Best Supplements for Tinnitus – Learn How Natural Supplements Can Help

Tinnitus supplements help many people with their symptoms. Since our diets do not always provide all the nutrients we need, supplements can be a helpful addition. Some people even claim supplements also relieve ringing in one or both ears.

So, what are the best supplements for tinnitus? This article will outline tinnitus supplements and the research behind them.

What Are The Best Tinnitus Supplements?

The best tinnitus supplements include melatonin, zinc, vitamins B, C, ginkgo, and some herbal extracts. You may have also heard of the Triple Tinnitus formula, Liquid Solution Silent Ears formula, or Ring Relief Ultra.

Studies are largely divided on how effective they are as tinnitus treatments. However, they may help tinnitus sufferers and are worth a try since there is currently no cure for tinnitus.

The Top Tinnitus Supplements

The best tinnitus supplements usually include vitamins, minerals, enzymes, herbs, and amino acids, according to the FDA (Food and Drug Administration).

They are taken orally and are obtained from natural sources.  These supplements work to relieve the symptoms of tinnitus. The following are the top tinnitus supplements.

Zinc

Studies have shown that people with normal hearing who have suffered severe tinnitus symptoms, often have low serum zinc levels. There is a significant correlation between serum zinc levels and hearing sensitivity. It suggests that zinc is somehow involved in tinnitus.

However, the relationship between the two is not clearly understood. Researchers have conducted studies where zinc administration has improved subjective tinnitus, reduced symptoms, and provide relief.

Overall, three trials have been completed with zinc as a treatment for tinnitus relief. They found zinc had no effect on the loudness of the tinnitus.

Melatonin, the Sleep Hormone

Melatonin is a hormone that is secreted by the pineal gland. It regulates the sleep-wake cycles in humans. This hormone can provide some relief from symptoms. However, it is a coincidental tinnitus supplement.

Melatonin has many effects. It relaxes the circulatory system which leads to better blood supply in the ear. It relaxes muscles, so there are fewer contractions of ear muscles. 

It also has antidepressant effects. Lastly, it also regulates the immune response in the ear directly. Through these impacts, it can improve symptoms and is a plausible tinnitus supplement.

Gingko Biloba, the Herbal Extract

You may have heard of Ginkgo biloba, also called the maidenhair tree. It has characteristic fan-shaped leaves and is touted as a treatment for many conditions, from depression to bladder disorders. Tinnitus symptoms fall under that umbrella.

Gingko biloba contains an enzyme that regulates the diameter of blood vessels. For people whose tinnitus is due to ischemia or a lack of blood supply, this supplement may be helpful.

It also has antiplatelet activity and therefore, can prevent the formation of clots. As such, it is often an ingredient in tinnitus relief supplements.

However, studies are divided. Various studies claim that there is no benefit from the herbal extracts of ginkgo biloba. In other research, 160 mg/day of ginkgo biloba for three months improved tinnitus and the quality of life.

In animals, it significantly reduces noise-induced hearing loss and improves ear health. In humans, it is effective in hearing loss induced by salicylate medications like aspirin.

Vitamin B12 or Cobalamin

Many people with tinnitus have low levels of Vitamin B12. B12 is responsible for the smooth function of the central nervous system and the brain. With the absence of B12, the nerves begin to break down. Tinnitus is understood to occur due to weak neural activity.

So it is only natural to believe vitamin B12 can be a solution, by supplementing low levels of B12. A pilot study showed that tinnitus patients who received intramuscular therapy of 1 ml Vitamin B12 (2500 mcg) weekly, improved significantly.

The tinnitus severity reduced after just 6 weeks of treatment. Other studies have confirmed this improvement but claim it was not significant or more than 10 dB of sound.

Mighty Magnesium

Magnesium is a mineral micronutrient. It contributes to over 300 reactions within the human body. People with subjective tinnitus do have lower levels of serum magnesium. 

Studies that show this are limited and their interrelation is still not clear. What is known is that magnesium is necessary for the nervous system and its functioning.

