Symptoms:
Sounds in the ear: ringing; whistling; roaring; hissing; chirping; buzzing; and whining cricket sounds, when there is no outside physical source for these sounds. At first, they come and go; in advanced stages, the sound is constant. No one else hears them.

There are reported instances in which others have heard the sounds from as much as 4 feet from the person's ear. "Tinnitus," in Latin, means "to tinkle," or a "bell-like ring."

The frequency of tinnitus increases with age. The left ear seems to produce the sounds more often than the right ear. About 75% of deaf people report tinnitus.

Cause:
There are several possible causes, including an irritation of nerve endings in the ear by loud noises. Chemicals and drugs can injure the internal ear. Prescription drugs can produce tinnitus or hearing loss (beware of quinine and aspirin). Nicotine constricts blood vessels and may be the cause. Other causes are lead; aluminum; mercury poisoning; impacted wax; hormonal problems; high blood pressure; severe blows to the head; anemia; perforation of the tympanic membrane; fluid in the middle ear; epilepsy; migraine; food allergy; Meniere's disease; hypothyroidism; multiple sclerosis; as well as repeated and prolonged exposure to loud noises. Whatever the cause, stress sometimes adds to it.

Tinnitus is not a sign of a more serious problem or a precursor of any serious disease—unless it is associated with Meniere's Disease (which see).

Treatment:
• Surgical success rates are very low. Beware of "tinnitus maskers." These products can cause hearing loss.

• Do the pulse test to check on problem foods. Have a hair analysis made. Find the cause and eliminate it. A 1981 medical study pointed to coffee, tea, tonic water, red wine, grain-based spirits, chocolate, and cheese as the most common dietary causes of tinnitus.

• Mix 1 tsp. salt and 1 tsp. glycerin in 1 pint warm water. Several times a day, using a nasal sprayer, spray each nostril until it begins draining into the back of the throat; also spray the throat.

• Get a nourishing diet, and include trace minerals (Norwegian kelp or Nova Scotia dulse), vitamin A, calcium, magnesium, and betaine HCl.

• A lack of manganese can cause deafness, dizziness, and ear noises. A lack of magnesium can produce nerve twitching and sensitivity to noise.

• Changing and correcting the diet, reducing stress, and getting more exercise out-of-doors has been helpful in dealing with tinnitus. Stress causes more adrenaline to be produced which, in turn, constricts blood vessels and keeps waste products from being as quickly eliminated.

• Remember that fatigue increases the problem. An important help is to go to bed and get up on a regular, healthful, schedule.

• Avoid loud noises and noisy situations. Alcohol makes tinnitus worse. Caffeine is a common cause. Marijuana and cocaine intensify the problem. Aspirin is a known cause of tinnitus, also blood pressure and arthritis drugs. Also beware of steroids, anticonvulsive medications, vasodilators, and anticholesterol drugs. Nicotine damages the hearing.

• Make sure the colon is working well. An enema will help with this.

• Worthwhile herbs would include bugleweed, garlic, gotu kola, cayenne, and prickly ash.