If I had a dollar for every time I had been asked, “What do you have for tinnitus?” I likely would not be still writing Newsletters. I have had some success recently on a personal level with tinnitus.
Below I list the different forms of tinnitus, but in my experience, the reason tinnitus is so hard to deal with is it is not normally just one cause—it seems to be multifaceted.
There lies the problem. Helping tinnitus sufferers is not a quick fix. And just as an allopathic doctor may not come up with the right drug or dose for a condition the first time around, so it is with tinnitus.
Patients need to be aware: you can help, but it is a process. The outcome may not be perfect, but it will certainly be improved.
What Is Tinnitus and Why It’s So Difficult to Treat
Tinnitus is the perception of ringing, buzzing, or hissing sounds in the ears without an external source. It can be caused by hearing loss, noise exposure, circulatory issues, neurological disorders, subclinical infection, or even nutritional deficiencies.
Conventional medicine does not seem to do well with resolving the issue. At best, it attempts to dampen the symptoms. There are cases where we as functional practitioners—and particularly chiropractors and acupuncturists—can achieve outcomes by exploring underlying causes such as inflammation, oxidative stress, metabolic imbalances, and bodywork.
How Tinnitus Is Diagnosed: Natural and Functional Approaches
Tinnitus is typically diagnosed using one of the following:
- Patient History & Lifestyle Factors
- Exposure to loud noises, ototoxic medications, or head trauma
- Stress, anxiety, and sleep patterns
- Diet, nutrient intake, and toxin exposure
- Physical Examination
- Otoscopy: Checking for earwax buildup, infections, or structural issues
- Cervical Spine & TMJ Assessment: Identifying misalignments that may contribute
- Hearing Tests
- Audiometry (Hearing Test): Identifies hearing loss patterns
- Tinnitus Matching & Masking Tests: Measures frequency and intensity
- Blood Tests & Functional Labs
- Nutrient Deficiencies: Zinc, B12, Magnesium
- Inflammation Markers: CRP, homocysteine
- Thyroid & Hormonal Panels: Evaluating metabolic causes
- Heavy Metal Testing: Lead, mercury, or other toxins
- Doppler Ultrasound (if vascular tinnitus is suspected)
- Evaluates blood circulation and possible artery issues
Common Types of Tinnitus and Supportive Nutrients
Tinnitus can manifest in different ways depending on the underlying cause. To follow is a list of the most common types of tinnitus and the researched vitamins and minerals to support each condition:
Subjective Tinnitus (Most Common)
Heard only by the patient, no external sound source.
Causes include:
- Noise-induced hearing loss
- Age-related hearing decline (presbycusis)
- Ototoxic medications (e.g., NSAIDs, antibiotics, chemotherapy drugs)
- Stress and anxiety
- Neurological issues (e.g., multiple sclerosis, migraines)
Eventually, ask your Wellness Practitioner, Functional Medicine Practitioner, or Primary Doctor for correct guidance—as well as for the correct supplementations.