Tinnitus is not a disease, but rather a symptom of something else. There are several conditions that lead to tinnitus, and they tend to involve inner ear damage. The severity of tinnitus can range from light and occasional to severe, and treatments typically depend on how limiting an individual case is. In any event, any amount of ringing in the ears can restrict your quality of life.
But even if you have a very mild case, there is no cure. Therefore, treatment and management is the option.
Common treatments are hearing aids, sound-masking devices, or customized sound machines. All of these treatments attempt to drown out the tinnitus, so you’re not stuck with that annoying sound. There is also, however, some support for natural treatments.
One supplement that’s got a lot of buzz for its impact on tinnitus is the herb Gingko Biloba. A review in The International Tinnitus Journal from 2017 found the herb could improve tinnitus resulting from several causes. Gingko Biloba may work by improving blood flow to the ears and acting as an anti-inflammatory. Studies have also shown that up to 50 percent of patients treated with Gingko Biloba for four weeks said it was useful.
Managing stress may also help prevent tinnitus from flaring up. Tinnitus can be aggravated by stress or anxiety, so finding ways to handle stress, like exercise, mindfulness, and meditation may play a role.
Ear health can be difficult to manage and is best diagnosed by a doctor. If you’ve recently noticed you’re hearing sounds that aren’t there, you can try taking a Gingko Biloba supplement, but talk to your doctor first. Herbal supplements may have interactions with medications you’re currently taking, so be safe. In the meantime, book an appointment to help determine the cause of the ringing.