Tinnitus is the term used to describe ringing in one or both ears. It is a common problem faced by people suffering from ear problems or during old age.
It affects about 10 to 15% of the population and is seen more frequently in older adults. In most cases, you cannot identify the exact cause of tinnitus.
Despite this, many natural home remedies can significantly improve tinnitus. One of the best is Apple Cider Vinegar. Apple Cider Vinegar is well-known for its health benefits and its antibacterial qualities. It can be very effective in helping treat tinnitus.
In this article, we’ll tell you all about how the apple cider vinegar tinnitus combo works. So let’s get into it.
Table of Content
Does Apple Cider Vinegar stop Tinnitus?
Though there are no studies to prove that Apple Cider Vinegar cures tinnitus, there is a solid scientific basis for the claim.
Various factors can cause tinnitus. But one of the most common causes is an ear infection. Infections of both the outer ear or middle ear can lead to tinnitus.
These infections are caused by bacteria such as E. Coli and Staphylococcus aureus. This is where ACV comes in.
Even in low doses, ACV displays antibacterial properties. It inhibits the growth of such bacteria and reduces inflammation. In higher concentrations, ACV can damage the bacterial cell wall, killing harmful bacterial organisms.
Thus, Apple Cider Vinegar can protect from harmful infection-causing bacteria. And in extension, it can help control the prominent factors causing tinnitus.
What are the causes of Tinnitus?
Tinnitus isn’t a disease itself but a symptom of some other underlying condition. And apple cider vinegar tinnitus approach can be a good alternative for treatment.
Most commonly, tinnitus is caused due to hearing loss. This might be caused due to chronic exposure to loud noises, gradual degradation due to old age, or other factors.
Tinnitus usually has a very gradual onset. That means it starts as a very faint sound but gradually gets worse until it becomes loud and distracting. People begin to experience the symptoms of tinnitus early on.
Symptoms
The symptoms of tinnitus are most commonly described as ringing in the ears. It can also be any of the following:
- Humming
- Hissing
- Buzzing
- Roaring
- Screeching
- Whooshing
You may hear the sound in only one ear or both ears. Tinnitus may occur intermittently, having periods between occurrences when the sound subsides. It may also be continuous when you can hear the sound all the time.
Common Causes
Numerous factors may cause tinnitus. So it is not always possible to determine the exact cause. But there are some common causes usually responsible for the tinnitus.
The common causes of Tinnitus include:
Hearing Loss
Hearing degrades as a person gets older. That’s because the cochlea (the sensory organ responsible for hearing) contains tiny hairs that detect sound waves and create nerve impulses.
These hairs wear out over time, and the gradual loss of these hairs contributes to loss of hearing. You can think about the apple cider vinegar tinnitus combination approach to tackle hearing loss. Stay till the end.
These hairs can also be bent or broken, sending false signals to the brain. The brain interprets these signals as sound, which is perceived as Tinnitus.
Ear infection
Bacterial or viral organisms can cause infection of the ear. This can occur in the outer ear (Otitis Externa) and the middle ear (Otitis Media). Ear infections can cause irritation, inflammation, fluid buildup, pain, and tinnitus.
Antibiotics are generally used to treat ear infections. Usually, when the infection clears up, the tinnitus also disappears.
Blockage of the Ear Canal
Many things can block the ear canal in many ways, most commonly by the buildup of earwax, fluid, dirt, debris, etc.
Blockage of the ear canal causes pressure changes inside the ear. This can result in tinnitus.
Head or Neck Injuries
Injury or trauma to the head or neck can cause damage to the cranial nerves.
If the nerves associated with hearing are affected, it might result in complete or partial hearing loss. It can also cause tinnitus, usually in only one ear.
The side-effect of Medication
A large number of medications are known to aggravate or worsen tinnitus.
These medications include specific NSAIDs, antibiotics, diuretics, antidepressants, cancer drugs, etc.
Apart from these, there are numerous other causes of tinnitus. These include but are not limited to Meniere’s disease, ear bone disorders, Eustachian tube dysfunctions, Acoustic neuromas, head and neck tumors, Blood vessel disorders, etc.
How does Apple Cider Vinegar helps in Tinnitus?
