To help reduce ringing in (also called tinnitus), you could try some prescription remedies, but several over-the-counter, more natural remedies are available too. Herbs and supplements are naturally occurring and widely available at local health food and supplement stores. These herbs help the body heal itself, and sometimes can fix the cause of the problem rather than simply remove the symptom.
Remedies
Sometimes, using some form of white noise can help suppress the ringing in your ears. Consider an electric device such as a white . The machines mimic environmental sounds, such as oceans or wind. The Mayo Clinic says these machines may be particularly helpful when you're trying to sleep. If you don't have a white noise machine, or would prefer not to purchase one, try a fan or soft music.
The "Doctors' Book of Home Remedies for Women" suggests trying the herbal supplement ginkgo. This herb has been used in Chinese medicine for thousands of years for a variety of ailments. Research is mixed, but generally, ginkgo is thought to improve circulation, which can increase blood flow to the brain. This improved blood flow could reduce the ringing. Take 120 mg of ginkgo every day. It may take a few weeks or months for you to notice a difference, though.
Cut back on caffeine. Because caffeine is a stimulant, it could aggravate your tinnitus symptoms. Alcohol could also worsen your symptoms.
Excessive earwax buildup can also cause ringing in the ears. To remove your earwax naturally at home, Chrystle Fielder, author of "The Complete Idiot's Guide to Natural Remedies," says to warm a small amount of olive oil to body temperature. Place a few drops of the warm liquid into your ear canal. Put a few drops in the canal two to three times a day for three or four days. The warm oil will melt your earwax. Don't use a Q-tip to try to get the wax out, though, as it could push the wax farther into the canal and damage your ear.
Fielder also recommends the herbs ginger and feverfew. Take 300 mg of ginger twice a day. Although feverfew is usually indicated for headaches because of its anti-inflammatory properties, it can help tinnitus too. Take feverfew as directed. Essential fatty acids will also help with inflammation associated with ringing in the ears. Take one tbsp. of flaxseed oil a day.
When to See a Doctor
Make an appointment with an audiologist or otolaryngologist if you start hearing excessive ringing, roaring, buzzing or whirring in your ears. She can check for a variety of problems, and send you to an appropriate specialist if needed.
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