Studies have shown that about 15 percent of adults suffer from tinnitus at any given point in time. Tinnitus is a condition that is characterized by consistent buzzing or ringing in the ears (even where there are no sources of sound present). Because this condition is so common—and so difficult to deal with, at times—researchers in both the United States and elsewhere around the world have been searching for effective treatments.
According to new research published by Harvard Health, some cases of tinnitus (particularly those caused by excessive earwax or a cist) are treatable. However, in most situations, treatment is largely focused on making tinnitus more manageable. Masking, for example, is a very common tinnitus treatment strategy.
Some of the common tinnitus treatments have included cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), hypnosis, and various types of sound therapy. While many of these strategies have been effective, some tinnitus victims have sought alternative treatment options.
One popular experimental treatment has been repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) and transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS). However, according to the experts at Harvard, these treatments may create some issues. Daniel Polley, who is the director of the Lauer Tinnitus Research Center claims, “There’s no convincing evidence that passing electrical current into your brain is going to make your tinnitus go away.”
In order to avoid the risks and costs that come with these treatment options, some tinnitus sufferers have begun taking natural tinnitus supplements, like Tinnitus 911. These products contain natural vitamins and other ingredients including vitamin C, vitamin B-6, folic acid, vitamin b-12, hibiscus flower, and many others.
These products have become popular because not only have some double-blind studies supported their effectiveness, but also because there are seemingly no risks attached to taking them. The natural supplement market has been growing at an incredible rate over the past few years, encouraging investment in tinnitus supplements and other alternative treatment options.
Top tinnitus treatment experts recognize that tinnitus is a very subjective symptom and, naturally, it will be important to offer very personalized tinnitus treatment options. Tinnitus has many different possible causes, including exposure to loud noises, physical damage to the ear, ototoxic medications, and many others. The treatment that makes the most sense for one person may not be the best solution for another.
While you should speak with your doctor before you begin taking tinnitus supplements (or any supplements, for that matter), many people are excited about having access to tinnitus treatment that is affordable, effective, and generally without risk. The research team at Harvard, and other major institutions, still have a lot of work to do, but these recent developments have given many people hope.
