The symptoms of tinnitus is typically an unpleasant ringing noise, a buzzing noise, a whistling noise or a hissing sound in one or both ears. The symptoms of tinnitus can disrupt sleep and may interfere with hearing conversations and other sounds. The exact cause of tinnitus is misunderstood, general thought is that it is not actually a sound but it is caused by abnormal blood flow rushing through the vein in the inner ear or damage to the nerve in the inner ear by excessive noise. Sometimes the cause can be associated with side effects from drugs such as quinine and high dosages of aspirin; a build up of wax in the ear can also be another cause. Tinnitus is difficult to treat and the most common treatment by doctors is to use a tinnitus masker or ear plugs to stop further damage from excessive noise.

Some dietary changes may help the tinnitus suffer, cut down on refined sugar and carbohydrates, salt, meat and saturated fats and increase in the diet fruit and vegetables and fibre. Some tinnitus suffers have found relief with acupuncture and it is worth giving it a try. Garlic, the B group vitamins, magnesium and zinc supplements are worth taking because they are vital for nerve health. In trials, extracts of ginkgo biloba was found to help tinnitus in some cases due to improving circulation in the brain.

The following supplements may help if you are suffering from Tinnitus.

B group vitamins (especially B12)

Extract of ginkgo biloba

Garlic

Magnesium

Melatonin

Multivitamins and minerals

Zinc