A clinical trial with magnesium administration produced significant results. Daily magnesium supplementation of 532 mg reduced tinnitus symptoms and their severity in most participants. Magnesium can easily cross the blood-ear barrier. It has been used in acoustic trauma with some success.

Lipo-Flavonoids – Top Rated Tinnitus Supplements

Lipo-flavanoids is a capsule containing vitamins B-3, B-6, B-12, and C. The main ingredient is a flavonoid or plant chemical that comes from lemon peels. It is often touted as a “magic pill.”

Studies are few and restricted. People often take magnesium along with other supplements which further complicates the results.

A limited study of 40 persons showed that only one person experienced a decrease in the intensity of the tinnitus and its annoyance. The American Academy of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery does not recommend this supplement due to the lack of clinical evidence that it has any benefit.

Korean Red Ginseng

Korean Red Ginseng is an herb from Southeast Asia that is used as a tinnitus supplement. It improves blood flow, boosts immunity, and has antioxidant properties. It is regulated in Japanese, Korean, and Chinese medicine.

There are few research studies in the West about this herbal medicine. However, one extensive study by Korea has shown very favorable results.

Treatment with 3000 mg/day of red ginseng for 4 weeks reduces tinnitus severity. It also improves the quality of life for many. It is therefore incorporated into various tinnitus supplements. It is also touted as one of the tinnitus fighting ingredients.

Astragalus propinquus

Astragalus propinquus is another herb of traditional oriental medicine. It is also called Huang qi. Astragalus comes from a perennial flowering plant. In research studies, people with acoustic trauma experienced less tinnitus after this herb was given intravenously for 10 days.

Miscellaneous Supplements for Tinnitus

Many tinnitus supplements include herbs, vitamins, and minerals. These can include:

• Goldenseal
• Green tea leaf extract
• Goji berries
• Maritime pine
• Potassium
• Folate
• Lemon balm extract
• Hawthorn extract
• Beta carotene
• Ginkgo biloba root
• Herbal extracts
• Vitamin B1
• Manganese supplements

The Triple Tinnitus formula is one such tinnitus supplement. The Solution Silent Ears formula and Ring Relief Ultra are other tinnitus supplements. There are no studies to confirm they work, except for a handful of patient reviews.

Other tinnitus supplement formulations are said to be “made by doctors.” They often come with a same-day money-back guarantee.

There are no recommendations for these supplements by the FDA or by medical organizations, despite their claims of ear ringing relief. The research and editorial team of the FDA has an entire page dedicated to supplements.

Complementary and alternative medicine also claim various cures for tinnitus. Several tinnitus supplements target inflammation. Exercise caution when it comes to alternative treatments. There is no tinnitus cure. The only way to resolve tinnitus is by treating its cause.

You can also try homeopathic formulas, acupuncture, traditional Chinese medicine, Japanese medicine, and other remedies. Remember, these only cause your symptoms to decrease. They do not treat tinnitus.

There is no miracle pill or remedy, even if they offer you a 60-day money-back scheme. There is no magic drug that can fight tinnitus.

Treating tinnitus’ root cause is the only encompassing solution. Maintaining healthy blood pressure, preserving ear and brain health, is key. Prevent developing tinnitus by wearing ear protection and hearing aids.

How to Take Supplements?

After reading the reviews online, if you have decided to try out these popular tinnitus supplements for yourself, then there are a few steps you should follow.

Since there is no cure for tinnitus, beware of claims stating things like, “ring relief ultra”, “triple tinnitus formula super benefits,” or “tinnitus terminator.” Any such claims are not a substitute for medical advice.

• Always look for a label on the supplement. Make sure you can read both the name and location for the tinnitus supplement companies.
• Does it have the ingredients listed? Is there a leaflet documenting the safety and efficacy of the medication? If there are none, request more information.
• You should know how quickly you should see effects and if there are special foods you need to avoid while taking the supplements.

When researching the best tinnitus supplements for 2022, look at noncommercial websites that are nationally recognized. Check with the FDA if it has advice or FDA-approved research.

