Ask Dr Millie Lytle, ND: Spotlight on Tinnitus

In the world of loud cities, headphones, and loud concerts, tinnitus is becoming a bigger issue. Too often, young adults listen to loud music using head or ear phones, not realizing that continuous exposure to loud noises can damage nerve cells and increase the risk of hearing loss. I interviewed Dr. Millie Lytle, Naturopathic Doctor at our InVite® location in New Hyde Park and this is what she had to say about your hearing!

Why do I have a ringing sound in my ear?

This sound is the result of cellular damage to the inner ear. It can happen at any age but is more associated with conditions of aging. It is brought on by several known factors, including frequent exposure to loud noises. It is generally exacerbated by stress, insomnia, depression and certain medications and food additives.

What is tinnitus?

Tinnitus is a condition by which a person experiences an abnormal sound in their ear. It can be perceived as high pitched ringing, clicking, low buzzing, roaring or whooshing tones in the ear. It can be continuous or intermittent, coming and going on a daily or hourly basis.

How does one get tinnitus?

Tinnitus is caused by several factors such as persistent or frequent exposure to loud noises, acute viruses or chronic medical conditions which cause damage to the inner ear. Less commonly, tinnitus is brought on by conditions of the auditory nerve itself, or damage to the hearing center of the brain.

What happens to my ear when I am exposed to loud noises?

In many cases of tinnitus, sound waves put pressure on the cells of the inner ear, causing the tiny hairs that conduct sound, to move. Permanent bending and breaking of these hairs can occur over time. Once this damage has been done, irregular electrical impulses escape and signal the brain to perceive abnormal and irritating sounds. Continual exposure to more than 80 decibels may be dangerous. The longer the ear is exposed to loud noises, the more damaging it may be. Also, the closer to the source of intense noise, the worse the tinnitus may become. 

What are some other conditions and illnesses that lead to tinnitus?

We know that loud and persistent noises lead to tinnitus. However, there are many other causes of tinnitus ranging from ear and respiratory infections, aging, blood vessel and blood pressure disorders, ear-bone changes, inner ear disorders such as Meniere’s disease, head and neck injuries, post-traumatic stress disorder, ear wax build-up, nutrient deficiencies, conditions related to aging, to certain medications and food additives.

Tinnitus is strongly associated with chronic illness, depression, insomnia and stress. Though they may not be the direct cause, correcting these problems may also help relieve tinnitus. A common list of medications that may result in tinnitus are as follows; antibiotics, cancer medications, diuretics/water pills, quinine/chloroquinine and Aspirin in high doses. Certain food additives are also linked to tinnitus. The four main culprits are refined sugar, salt, monosodium glutamate (MSG) and Aspartame (Equal, Nutrasweet, Spoonful, etc.).

How do I prevent and/or treat tinnitus naturally?

Dietary Supplements

• Several nutrient deficiencies are associated with tinnitus. Dr. Millie Lytle, ND, recommends a few InVite problems for those suffering from tinnitus, including The Invite® Multi-Vitamin to ensure minimum requirements for all essential vitamins and minerals and Vitamin B12, Vitamin D3 and Vitamin E, as deficiencies in these vitamins are specifically linked to tinnitus.
• For chronic tinnitus, you may want to turn to NAC and ALCAR with ALA. These nutrients have been shown to be effective at brain and neurological support.
• Low serotonin levels may also be related to tinnitus. To correct this problem take B-100 Complex, Flora Hx and 5-HTP may help improve this chemical imbalance over time.

Diet:

• When you prepare your own food you know what you are eating. This makes it easy to eliminate food additives such as MSG, refined sugar, Aspartame, trans-fats and salt.
• Eat a diet high in anti-inflammatory foods such as green vegetables, seaweeds, cold water fishes (wild salmon, mackerel, sardines, herring, halibut, anchovies) and plant-based foods such as raw nuts and natural nut butters (walnuts, pecans, cashews, filberts, brazil nuts), seeds (flax, pumpkin, sunflower, chia) and legumes (lentils, dried peas, organic miso soup).
• Include dark berries daily as they are high in antioxidants such as blueberries, raspberries, blackberries, gogi berries, pomegranates, cranberries, Acai, organic grapes and moderate red wine/grape juice consumption.
• Eat a diet low in fast food, canned foods, ready to eat frozen dinners and microwaveable foods due to high salt, sugar, bad fats and preservatives.

Since tinnitus usually comes hand-in-hand with other illnesses, many supportive courses of supplementation, as well as diet and lifestyle changes may be advised by a knowledgeable health practitioner for best treatment.

Permission to reprint by: American Academy of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery, Inc. 1101 Vermont Avenue, NW, Suite 302, Washington, D.C. 20005

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