Background: Recent studies in noise-induced and idiopathic sensorineural hearing loss have suggested that magnesium supplementation may lessen both hearing loss and the severity of tinnitus in patients.
It has been shown that magnesium supplements can help to prevent or treat some forms of hearing damage[5] and small-scale studies have suggested that they might have a beneficial effect on tinnitus[3],[6].
For example, in an online survey by Coelho et al of 1788 tinnitus patients from 53 countries, 23% of participants reported using dietary supplements to treat tinnitus. Interestingly, 81% indicated that supplements are ineffective for tinnitus or even make their tinnitus worse.
The list includes antibiotics, antidepressants, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), cancer drugs, diuretics, and high doses of aspirin. Usually the higher the dose, the greater your chance of problems. Often if you stop taking it, your symptoms will go away.
In a preliminary study, supplementation with magnesium (532 mg per day for 3 months) resulted in a statistically significant improvement in symptoms in adults with tinnitus. Double-blind trials are needed to confirm the results of this study.
Vitamin B12 – Vitamin B12 can help alleviate your tinnitus symptoms that are a result of noise damage.
Causes of a Tinnitus Spike
While a spike may feel random, it is usually the direct cause of a combination of internal or external factors. Figuring out the cause can be challenging. Sleep deprivation, anxiety and stress are the three most common factors that can contribute to tinnitus.
Common tinnitus triggers include:
Stress/anxiety. Sleep deprivation. Certain noises. Loud noises and noise-induced hearing loss.
There are many causes of tinnitus and certain activities, like smoking, sleep deprivation, or stress, actually make this hearing condition worse. Some issues, like stress or anxiety, can heighten tinnitus symptoms, which in turn leads to even more stress or anxiety.
There was a strong correlation between the 25(OH)D level and THI. Our findings suggest that a large proportion of tinnitus patients suffers from vitamin D deficiency and that the vitamin D level correlates with tinnitus impact. We recommend a vitamin D assessment for all tinnitus patients.
There is increasing evidence that certain nutritional deficiencies, thus including lower levels of Vit D, may play an important role in the risk of developing hearing impairment and related consequences, one of which is indeed tinnitus.
Vitamin B12 wasn't the only nutrient that was connected with tinnitus symptoms. Your risk of getting tinnitus also increases if your diet is too high in fat, calcium, and iron. And there's more. The researchers also noted that dietary patterns could also trigger tinnitus symptoms.
A healthy supply of magnesium keeps the blood vessels relaxed, allowing adequate blood to flow throughout the body, including the inner ear.
Can Magnesium Aid in Hearing Loss Recovery? Magnesium therapy has been demonstrated in several studies to be effective in either preventing or treating hearing damage, particularly noise-induced hearing loss, but also in improving hearing loss associated with drug ototoxicity and sudden sensorineural hearing loss.
Tinnitus and loud noise
Loud noise will make tinnitus worse. To avoid further exposure to loud noise: wear ear protection such as earmuffs or earplugs for activities such as mowing the lawn, using a chainsaw or playing or listening to live music.
By focusing on relaxing our breathing, we are telling the mind, “We are more relaxed than we think; we're not actually that anxious right now.” I often recommend deep breathing through the belly and relaxing the shoulders as a way of addressing tinnitus spikes triggered by anxiety.
If tinnitus is especially noticeable in quiet settings, try using a white noise machine to mask the noise from tinnitus. If you don't have a white noise machine, a fan, soft music or low-volume radio static also may help. Limit alcohol, caffeine and nicotine.
When we are stressed for long periods of time, we can become imbalanced or out of equilibrium causing our tinnitus to seem louder on some days more than others. Typical stressful situations might include life-changing events like a bereavement or losing a job.
Many studies have reported that poor cognitive performance was associated with tinnitus. However, unlike hearing loss, which has been reported to be an independent risk factor for dementia, the link between tinnitus and cognitive impairment remains unclear [1].
The non-invasive device, called Lenire, is now available in the U.S. The device, manufactured by Neuromod Devices, is the first-of-its-kind device granted approval by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat tinnitus in the U.S. market.
Magnesium As A Supplement For Tinnitus
Among all the supplement ingredients we've assessed, the only one offering potential promise is magnesium, as it has been scientifically proven to aid sleep and brain health.
Research has shown that most tinnitus sufferers are deficient in vitamin B12. This nutrient can be found in dairy products, meat, and eggs, but it makes more sense to choose a supplement of 1,000mcg strength and take two daily for an accurate therapeutic dose.