Tinnitus

Tinnitus is a ringing or buzzing-like noise in the ears, most common in adults over 40. It lowers the standard of life, interferes with listening capabilities, upsets sleep patterns, and can be annoying and frustrating.

There are two types of tinnitus:

Subjective Tinnitus is the most common type (99%), characterized by ringing, buzzing, humming, hissing, or roaring sounds caused by issues in the auditory system, such as damage to the inner ear, aging, hearing loss, and other health issues.

Objective Tinnitus is less common and generates sounds caused by physiologic factors external to the auditory system, such as the tissues and vessels located near the ear and abnormalities in the ear bones.

Causes of Tinnitus 

Exposure to loud noises from machinery, firearms, and music can cause damage to the delicate hair cells in the inner ear, leading to tinnitus and hearing loss.  The natural decline in hearing is due to age and changes in the inner ear structure.   Earwax accumulation can block the ear canal, leading to hearing problems and medical conditions such as Meniere's disease (an inner ear disorder that affects balance and hearing), otosclerosis (abnormal bone growth in the middle ear), high blood pressure, diabetes, and thyroid disorders.

Ayurvedic Treatments for Tinnitus   

Ear Oiling (karnapooran) uses medicated oils to moisten the ear canal, nourish the auditory nerves, and reduce Vata dosha.

Nasya (nasal) treatments using medication oils support Vata and create soothing and balance the nerves associated with tinnitus.

 Oil Pulling involves swishing medicated oil in the mouth for 3-5 minutes daily. It is one of the most effective means of balancing Vata in the head and neck.

Abhyanga massage and Shirodhara therapies reduce stress, calm the mind, bring groundedness and stability, and help balance.

Therapeutic yoga and pranayama can balance the symptoms and root cause of tinnitus. It's breathing practices slow brain waves, destresses the body, stimulates the parasympathetic nerves, and balances Vata.

Diet is crucial because Tinnitus is caused by aggravated Vata dosha, and introducing a Vata pacifying diet with cooked whole grains, soups, stews, well-cooked vegetables, healthy fats like ghee, and warm spices such as ginger, cinnamon, and turmeric.