Tinnitus

Larry A. Law

Tinnitus, or 'ringing in the ears,' can be an extremely debilitating disease for which no approved treatment or cure exists. People experiencing tinnitus often hear ringing, roaring, whooshing, hissing, humming, or buzzing in one or both ears. It can be soft or loud, low or high pitched, and it can come and go or be constantly present. It can result in sleep deprivation, loss of concentration, psychological distress, and depression. Scientists believe tinnitus results from inner ear damage that changes the signals carried by the nerves to the parts of the brain that process sound. In addition, some believe that abnormal interactions between the auditory cortex and neural circuits could be partly to blame. 

Tinnitus Basics

Underlying health conditions can also contribute to tinnitus. Things like circulatory problems, hearing loss, infections, tumors, diabetes, autoimmune diseases, toxicity due to heavy metals, or medications can precipitate it. More than 25,000 people reported developing tinnitus after receiving a COVID-19 vaccination. The National Institute of Deafness and Other Communication Disorders estimates that between 10% and 25% of American adults have some form of tinnitus, making it a very common health issue.

A Promising Intervention

A study published in the Journal of Personalized Medicine found that infrared light therapy offered new hope. Low-level laser therapy (LLLT) uses red and infrared light in the inner ear or cochlea where tinnitus often occurs. This narrow spectral width of light in the near-infrared spectrum promotes tissue regeneration, reduces inflammation, and relieves pain. High-powered lasers are used to cut and destroy tissue. But low-level, near-infrared light is able to penetrate more deeply than ultraviolet or visible lights. It does not harm living tissue. According to a medical lasers paper, the exact mechanism of LLLT is not fully understood. Scientists believe that once the invisible light is absorbed, it 'modulates' cell biochemical reactions and stimulates mitochondrial respiration. This enhances the production of molecular oxygen, energy synthesis (ATP), and collagen deposition.  This is the first study to demonstrate a treatment approach that was superior to placebo. It was also the first to investigate the effects of LLLT combined with other therapies (adding zinc, melatonin, ginseng, intermittent fasting) to monitor short-term effects of nine treatment modalities during and 15 days after treatment, and to suggest protocols for tinnitus patients.

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