Can I Use Essential Oils For Tinnitus?

If you’re one of the 15-20% of people in the world who experience tinnitus, you may be on the hunt for an easy solution. Tinnitus, also known as “ringing in the ears” or “phantom noise,” is a constant “sound” that has no external source. 

While doctors are still working to understand tinnitus and its causes, there is still much information available on tinnitus symptoms and ways to help it. In this short guide, we will discuss tinnitus and how essential oils can help with tinnitus relief. 

What Is Tinnitus? 

While tinnitus is often described as “ringing in the ears,” it’s also related to buzzing, humming, chirping, hissing and roaring. Tinnitus can be sensed in one or both ears and can be constant or intermittent. If you’ve ever been to a loud concert, you may have left experiencing short-term tinnitus. However, if you’ve experienced tinnitus for six months or longer, this is known as chronic tinnitus. 

Subjective vs. Objective Tinnitus

People may experience one of two types of tinnitus–subjective and objective. Subjective tinnitus is most common and occurs when someone senses a “noise” in their inner ear that no one else senses. Objective tinnitus occurs when there is an issue with blood vessels, bones or muscles in the ear which an ear doctor can also detect upon examination. To better understand your tinnitus and get proper treatment, be sure to consult your doctor. 

Causes of Tinnitus

While tinnitus isn’t a condition, it can be a symptom associated with one of the following: 

• Age-related hearing loss

• Earwax build-up

• Exposure to loud noises

• Abnormal ear bone structure

• Abnormal blood vessels in the ears

• Head and neck injuries

• Meniere’s disease

• Muscle spasms in the ear

• High blood pressure

• High cholesterol 

• Temporomandibular joining disorder (TMJ)
  
  

Tinnitus can also be a side effect of taking certain medications, including: 

• Antibiotics

• Antimalarial drugs

• Anti-cancer drugs

• Anticonvulsants

• Antidepressants

• Aspirin and other NSAIDs

• Diuretics 

If you’re unsure about the cause of your tinnitus, check with your doctor. 

Treatments for Tinnitus 

Once you’ve narrowed down the type of tinnitus you have and its cause, you may be wondering what tinnitus treatment options are available to you. Here are some popular options:

• Cochlear implants: If your tinnitus is associated with hearing loss, cochlear implants may be an option. 

• Hearing aid: If tinnitus makes it difficult for you to hear on a daily basis, hearing aids may amplify sound to improve hearing.

• Massage therapy: Tinnitus caused by TMJ may be made better through massaging tense jaw and neck muscles. 

• Surgery: If your tinnitus is caused by abnormal blood vessels or bone structure, your doctor may recommend surgery to fix the issue.

• Earwax removal: Tinnitus caused by earwax buildup can be rectified with earwax removal.

• Noise suppression machines: A noise suppression machine can be used at home to dull tinnitus and other sounds. 
  
  

Essential Oils for Tinnitus

While there is currently no clinical evidence that essential oils can cure tinnitus, some anecdotal evidence does show that essential oils are able to improve tinnitus. Essential oils can also assist with improving the quality of life of those who have tinnitus. For example, essential oils can help calm ear aches caused by tinnitus.

Here are some essential oils for tinnitus and how to use them.

Helichrysum-Italicum

We’ve found one essential oil to be most often touted as a help for tinnitus, and that oil is Helichrysum-Italicum. Helichrysum oil is known for its mild, herbaceous aroma, great anti-inflammatory properties and its ability to alleviate muscle spasms. 

Juniper Berry

Another oil often adhered for its ability to soften the blow of tinnitus is Juniper Berry. Like Helichrysum, Juniper Berry is anti-inflammatory. It’s also an antiseptic and helps to improve blood circulation.

Basil

What can Basil essential oil offer you and your tinnitus? Basil is great for tinnitus caused by TMJ and soreness. This pain-relieving essential oil is famous for its ability to alleviate muscle spasms and soreness. Applying basil oil around your jaws and ears at night may stop jaw clenching. 

Stress Relief

Stress can be a cause of tinnitus, or it can worsen it. Luckily, you can manage your stress with Stress Relief synergy blend. A balanced blend of Sweet Orange, Bergamot oil and Patchouli, Stress Relief is your ticket to a better day. 

Muscle Relief

Another option for fighting tinnitus caused by TMJ and muscle tension is Muscle Relief synergy blend. Muscle Relief is a restorative blend of Peppermint oil, Clove Bud, Wintergreen and Helichrysum. For years, our customers have sworn by Muscle Relief’s ability to smooth out kinks and soreness.

Essential Oil Roll-Ons for Tinnitus

If you’re in need of an easy, natural solution to constant ringing in the ears, here’s an essential oil roll-on blend for tinnitus that just might help.

• 2 drops Helichrysum-italicum

• 2 drops Juniper Berry

• 2 drops Basil

• 10 ml Carrier Oil

• 10 ml Empty Roll-on

Combine ingredients and apply behind the ear and to the corners of the jaw. Adjust blend to a lower or higher dilution if needed.

How to Use Essential Oils for Tinnitus

While essential oils can be used to relieve symptoms of tinnitus, it’s important to understand how to use them effectively to reduce potential harm. 

• Essential oils should not be ingested or inserted directly into the ear canal, as the oil can harm sensitive mucous membranes found within the ear canal. 
• You can inhale, massage or diffuse essential oils to take advantage of their benefits. For tinnitus relief, place a few drops of an essential oil onto a cotton ball and apply directly to the skin behind the ear, neck or ear lobe. 
• Be sure to dilute the essential oil with a carrier oil, such a coconut oil or sesame oil.

How to Prevent Tinnitus

If you have a family history of tinnitus or hearing loss, or you work in an industry where loud noises are prevalent, get a leg up by proactively preventing tinnitus. Here’s how.

• Ear Exam: If tinnitus runs in the family, make sure your primary care physician is aware and get a yearly ear exam. 

• Keep Ears Clean: Carefully clean your ears and clean them often. Many ear doctors do not recommend the use of ear swabs as this can result in  damaging ear infections, but rather, try cleaning around the outside of your ear using a damp, clean cloth. 

• Avoid Loud Noises: If you work in a field with loud noises, such as construction, protect your ears by using earplugs when applicable and safe to do so. 
  
  

We’re Here to Lend an Ear

Need further assistance with your tinnitus or have an aromatherapy question? We’re here to help! Reach out to us via phone, email or across our various social media platforms. We want everyone to feel comfortable and confident using essential oils to assist their everyday needs. So if you ever need help, please give us a ring!

Sources:

1. “Tinnitus - Symptoms and Causes.” Mayo Clinic, www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/tinnitus/symptoms-causes/syc-20350156#. Accessed 12 Dec. 2020.
2. Harvard Health Publishing. “Tinnitus: Ringing in the Ears and What to Do about It.” Harvard Health, 8 Apr. 2020, www.health.harvard.edu/diseases-and-conditions/tinnitus-ringing-in-the-ears-and-what-to-do-about-it.
3. Roth, Erica. “Why Are My Ears Ringing?” Healthline, 18 Apr. 2019, www.healthline.com/health/tinnitus#causes.
4. Victory, Joy. “Essential Oils for Tinnitus and Hearing Loss: Will They Help?” Healthy Hearing, 26 Aug. 2019, www.healthyhearing.com/report/52991-Essential-oils-for-tinnitus-and-hearing-loss-do-they-work.
5. Solutions, Healing. “Are Essential Oils Good For Tinnitus?” Healing Solutions | Essential Oils, 15 Apr. 2019, healingsolutions.com/blogs/learn/essential-oils-for-tinnitus.