp with 8 oz of water, Organic _____s brand. It help some the noise isn't as loud. I took my second dose this morning and going for my 3rd. I also did a ear coning to help pull the ear wax out. I did this this morning. It's easy with help and feels fine. My right ear had 2X's as much wax in as my left. Hears to hearing better, even if I still am a bit off centered. I'll continue to do this along with taking Tumeric with black pepper it helps to assimulate the tumeric. I didn't measure the tumeric I put some in water and on my food last night. I'll let you know the results thanks for having this site.

Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Betty (Scottsdale, Arizona, Usa) on 11/01/2009
 ★★★★★

I was going to visit my doctor about tinnitis..a whorling sound in my right ear that didn't go away in over a week. I tried 1 tbl spoon of apple cider vinegar mixed half with water and viola! I awoke this morning normal again. No more phantom sounds in my ear. AMAZING!

Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Dan (New York, New York) on 06/25/2007
 ★★★★★

I got a really bad cold a few days ago, and I could hardly stand not being able to breathe through my nose. Not only that, but the coughing, especially on the second and third days, was unbelievable. Finally my dad told me that he couldn't listen to my cough any more, but I didn't want to take any drugs/medicine. I found this site on Google and, of course, the first thing I saw was to drink Apple Cider Vinegar. I finally found some in the back of a cabinet and put some in a glass with honey. In less than ten minutes my cough had subsided to barely a tickle every five minutes and my nose cleared up so fast I could actually feel it loosening up. Not only that, but ACV also reduced the weird ringing in my ears and helped my upset stomach. I'm not saying that my cold is completely gone, but I'm easily 99% better than I have been in the last month. ACV is definitely the only thing for any kind of illness.


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