Apple Cider Vinegar is well known for its antibacterial qualities. The main reason behind its bacteria-fighting prowess is because it mainly consists of acetic acid.
Vinegar, in its most basic form, is acetic acid. It is traditionally used in cooking and preserving food. The reason behind it is acetic acid is antagonistic to bacteria. It creates an environment that prevents bacteria from growing. So it is widely used as an anti-bacterial preserving and disinfectant agent.
So, Apple Cider Vinegar is helpful in the treatment of most bacterial infections. Similarly, the apple cider vinegar tinnitus method helps to remove bacterial infections of the ear.
ACV effectively kills bacteria like E. Coli and Staphylococcus aureus; two bacteria that are known to cause ear infections. So, ACV is a great natural way to treat ear infections. So, it is a very viable option for the treatment of Tinnitus.
How to use Apple Cider Vinegar for Tinnitus:
You can use Apple cider Vinegar in multiple ways to treat ear infections and tinnitus. ACV is usually used by diluting it in water. Never use ACV at its full strength. It may damage the inner lining of the ear.
Here are some simple ways you can use ACV to treat tinnitus:
ACV Ear Drops
Take equal parts of Apple Cider Vinegar and lukewarm water. Make sure the water isn’t too hot. Mix them and apply them up to the ear using a dropper.
Apply 5-10 drops in the affected ear. Slant your head to make sure the mixture enters into the ear canal. Keep your head in this position for around 5 minutes. Then tilt your head in the opposite direction to drain the solution out.
ACV and Alcohol Ear Drops
This method is the same as the previous one, just replacing warm water with rubbing alcohol.
Alcohol has excellent antimicrobial and antibacterial properties. But it may not be suited for everyone. If you face any irritation or stinging in your ear after using this method, do not continue.
If the problem persists, visit your doctor as soon as possible.
ACV Gargle
Apple Cider Vinegar is also beneficial as a gargle with warm water. It is a remedy for cold, flu, sore throat, upper respiratory tract infections, etc. It can also be helpful in ear infections.
The throat and ear are very closely related organs. The infection of the ear can travel from the ear to the throat through the eustachian tube, creating a block. So gargling with ACV can help alleviate the blocked eustachian tube.
The process is straightforward. Mix equal parts ACV and warm water and gargle for 30 seconds. Repeat twice or thrice a day for the best results.
ACV Tonic
Apple Cider Vinegar also acts as a brilliant tonic with antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. It boosts the body’s immune system and prevents infections.
You can take a couple of spoons of ACV mixed with water and honey. That’s all there is to it. Try to take it two or more times a day to see the benefits.
Other Health Benefits of Apple Cider Vinegar
Besides just treating infections and boosting immunity, ACV has many other therapeutic uses. People are using ACV as a home remedy for everything from weight loss to improving blood sugar levels. And don’t forget the apple cider vinegar tinnitus combination approach to control ear infections.
The benefits of Apple Cider Vinegar include:
Good for Nutrition
Apple Cider Vinegar provides a boost in nutrition. It contains many of the nutrients found in apple cider. These include Vitamin C, complexes of Vitamin B, polyphenols, etc. These nutrients are essential for the body.
Again, Apple Cider Vinegar contains acetic acid. Acetic acid is good for the body in various ways. Firstly, it helps the body absorb mineral nutrients. Thus, it helps maintain the body’s mineral levels.
Next, it helps maintain the body’s natural acid-base levels. This keeps the metabolic condition of the body in order.
Kills Harmful Bacteria
We have already discussed in detail how ACV kills bacterial organisms and protects the body from infection.
Apple Cider Vinegar contains acetic acid, which helps prevent the growth of bacteria. It damages the bacterial cell wall and kills harmful microbial organisms.
Maintains blood sugar levels
One of the most promising applications of ACV is to help control diabetes.
Apple Cider Vinegar can improve insulin sensitivity by up to 35%. It can help reduce blood sugar rise after eating by up to 30%. It has been reported that taking two tablespoons of ACV before bed can reduce fasting blood sugar by 4%.
Helps in Weight Loss
Apple Cider Vinegar can also be surprisingly helpful for weight loss. Studies have shown that taking apple cider vinegar before a meal can increase the sensation of fullness. Thus, leading to less calorie intake.