Beware of gimmicks like: “tinnitus terminator,” “X day money-back guarantee,” “no side effects,” and “better than X or Y.” Keep in mind that just because something is natural, it does not mean that it is safe.

Certain supplements are not suitable for chronic conditions. Your doctor will be able to tell you if it is compatible with your condition and your current medications.

They will also inform you about any potential side effects you must watch out for. Your healthcare professional may also schedule a blood test to monitor you after you start taking the supplement.

Read the distributor website to find out what to do if you miss a dose or if you take too much. Find out the necessary dose and frequency.

Once you start taking the supplement, document any changes in your tinnitus.

Do a test dose. Start only one supplement at the beginning, at the lowest dosage. Go low and slow. Eat several meals a day so the medication is absorbed gradually.

Some tinnitus supplements cannot be taken with alcohol. If you find your symptoms worsening or that you feel ill, discontinue the supplement at once and meet with your doctor again to discuss side effects.

Side Effects and Tinnitus Supplements

Many popular tinnitus supplements claim to be 100% safe. These are false claims. Too much of anything is bad for you.

For example, consider zinc. Zinc may be an essential micronutrient, but an excess of zinc has several gastrointestinal side effects, even in healthy adults.

It can also lead to the deficiency of copper, genitourinary symptoms, and anemia. You must watch for any diarrhea, abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting when taking this supplement.

Ginkgo biloba can interact with elements of the blood. It also increases your risk for liver and thyroid cancer. This herb can also cause palpitations, headaches, dizziness, and gastrointestinal symptoms.

You cannot take it if you are pregnant as it can increase blood flow and bleeding. It can also worsen the tinnitus in some cases.

Too much melatonin can prevent you from falling asleep. It can also make you drowsy and disorient you. People who take this have lower blood pressure and irritability. If you take melatonin, you cannot drive or operate machinery within five hours of consumption.

Magnesium in excess can cause diarrhea, cramps, nausea and affect digestive health. Red ginseng can cause menstrual irregularities, cramps, breast pain, anxiety, and allergies. Astragalus can cause rashes and allergic reactions, including gastrointestinal symptoms.

Lipo-flavonoids can cause skin allergies, wheezing, hives, chest tightness, and difficulty breathing.

Some of these herbs can also have an additive effect with your current medications. These drug interactions can become compounded. For example, this can be seen with ginkgo biloba and warfarin.

Ultimately, talk to your health care provider before starting supplements. They may change the dose of your current medications to accommodate the other tinnitus supplements.

Safety and Regulation of Tinnitus Supplements

Supplements are not regulated. A growing number of formulations now contain ingredients from traditional Chinese, Japanese, and Korean medicine. While these Oriental medicines have been refined over thousands of years, there are no trials to determine their efficacy and study their long-term side effects.

If they are notified of a side effect, they must report it to the FDA. The FDA can respond to complaints and take down a particular supplement if the marketing is misleading like, a 60-day money-back claim, wrong supplement claims, or there are too many adverse effects.

Read Also: Can Essential Oils Help Cure Tinnitus?

What to Do if Something Goes Wrong?

If you do have an adverse effect, what should you do? You need to be aware of the side effects before you start taking any supplements. Watch out for the signs.

Stop the drug immediately if you have an allergy, hives, wheezing, cramps, diarrhea, nausea, headaches, or dizziness. Do not take any more medication.

Visit your doctor or go to the emergency room when you have adverse symptoms. Do not try and manage them by yourself, especially if you have trouble breathing, chest pain, loss of vision, or bleeding. Bring your supplement with you.

Report your condition to the manufacturer so they can do due diligence. Also, report the event to the FDA through the safety reporting panel. They maintain a report or register of all the complaints they receive.

Nutrition is Key

Nutrition is the key to good health. Health supplements are good for your overall health. Some may relieve tinnitus symptoms, but they cannot cure tinnitus.

The only way to resolve the ringing in your ears is by diagnosing and treating the cause of tinnitus. Once you do that, half of the battle with tinnitus is already won.