tinnitus

Tinnitus, commonly known as ringing in the ears, can be quite challenging for those affected. Andrew Huberman offers insights into its causes and treatment options on the Huberman Lab.

Key Points:

1. Causes and Factors:

   • Tinnitus can result from damage to the hair cells in the cochlea, often caused by exposure to loud noises, including environments with both loud background noise and additional loud auditory stimuli 1.
   • Stress and lack of sleep can exacerbate tinnitus, but these factors do not always account for its presence in every individual 1.

2. Treatment Options:

   • Melatonin: Various studies suggest that melatonin (3 mg daily) can modestly reduce the severity of tinnitus 2.
   • Ginkgo Biloba: It may help with tinnitus, particularly if associated with age-related cognitive decline, though its effects are not large 2.
   • Zinc: Supplementing with 50 mg of zinc per day has shown some positive effects in reducing tinnitus symptoms 2.
   • Magnesium: A single study indicates that 532 mg of elemental magnesium can lessen tinnitus symptoms 2.

3. Hearing Protection:

   • It's crucial to protect hearing, especially in loud environments or when using headphones at high volumes. Once hair cells are damaged, they do not regenerate, leading to permanent hearing loss and potential tinnitus 3.
     • 

       1

       Tinnitus Treatment

       01:22:44
     • 

       2

       Tinnitus Treatments

       01:25:46
     • 

       3

       Protect Your Hearing

       00:52:50

For those suffering from tinnitus, Andrew Huberman emphasizes consulting healthcare providers before starting any treatments. While the mentioned compounds might offer some relief, they are not outright cures and should be considered as part of a broader approach to managing the condition.

Andrew Huberman discusses several treatments for tinnitus on the Huberman Lab, highlighting options that have shown various levels of effectiveness in reducing symptoms.

Treatment Options:

1. Melatonin:

   • Studies show that orally-administered melatonin (typically 3 mg per day) can modestly reduce the severity of tinnitus symptoms 1.

2. Ginkgo Biloba:

   • This supplement may benefit those whose tinnitus is associated with cognitive decline. However, the effects are generally modest 1.

3. Zinc:

   • Supplementation with 50 mg of zinc per day has shown some positive effects in reducing tinnitus symptoms in certain individuals 1.

4. Magnesium:

   • A study indicated that taking 532 mg of elemental magnesium could lessen tinnitus symptoms 1.

Additional Insights:

• Hearing Protection: Protecting hearing from loud noises is crucial since damage to cochlear hair cells is a common cause of tinnitus. Once these cells are damaged, they cannot regenerate 2.

Andrew Huberman cautions that while these treatments may help, they are not cures and should be considered as part of a holistic approach to managing tinnitus, ideally under medical supervision.