Ayurvedic Approach to Tinnitus Treatments

Ayurveda has its wings over almost all illnesses of today even though it is a centuries-old tradition. Tinnitus has become a common disease among youngsters as well as the aged, which demands an effective solution. Here, Ayurveda takes the role. Read the blog ‘Ayurvedic Approach to Tinnitus Treatments’ to know the major causes, and symptoms, following the treatments that help to recover from this uncomfortable illness.

At the School of Ayurveda and Panchakarma, an online Ayurveda course is available that can be studied with utmost convenience. After completion of certification courses, you will be capable of administering Ayurvedic procedures by which you can help people suffering from diseases like tinnitus. 

 

What is Tinnitus?

 

Tinnitus is a condition where people hear the sound of ringing or buzzing like noises in their ears which are not actually there. It is observed that it is common in about 38% of young people (less than 40 years old) and about 68% of the older ones aged 40 and above. Apart from being a health issue, tinnitus has the ability to greatly lower one’s standard of life. It interferes with listening capabilities, breaks sleep routines, and sometimes contributes to feelings such as annoyance and frustration. Dealing with tinnitus is not merely about tolerating the sound, it is about bringing back the comfort of complete hearing, sleeping in peace and restoring daily life activities for the tinnitus patients.

 

When considering tinnitus in detail, there are two types of tinnitus:

• Subjective Tinnitus: This is the most common subtype of tinnitus, constituting about 99% of all tinnitus cases. It can be different from the other in all possible ways and maybe like ringing, buzzing, humming, hissing or roaring sounds. Tinnitus of a subjective nature is commonly associated with some issues in the auditory system, for instance, damage to the inner ear from loud noise exposure, ageing hearing loss, or other health problems like Meniere’s disease, or otosclerosis.

 

• Objective Tinnitus: In this case, the type of tinnitus is much less common; only 1% of the cases have this condition. The objective tinnitus generates sounds, appearances of which can be perceived both by a person experiencing this phenomenon and a health care professional during an exam. These sounds are often brought about by physiologic factors external to the auditory system, such as the tissues and vessels located near the ear and abnormalities in the ear bones.

 

Major Causes of Tinnitus

A lot of reasons are behind the condition called tinnitus. Let us look at the major ones that can this irritating condition:

 

• Noise-induced Hearing Loss

Exposure to loud noises, such as from machinery, firearms, concerts, or prolonged headphone use at high volumes, can damage the delicate hair cells in the inner ear, leading to tinnitus and hearing loss.

 

• Age-related Hearing Loss

As people age, they may experience a natural decline in hearing ability due to changes in the inner ear structures. This age-related hearing loss, known as presbycusis, can also be associated with tinnitus.

 

• Earwax Blockage

Accumulation of earwax can block the ear canal, leading to hearing problems and tinnitus. Removal of the earwax usually resolves the tinnitus in such cases.

 

• Medical Conditions

Underlying medical conditions like Meniere's disease (inner ear disorder affecting balance and hearing), otosclerosis (abnormal bone growth in the middle ear), high blood pressure, diabetes, and thyroid disorders can contribute to tinnitus.

 

Major Symptoms of Tinnitus

Well, if you would like to know the symptoms of this condition, here are them. Continue reading the blog to know them and treat them if you are suffering from tinnitus.

 

• Ringing or Buzzing Sound

The sounds that are associated with tinnitus can be as varied as ringing, buzzing, hissing, whistling or humming noises. These sounds happen inside one's mind and are unrelated to any outside source. The quantity and intensity of these noises can be different for each person.

 

• Intermittent Sounds

Tinnitus can be manifested as a continuous sound that is heard throughout the day (known as continuous tinnitus) or as intermittent episodes where the sound appears and disappears at random (known as intermittent tinnitus).

 

• Pitch and Volume Variability

The pitch of the tinnitus sound is its frequency and some people get high-pitched noise similar to a whistle or squeal whereas others may hear lower-pitched tones like a rumble or hum. Likewise, tinnitus sound volume may fluctuate from a whisper to a screaming pitch.

 

• Associated Hearing Loss

A large number of people with tinnitus are furthermore affected in their hearing abilities which involves damage to the auditory system, for example, as mentioned, noise-induced hearing loss, age-related hearing loss, or inner ear disorders.

Ayurvedic Treatments for Tinnitus    

Worry not! Experts of the School of Ayurveda and Panchakarma, the most reputed Ayurveda Institute in Kerala have the solution for you if you are someone who is suffering from tinnitus or its symptoms. The following are the major treatment methods for tinnitus. 

• Karnapooran 
• Nasya 
• Abhyanga
• Regular Exercise 
• Vata Diet

 

Karnapooran

Karnapooran means pouring herbal medicines into the ears. This process moistens the ear canal, nourishes the auditory nerves, and reduces the excessive Vata dosha. Here, sesame oil is infused with herbal medicines like garlic, neem or turmeric which are endowed with anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties.

 

Nasya 

In the case of Nasya, the nasal channel is used to administer medicated oils and herbal preparations. This supports the doshas, especially Vata which is mostly linked to tinnitus in Ayurveda. Nasya treatment involves Brahmi oil or Anu Taila, which are known to have soothing and neuroprotective effects on the nerves.

 

Abhyanga

Abhyanga is the name for the Ayurvedic oil massage, which results in relaxation, improves blood circulation and brings the doshas in balance. Often, daily practice of abhyanga including shiro abhyanga that specifically targets the head, neck and shoulders, can help reduce stress, and calm the mind which can indirectly alleviate tinnitus symptoms by improving the overall state of well-being.

 

Regular Exercise 

Ayurveda demands regular exercise for good health and harmonious balancing of the doshas. Carrying out easy workouts like yoga, pranayama (breathing exercises), and walking mostly help improve circulation, reduce tension and increase overall energy, which can have a nice effect on tinnitus control.

 

Vata Diet

Ayurveda concentrates on dietary variations that are adjusted to specific dosha imbalances. For tinnitus that is caused by aggravated Vata dosha, one should take a Vata-pacifying diet. These include cooked whole grains, soups, stews, well-cooked vegetables, healthy fats like ghee, and warm spices such as ginger, cinnamon, and turmeric. Staying away from cold, dry, and processed foods can help restore dosha equilibrium and help with tinnitus management.