Do you always feel like hearing a buzzing or ringing sound which no one else can? Such a condition wherein you hear some constant sound that has no external source is known as Tinnitus.
It is a common condition suffered by numerous people around you, with no identifiable cure. It is not a disease but can be an indication of some other health issues like damage in the inner ear, hearing loss with age, stress or side-effect of some medication.
The condition isn’t severe, and people get used to it, settling with it as a part of their life. But at times the sound is quite high and can affect your normal life making it difficult to concentrate or even hear other sounds.
Types of Tinnitus
Following are the different types of Tinnitus that you may suffer from:
- Subjective Tinnitus: It is the most common type of tinnitus caused due to exposure to excessive noise. It may appear or disappear suddenly, and in some instances, the sound may not cease.
- Objective Tinnitus: Objective Tinnitus is a rare condition that occurs due to vascular deformities or involuntary muscle contractions.
- Neurological Tinnitus: Meniere’s disease causes neurological Tinnitus. Such a disorder affects the auditory functioning of the nerves leading to conditions like Tinnitus.
- Somatic Tinnitus: Somatic Tinnitus is a type of condition wherein the sensory system in the body worsens your tinnitus.
- Pulsatile Tinnitus: In Pulsatile Tinnitus, a person hears a rhythmic pulsating sound. It mostly occurs due to some disturbance in the blood flow.
Symptoms and Signs
A person suffering from Tinnitus(1) hears sound in one or both the ears which can be continuous or intermittent. One may hear:
- Screeching
- Whistling
- Hissing
- Buzzing
- Pulsing
- Whooshing
- Roaring or other unusual noises
Causes
The common cause of Tinnitus is prolonged exposure to excessive noise. Other reasons may include:
- Head or neck injury
- Ear infection
- Blockage due to Earwax
- Changes in Ear Bones
- Irregularities in Blood Flow
There is no scientific cure for tinnitus yet; hence it is common that people try to experiment with things that can help reduce the annoying noise. If you too are looking for some remedy to treat ringing in-ear or tinnitus, then essential oils can be quite beneficial for you.
These are extracts obtained from plant parts and have been found to be quite potent in treating various health conditions.
Their strong fragrance and healing properties can be helpful in alleviating ear tinnitus too. You can rub these oils on the earlobe to see the results.
Essential Oils for Tinnitus
If tinnitus occurs due to a specific medical condition, then it can be treated with medications. But there are no Tinnitus medications for the ringing in the ear that has no underlying cause. That means most of the people suffer from the condition lifelong.
If you are looking for some aid, then here are some effective essential oils for tinnitus that can prove to be of great help.
1. Helichrysum oil
Helichrysum Essential Oil is known to provide relief from Tinnitus.
Why does it work?
It attributes to the healing and anti-inflammatory properties of the oil(2). Using the oil can be of great help as it reduces swelling and inflammation. It is also known to drain excess fluids from the body. Thus, it effectively prevents the buildup of earwax.
How to use?
- Mix a few drops of the oil in a carrier oil such as coconut oil
- Rub the mixture around the ears
[Read: Natural Treatments for Tinnitus]
2. CBD Oil (Cannabidiol)
Cannabidiol or CBD oil can ease your Tinnitus trouble.
Why does it work?
This oil is obtained from the Cannabis plant, it is anticonvulsant and has antiepileptic effects which make it quite useful in relaxing the hyperactivity of neurons and soothing the noise.
How to use?
- Put two to three drops of the oil under your tongue
- Let it stay for a few minutes and then swallow
- CBD oil is edible, and you can ingest it
- The noises will get reduced so that you can concentrate on your day
3. Castor oil
Castor oil can be the best remedy for your ear.
Why does it work?
The oil is antibacterial, anti-inflammatory and anti-viral which prevents bacteria and fungi from collecting in the ear(3). It also keeps the ear channels clean and restores the function of ear cells.
How to use?
- Pour five to six drops of castor oil in the ear and close it with a cotton ball
- Take out the cotton ball after an hour
- The process should be repeated for four weeks to see results
Alternatively,
- Pour seven to eight drops of the oil on the tongue
- Keep it in the mouth for a few minutes
- Drink a glass of water on it
- Repeat it daily for sometime
[Read: Vitamins for Tinnitus Treatment]
4. Frankincense essential oil
The irritating noise in the ear can be quite troublesome affecting your daily life. In the list of the many useful essential oils for Tinnitus also comes the Frankincense oil that with its healing properties can ease your trouble.
