Tinnitus Ayurvedic Treatment

When a person hears a humming/ ringing/other sounds inside (not from outside) one or both ear/s, it is called Tinnitus. It is a common manifestation in old aged people, though it is seen in all age groups. The common causes are age related wear and tear, injury or infection in ear, Meniere’s disease, diseases of ear and related structures, head or neck injury, problems in blood supply to ear, certain medicines, etc.

Tinnitus Signs and Symptoms

The person feels persistent or intermittent ringing/ hissing/ humming/ buzzing/ clicking or other phantom sounds inside ear/s in the absence of any external noises. Sometimes, the sound is too loud so it interferes with daily activities. Pulsatile tinnitus is another condition where there is tinnitus with every heartbeat, and the doctor can hear it during a physical examination.

Tinnitus Ayurvedic Analysis

Vitiation of vata in shabdavaha srotas (channels of sound) causes different kinds of sound in ear/s and is called ‘Karnanada’ (noise in ear) in Ayurveda. Karnanada is a symptom in krimija shiroroga (headache caused by microbial infection).

Tinnitus Causative Factors (Ayurveda)

Vata is increased by excess intake of bitter/ astringent/ pungent tastes, dry and cold food, skipping of meals, light food, etc and specifically, it is vitiated in ears by exposure to high noises, speaking in loud voice, injuries/ infections, drying up of kapha in ears etc. Aging causes vatavruddhi naturally.

Possible Complications of Tinnitus Disease

Tinnitus for a long period will affect the quality of life and results in headache, stress, sleeping disorder, fatigue, problems with concentration and memory, irritability, anxiety, depression etc.

Other systemic diseases and precautions to be taken

Check whether there are any other diseases like infections, Meniere’s disease etc before planning treatment.

Tinnitus Disease Management with Ayurveda Treatment

Snehapana (internal administration of suitable snehadravya/ medicine in lipid form), karnapoorana (retention of medicated oil or ghee in ear/ external acoustic meatus), karna dhoopana (fumigation of ear canal with appropriate medicines), nasya (nasal instillation of medicine), virechana (purgation), shiro dhara (irrigation with medicated oil on to head), vasthi (enema with decoction and oil) etc are given along with internal medication.

Diet

Include more whole grains, vegetables, pulses, fruits, milk etc in diet and reduce the intake of dry, cold, spicy, bitter/ astringent tasting food.

Exercise

Mild to moderate exercise can be done as per the guidance of the physician. Yoga, meditation and pranayama are also good to practice.

Tinnitus Preventive Aspects in Ayurveda

Avoid speaking loudly, continuously hearing very loud sounds (eg: with headphones) and exposure to dry and cold wind. Instil suitable oil in ears on a daily basis for maintaining the health and normal functioning of ears. Use appropriate protective measures for ears while listening to high volume voices, travelling etc. Avoid ear infections.

Importance of diet

Excess intake of food that increases vata should be avoided. Right food can prevent many diseases.

Lifestyle

Use protective measures while listening to high volume sounds. Speak in a moderate volume so that the ears do not hurt. Karnapoorana (retention of suitable oil in ears) is recommended to do on a daily basis.