Tinnitus, which is the perception of noise or ringing in the ears when no external sound is present, can be influenced by various factors, including diet. While there is no one-size-fits-all answer, some people find that certain foods and substances, including sugar, can exacerbate their tinnitus symptoms. Sugar can impact tinnitus in a few ways: Blood Sugar Levels: Fluctuations in blood sugar levels can affect the inner ear and hearing pathways, potentially making tinnitus more noticeable. High sugar intake can lead to spikes and drops in blood sugar, which might worsen tinnitus for som ..read more

Aromatherapy is often suggested as a low-stress relaxation technique to reduce tinnitus symptoms.  But does aromatherapy work for people like me who don't have a sense of smell? Let's dig in: As you probably know, aromatherapy primarily relies on the sense of smell to achieve its effects. It involves the use of essential oils to stimulate the olfactory system, which then affects other parts of the brain related to mood and emotions. For people who don't have a sense of smell (a condition known as anosmia), the traditional benefits of aromatherapy through olfactory stimulation won't ..read more

Have you tried these low-stress relaxation techniques to reduce the intensity of your tinnitus symptoms? I wouldn't necessarily try everything at once -- it's easier to tell what's working when you try one at a time, and then add another. But you do you, and let me know what works best for you. I swear by deep breathing, but without a sense of smell, I don't think aromatherapy is my thing. Here are 7 low-stress relaxation techniques to reduce your tinnitus symptoms: 1. Deep Breathing Exercises Deep breathing is a simple yet effective way to reduce stress and distract your ..read more

Living with tinnitus can be a daily struggle, a constant buzzing or ringing that disrupts even the quietest moments. For those of us who have dealt with this condition for years, the search for effective relief can feel like an endless journey. However, there's hope on the horizon in the form of neuromodulation – a groundbreaking technology offering new avenues for managing tinnitus. What is Neuromodulation? Neuromodulation, in simple terms, involves the use of electrical or magnetic stimulation to alter nerve activity. While the concept may sound futuristic, it's already making waves in t ..read more

The New York State Psychiatric Institute has been conducting a study, expected to be finished in 2025, testing the effect of ketamine on tinnitus. The human trial is based on previous studies that found "ketamine, which an antagonist at the NMDA receptor, increases GABA levels in the brain in participants with depression." Researchers theorize that many people with tinnitus also suffer from depression and anxiety. Since ketamine is known to reduce depression, which condition can unmask the symptoms of tinnitus, then perhaps relieving depression with ketamine can lessen the perceptio ..read more

Exercise can have positive effects on tinnitus, mainly because it's a stress-reliever and stress can worsen tinnitus symptoms. However, all exercise is not created equal. Certain types of exercise, particularly high-impact activities like running or sports involving jarring movements of the head, can actually worsen your tinnitus. According to the National Exercise & Sports Trainers Association, "the head jarring that typically occurs during high-impact aerobic workouts jars the otoconia, which are calcium crystals in our ears, out of place. The result is inner ear problems. If ..read more

Research published Radiology shows that "patients with severe chronic tinnitus who underwent real-time functional MRI neurofeedback therapy showed reduced tinnitus burden 6 months after intervention compared with patients who received group cognitive behavioral therapy." That could be a game-change because right now, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is the standard treatment. If this preliminary is right, then real-time functional MRI (fMRI) neurofeedback therapy may actually be more effective. So what exactly is functional magnetic resonance imaging? Neurofeedback therapy is a form of ..read more

Deep brain stimulation (DBS) is a promising treatment to suppress tinnitus. Preclinical and clinical evidence suggests that in multiple regions of the auditory pathway that DBS can have an alleviating effect on tinnitus, according to a study published in Audiology Research.  “A small minority of tinnitus sufferers have a blood vessel or a tumor near the auditory nerve, but in 99% of the cases, there’s no physical reason in the ear that we know of,” explains Jana Devos, a research psychologist and doctoral student in neuroscience.  She adds that sufferers going deaf can still h ..read more

Tinnitus, often described as ringing or buzzing in the ears, affects millions of people worldwide. For some, it's a minor annoyance, but for others, it can significantly impact their quality of life.  One potential treatment for tinnitus is masking. But what exactly is masking, and does it help? Let's delve into the details. Understanding Tinnitus Tinnitus is the perception of noise or ringing in the ears when no external sound is present. It can manifest as buzzing, ringing, hissing, or other sounds. Tinnitus can be temporary or chronic and may vary in intensity. While it's often ..read more

Some people with tinnitus find it really difficult to get to sleep because the noise in their head is so loud and disturbing. And if they wake up in the middle of the night for any reason, getting back to sleep can be a nightmare. What to do?  Try these strategies and techniques that can help you manage tinnitus-related sleep disturbances and improve your overall sleep quality. Create a Relaxing Bedtime Routine: Establishing a calming bedtime routine can signal to your body that it's time to wind down and prepare for sleep. This routine may include activities such as taking a warm bat ..read more