Why does it work?
Frankincense oil is antibacterial, anti-inflammatory and anti-viral which prevents the growth of pathogens in the ear channels and also, the oil helps in the reduction of the swelling.
How to use?
- Take a drop of frankincense oil and mix it with a drop each of lavender and cypress oils
- Add the mixture to a pot of boiling water
- Cover your head with a towel and try to direct the steam to your ear
- Do this as long as possible to lessen the noise
5. Cypress Essential Oil
Cypress Essential oil is a less known oil that is used to treat tinnitus effectively,
Why does it work?
Cypress Essential oil helps in regulating blood circulation. Thus, it can treat pulsing tinnitus which occurs due to disturbances in blood flow. The oil also helps calm the nerves and reduces stress which can cause hearing trouble.
How to use?
- Take a few drops of Cypress oil
- Apply it around the ear to increase blood circulation
6. Patchouli Essential Oil
The spicy-sweet aroma of Patchouli is hard to resist. The Patchouli Essential Oil with its intense fragrance can do wonders for ears
Why does it work?
It is an excellent choice for those who are looking to get rid of Tinnitus. Application of the oil helps increase blood circulation in the ear and improves ear drainage preventing the buildup of ear wax.
How to use?
- Take a drop of the oil
- Massage it gently on the earlobe and behind the ear.
- To increase the effect combine Patchouli oil with Helichrysum oil
[Read: Supplements for Tinnitus]
7. Juniper Berry oil
Juniper Berry oil also makes it to the list of essential oils for tinnitus. Its aroma is similar to that pine but is a little stronger than that.
Why does it work?
Its detoxifying properties help clean the blood and provide relief from the ringing in the ears due to an infection or inflammation.
How to use?
- Take two to three drops of the oil
- Rub it all around the ear
- Do it daily for some time to reduce the sound
8. Petitgrain Essential oil
Petitgrain Oil is an excellent remedy for those looking for how to cure Tinnitus.
Why does it work?
The essential oil derived from the leaves of orange is antispasmodic, i.e., it helps calm the muscle spasms. Thus, if you are suffering from Tinnitus due to spasms in nerves or muscles, then you can use this oil to treat the trouble. Its soothing effect also helps reduce stress levels.
How to use?
- To cure the ringing in the ears, take a few drops of the oil
- Massage the oil on your earlobe
- Repeat the process for a few days to reduce the noise.
9. Lavender Oil
Lavender with its numerous benefits is one of the most popular essential oils that you can use to treat almost any condition.
Why does it work?
Lavender oil is a decongestant that helps clear the ear passages and improves the blood circulation in the ear to reduce the noise. Its calming effect relaxes you and reduces stress levels.
How to use?
- Lavender oil is easy to use. Take a few drops of the oil and massage it on the ear
- It will help increase circulation
- Inhale the oil to de-stress yourself
[Read: Lavender Oil Benefits]
Side-Effects
Essential oils have been getting famous for their positive effects. But these do have side-effects that can harm you. These may cause:
- Rashes on the skin
- Allergic reactions
- A headache due to the strong aroma
The essential oils are quite compelling; hence you should always use the oils in diluted form. The topical application of essential oils for tinnitus would be the most effective way to reduce the trouble.
Prevention
Mentioned below are some preventive methods for Tinnitus that can help ease the ringing sound in the ear.
-
Avoid Loud Noise
One of the major causes of tinnitus is exposure to loud noise. To curb the issue try to evade loud noises that can worsen your condition.
-
Cut down on alcohol consumption
Alcohol is known to dilate blood vessels and increase the blood flow, especially in the inner ear region. To avoid noises in the ear, you need to keep a check on your alcohol consumption.
-
Manage your stress levels
Increasing stress is another significant cause of Tinnitus. Include exercises and meditation in your routine to manage your stress levels.
Bottom Line
Tinnitus is not a severe condition, and people often try to ignore the trouble. But at times the problem can aggravate, and noises increase. You may find difficulty in carrying out routine functions due to the annoying noise. Essential oils for Tinnitus can help in the noise reduction so that the condition does not hamper your daily life routine.
Also Read:
Sound Therapy for Tinnitus Treatment
Acupuncture for Tinnitus Treatment
FAQs
1. Do Essential Oils Expire?
Essential oils in their pure form do not expire, but they have a shelf life. Oxygen, light, and heat do affect them and their quality.
2. Do Essential Oils Contain Water?
No, essential oils that are in their pure form do not contain water.