ACV contributes to weight loss mainly by promoting satiety, controlling blood sugar, and improving insulin sensitivity.
But you cannot achieve weight loss by simply adding or removing one ingredient from the diet. It depends on the cumulative effect of diet, exercise, and lifestyle.
Good for Skin
Apple Cider Vinegar is a tried and tested remedy for all sorts of skin problems. As the skin is naturally acidic, ACV helps to maintain the natural pH of the skin. This helps in protecting the skin from attacks from harmful organisms.
Apple Cider Vinegar truly is a beneficial remedy. But be careful as using ACV without diluting it first can lead to irritation or even damage to sensitive skin parts.
Ask your doctor’s advice before using ACV to check if it’s safe for you.
Alternative Remedies for Tinnitus
If you are looking for alternatives to Apple Cider Vinegar for managing tinnitus, you can try several other options. Most of these options are already available at your home.
The best natural methods of alleviating tinnitus except the apple cider vinegar tinnitus approach are as follows:
Onion juice
Onion juice contains antibacterial compounds that can help you treat ear infections and tinnitus.
Garlic
Garlic also has excellent antibacterial and anti-inflammatory qualities. You can use it to make homemade ear drops.
Ginger Tea
The benefits of ginger tea as a herbal tonic have been celebrated for thousands of years. It can alleviate pressure in the inner ear by improving circulation and relieving pain.
Mustard Oil
Mustard oil is also a very effective antibacterial and antifungal agent. Doctors can treat ear infections by taking a few drops of warm mustard oil into the affected ear.
Holy Basil
Holy Basil is well-renowned for its medicinal qualities. It can help treat tinnitus by extracting its juice and using it as an ear drop.
How to Prevent Tinnitus:
You can prevent tinnitus if some precautions are taken. As most cases of tinnitus are caused by some sort of hearing deficiency, being aware can help prevent the occurrence of tinnitus.
Though Tinnitus may not be completely preventable, treatment can delay its occurrence or reduce its severity.
First and foremost, use hearing protection. If your occupation involves loud noises or heavy machinery, always use over-the-ear headsets. Try to avoid staying in loud environments for extended periods.
Don’t listen to music at loud volumes, and during concerts, don’t stand too close to the speakers.
Take care of your health. Uncontrolled blood pressure or cardiovascular diseases are risk factors of Tinnitus. Eat healthily, take adequate exercise, and proper rest. Taking care of your heart and circulatory system will also help you to prevent Tinnitus.
Avoid alcohol, caffeine, and nicotine. Drinking and smoking are factors that aggravate tinnitus. So try to avoid alcohol and quit smoking.
Excessive caffeine habits can also lead to tinnitus down the line. So keep your coffee addiction under control.
Some supplements are also available in the market that can help prevent tinnitus. These aim to provide your body with the essential nutrients that help maintain ear health and hearing. Check out our review of Tinnitus 911 for more details.
Conclusion
The use of Apple Cider Vinegar for treating tinnitus is supported by some studies but has not yet been entirely accepted. So, it is essential to know that it is not an alternative to a doctor’s prescription.
Be sure to ask for your doctor’s advice before approaching the apple cider vinegar tinnitus combo. Hopefully, this article has helped you better understand Apple Cider Vinegar and how you can use it to treat tinnitus.
The FAQs about Apple Cider Vinegar Tinnitus
1. Is Apple Cider Vinegar good for tinnitus?
Apple Cider Vinegar is an excellent home remedy for treating ear infections. If an infection of the ear causes your tinnitus, ACV can help a lot.
2. What should I do for ear pain and tinnitus?
Tinnitus can be caused for several reasons. If you have tinnitus and ear pain, you should consult a doctor before trying any homemade solutions.
3. Can tinnitus be cured permanently?
Tinnitus is not a disease itself but the symptom of a bigger underlying problem. So it is difficult to say whether it is possible to remove tinnitus permanently as each case is different.
ACV can cure tinnitus caused by acute infections like Otitis Media as soon as the infection is cleared. But treatment cannot completely eradicate chronic tinnitus caused by an injury or old age.
