What Is Tinnitus?
Tinnitus is a hearing condition that results in hearing false tones of varying degrees. It is often described as a ringing in the ears but can also present as a buzzing or high pitched noise.
We have all probably experienced this sensation temporarily at some point in our lives. However, the temporary situation can often be relieved by blocking the ears, opening the mouth wide or simply waiting for the sound to dissipate on its own.
But what happens when tinnitus becomes constant or intermittent? Most people who suffer from constant tinnitus say that it is enough to drive you mad. But the problem runs deeper than simple mild to extreme irritation. The constant phantom noise can be so intense that it blocks out other sound and can result in hearing loss.
Despite the fact that about 10% of the population suffer from this maddening condition, there is little known about the cause of tinnitus other than when the ear has experienced some form of physical or aural trauma that results in hearing sounds that are not there. That is until recently.
What Causes Tinnitus?
Understanding the cause of any health condition is critical to finding an effective treatment to either relieve the symptoms or cure the underlying problem altogether.
One of the causes is trauma to the ear. This can either be physical trauma such as an injury or sound induced trauma (such as being exposed to a sudden loud bang, extended period of loud noise or silence after extended exposure to loud noises). In a;; cases, tinnitus can last long after the physical injury has healed or the ear has had time to adjust to "normal" sounds.
This problem can be traced back to the dorsal cochlear nucleus in the brain which is responsible for translating sounds from the cochlear in the ear. This nucleus also has the ability to boost the signal that is received from the cochlear. After extended exposure to loud noise, sudden loud noise or physical trauma, the dorsal cochlear nucleus boosts the sound basically creating that phantom sound. It has remembered the sound and continues to relay sound even when there is no sound to be heard.
Because tinnitus is a phantom noise, it follows that the problem may lie in the brain which is sending false signals to the ear due to poor neurotransmitter communication. Correcting this imbalance is essential to treating tinnitus.
Other research has also shown that inflammation in the primary auditory complex may be to blame for tinnitus. Neuro-inflammation may therefore be the main cause of false auditory perceptions like ringing or buzzing where trauma to the ear is not the cause of tinnitus.
Tinnitus has also been linked to aging and hearing loss. People who suffer from hearing loss are more likely to experience tinnitus. Aging results in the loss of the tiny hairs in the ears that conduct sound as well as the deterioration of the parts of the ear that are responsible for hearing. Once again, the dorsal cochlear nucleus is to blame for creating sound when none is present.
What Are The Treatments And Therapies For Tinnitus?
There are a variety of treatments available for tinnitus depending on the cause of the condition. Tinnitus resulting from physical trauma to the ear may be corrected with surgery. Sound therapy and hearing aids are other therapeutic solutions for some tinnitus sufferers.
Drug therapy is however becoming far more popular. Antidepressants and anti-anxiety medications have been found to be successful in treating some patients. However, the benefits of pharmaceutical treatment must outweigh the risks of taking these medications.
Natural supplements have also increased in popularity in providing effective relief from tinnitus. These supplements contain natural ingredients that are known to boost cognitive and brain function. Because the latest research points to the brain for being responsible for tinnitus, these supplements, referred to as nootropics, can provide relief from tinnitus. Nootropics are any supplements or drugs that promote or enhance brain function.
Two supplements currently available on the market that have been found to have positive results in treating tinnitus are Tinnitus 911 and Tinnitus Pro. Below is a comparison of the different aspects of each supplement and how this relates to the efficacy of the treatment.
Tinnitus 911
- Hibiscus Flower - The flower has a variety of properties that are beneficial to brain and overall health and contains Vitamin C and lowers blood pressure which could result in tinnitus.
- Hawthorne Berries - The berries have a calming and relaxing effect and combat anxiety and panic attacks which may be beneficial to reducing tinnitus.
- Olive Leaves - Protects the brain from stroke and the ear from infection and inflammation.
- B-Complex Vitamins - B vitamins are essential to regulate brain function as well as for protection and repair which is essential in reducing tinnitus.
- Green Tea - This is a powerful antioxidant that eliminates free radicals and strengthens and protects the brain.
- Juniper Berries - The berries regulate digestion. The latest research has established a link between brain and the gut. Good digestion leads to a happier, healthier brain.
- Uva Ursi - This herb has anti-inflammatory properties that can help reduce swelling in the ears or brain that could be the cause of tinnitus. It also tightens mucous membranes which is beneficial for the brain.
- Vitamin C - This essential vitamin is responsible for a enzyme reactions, synthesis, production and regulation of various elements in the brain an is and essential ingredient to combat tinnitus.
Tinnitus Pro
Tinnitus pro is a sound therapy based app created by Sound Oasis® and works by providing different tones, background and white noise that helps eliminate tinnitus:
- 7 white noise masking therapeutic sounds.
- 6 frequency specific tinnitus masking sounds that have been scientifically developed by a doctor.
- 3 white noise nature sounds.
- 7 background nature sound.
- 1 ambient noise masking sound.
- 10 Band Graphic Equalizer to adjust sounds to better combat specific tones related to tinnitus.
- Therapeutic session timer.
While the tinnitus pro can be beneficial to mask or relieve an onset of tinnitus, it does not address the cause of the problem and relief is temporary only while the sounds are playing. Tinnitus 911 on the other hand provides immediate relief that lasts throughout the day.
Reviewers do however report that their tinnitus does return if they miss taking their Tinnitus 911 supplement every day.
Cost And Availability
Tinnitus 911 is available from the manufacturer, Phytage Labs, at a cost of $69.95 for 60 capsules which is sufficient to last one month. The supplement is also available from other online stores and costs can vary. The bottle of 60 capsules is currently available at a reduced rate of $64.95 at this link. At this time they seem to have supply in stock.
Tinnitus Therapy Pro is available as a once-off download for only $59.99. However, the app is reliant on updates from the designer as the sounds can become monotonous and tiresome after being played for extended sessions throughout the day.
Research And Results
Tinnitus 911 is manufactured by Phytage Laboratories, known to conduct extensive case studies to prove the effectiveness of the supplements that they provide. They produce only products that have been proven to be effective at providing the benefits that they claim.
However, this tinnitus supplement may not provide effective relief for every person as tinnitus treatment is dependent on the cause of the condition. An injury or damage to the ear that results in tinnitus may not have the same results as tinnitus stemming from other causes. The natural ingredients should provide no serious or only minimal side effects. However, it is recommended to consult with a medical doctor before taking supplements of any kind if you are currently taking in medication or receiving treatment for an existing health condition.
Sound Oasis® has been creating sound therapy systems for a number of years and is a leader in the field. The Tinnitus Therapy Pro app has been created with the input of doctors and other practitioners to include sounds that are the most likely to mask or reduce tinnitus. However, it is important to remember that the sounds are only designed to mask or reduce tinnitus while they are playing and there is no evidence to suggest that the therapy will have any effect at reducing tinnitus in the long run.
Reviews & Verdict
The average consumer reviews of each of these products are:
Tinnitus Therapy Pro users are overall satisfied that the product delivers the features that are expected. However, they are largely disappointed that the sounds fail to relieve tinnitus and only mask the ringing, buzzing or high pitched tone temporarily.
Tinnitus 911 users are largely satisfied with the results to relieve tinnitus if the product is used as specified by the manufacturers. While there were some negative reviews that the product was totally ineffective, this may be due to the cause of tinnitus being due to trauma to the ear or not following instructions for use.
Based on all available information at the time of this review, consumers are most satisfied with Tinnitus 911. Click here to learn more about Tinnitus 911 and order.