Mailbag: Tinnitus Solutions Silence the Noise Naturally

By Dr. Scott Olson, ND Posted April 8, 2025

“What do you recommend for getting rid of tinnitus? Does it lead to dementia?”

-Annoyed By Noise
Tinnitus—the maddening ringing, buzzing, or whooshing in your ears—can drive anyone up the wall.

This common condition affects an estimated 749 million people worldwide, producing phantom sounds that aren’t caused by external sources. Tinnitus strikes seniors more than any other age group.

It can be temporary or chronic, and its intensity varies from person to person.

The most common causes of tinnitus include hearing loss, exposure to loud noises, earwax buildup, ear or sinus infections, and certain medications.

As you’ve likely discovered, there’s no official “cure” for tinnitus. But don’t give up. I have used several approaches with my own patients that have led to significant relief.

Let’s start with supplements:

• Ginkgo biloba: This ancient herb improves brain and inner ear circulation. Think of it as WD-40 for your neural pathways! Common dosages are 120-240 mg daily.
• B-complex vitamins: B vitamins are crucial for nerve health, especially B-12. Many tinnitus sufferers report finding relief when they correct their B vitamin deficiencies. Take as directed.
• Zinc: This mineral is vital for proper hearing. Zinc deficiency is common in folks with tinnitus. Common dosages are 30-50 mg daily for a couple of months.
• NAC (N-acetyl cysteine): This potent antioxidant protects the delicate hair cells in your inner ear from damage. Typical dosages range from 600-1,800 mg daily.
• CoQ10: This antioxidant improves cellular energy production and may help reduce the intensity of tinnitus. The most common recommendation is 100 mg three times daily for 16 weeks.
• Pine bark extract: Studies suggest this tree extract improves blood flow to the inner ear. Common dosages are 100 to 150 mg daily.

Next, there are a couple of drug-free treatments that have proven quite successful:

• Sound therapy: Using white noise, nature sounds, or specific frequencies can help mask the tinnitus and potentially retrain your brain to tune it out.
• Acupuncture: Many patients find tinnitus relief using this ancient practice. It’s like hitting the reset button on your nervous system.
• Hearing aids: If you have hearing loss along with tinnitus (a common combination), modern hearing aids can be life-changing. Correcting hearing alone can often reduce tinnitus. Plus, many newer models include special tinnitus masking features.

Simple lifestyle adjustments have also made a big difference for many of my patients:

• Limiting caffeine and alcohol
• Getting regular exercise to improve circulation
• Practicing stress-reduction techniques (stress often makes tinnitus worse)

Research has found some links between tinnitus and declining cognitive function, including potential links to dementia. However, it’s likely due to shared underlying factors like inflammation or circulation problems rather than direct causation.

There’s more evidence for a connection between hearing issues and dementia. Hearing problems can lead to social isolation—a risk factor for cognitive health issues and dementia.

However, the relationship between tinnitus and dementia is more complex. Unlike hearing loss (an independent risk factor for dementia), the direct link between tinnitus and cognitive impairment is not clear.

While conventional medicine says you have to ‘just live with’ tinnitus, these natural approaches can offer meaningful relief. By addressing the root causes—inflammation, circulation issues, and nutrient deficiencies—you’re tackling the ringing in your ears and supporting your overall brain health.

Remember, healing takes time, and what works is highly individual. Be patient with yourself as you explore these options.

Your persistence will pay off—many of my patients have found that a combination of these approaches significantly reduces their tinnitus symptoms and improves their quality of life.

P.S. Are hearing aids worth it? CLICK HERE to find out.

Source:

Lee, H. Y. (2020). Beyond Hearing Loss: Does Tinnitus Cause Cognitive Impairment? Clinical and Experimental Otorhinolaryngology, 13(1), 2.

Written By Dr. Scott Olson, ND

Nearly 25 years ago, failed mainstream medical treatments left Dr. Olson in constant pain – and his health in ruins. And that’s when he did something REVOLUTIONARY. He began his career in medicine – and dedicated his life to uncovering the true, underlying causes of disease.
Through his innovative medical practices in Tennessee and Colorado, Dr. Olson has helped cure countless seniors from across America of arthritis… heart disease… diabetes… and even cancer. All without risky prescription drugs or painful surgeries.

View More By Dr. Scott Olson, ND