A plant extract used to reduce the symptoms of cognitive deficits such as decreased
memory function, poor concentration, and reduced alertness,
ginkgo biloba has been shown to have positive results in the treatment of tinnitus and dizziness in the scientific literature. Studies have shown that 120-240 mg a day of pharmaceutical-grade
ginkgo biloba extract can alleviate tinnitus, although some earlier studies failed to show benefits. The therapeutic effect of
ginkgo biloba is attributed to several active constituents with vasoactive and free-radical-scavenging properties.
Dr.Rosenberg evaluated a treatment for subjective tinnitus at the Ear Research Foundation in Sarasota, Florida. Patients were given 3 mg of
melatonin nightly for 30 days. In patients with difficulty sleeping due to the symptoms of tinnitus, an overall improvement was seen in 46% of the study group as opposed to 20% in the group given placebo. The researchers also concluded that patients with bilateral (two-sided) tinnitus showed significant improvement over those with unilateral (one-sided) tinnitus. Because of the minimal side effects associated with
melatonin, it is considered a safe alternative treatment for chronic tinnitus.
According to Michael Seidman, M.D. (Tinnitus Center in Bloomfield, Michigan), there are specific nutrients that have been suggested to benefit persons with tinnitus. B-complex supplements lead this category because deficiencies in the B vitamins have been shown to result in tinnitus. The B vitamin complex stabilizes nerves and appears to have a beneficial effect on some tinnitus patients.
Studies have shown that there is a high content of
zinc in the inner ear. Studies demonstrated that patients who had tinnitus had significantly decreased
zinc levels and that supplementation with doses of 34-68 mg of
zinc for more than 2 weeks significantly improved their tinnitus. Excellent results were also found by combining niacin with 25 mg zinc gluconate twice daily.
People in large cities are exposed to potentially damaging loud noises on a daily basis. Studies have shown that noise exposure causes
magnesium to be excreted from the body. It is possible that supplementing with
magnesium could reduce noise-induced ear damage and thus reduce the likelihood of new-onset tinnitus. Few studies document that
magnesium relieves tinnitus symptoms, but many patients have experienced relief by using magnesium.
Vinpocetine, the cerebral vasodilator, can also be effective. In one study, after acoustic trauma, tinnitus was improved 66% by using
vinpocetine.