A Possible Help for Tinnitus? Chinese Herb Er Long Zuo CI Wan

[Michael Leigh]

Er long Zuo Ci Wan

Tinnitus is a complex condition and anyone experiencing it and wants help, should first see their health care provider, so tests can be carried out to find what is causing it.

Clonazapam is sometimes prescribed for people with very severe tinnitus but it can be addictive if taken in high dosages. Furthermore, if taken too regular the body quickly habituates and the drug loses its effect. This can lead to larger amounts been taken and if one isn't careful addiction can set in. Clonazapam helps me but wont help everyone and it can have unpleasant side effects. Fortunately, I take a low dose and only when required which isn't often and haven't noticed any ill effects.


Similarly, I believe some complimentary medicines and tinnitus devices can help alleviate symptoms for one person, while doing absolutely nothing for another because again, we are all different. For some years now I have been taking a Chinese herb called: Er Long Zuo CI Wan, to help treat my tinnitus and find it helpful in reducing the noise; and haven't got to rely so much on taking my clonazapam, unless my tinnitus reaches very severe levels and this is sustained for three days or more.

In the passed I have stopped or reduced taking Er long zuo ci wan, to see whether the reduction in my tinnitus was psychosomatic. On every occasion I noticed an increase in the tinnitus to uncontrollable levels withing a few weeks. My tinnitus ranges from silent, mild, moderate, severe and very severe.

Whether this Chinese herb will work for anyone reading this post and wants to try it I don't know but just wanted to share with you what has helped me. It is widely available in Chinese herbal shops/stores and also online. It may help someone have a better quality of life and then it might do nothing, the choice is yours.

It is made by various companies and is sold in small plastic containers. Each holds 200 small pills the size of a pimento. The dosage is: 8 x 3 times a day. Anyone wishing to try it, then I'd give it a go for two months and three the maximum. There is plenty of information and reviews on online just Google it.

Wishing you all the best
Michael

 

[MikeP505]

Er long Zuo Ci Wan

Might just try that out. Looking into it.

 

[Michael Leigh]

@MikeP505 Hope it works for you Mike as it does for me. Fingers crossed!

 

[MikeP505]

Fingers crossed!

If I decide to purchase it, I'll keep yea posted!

 

[Michael Leigh]

@MikeP505 Please do Mike...

 

[MikeP505]

@Michael Leigh

Alright I read up enough on the product and am ordering it for SURE! You see, I believe my hearing loss AND massive spike in tinnitus was all due to my kidney failure! This herb discusses that in great detail and how it's made really for this cause!!

 

[Michael Leigh]

@MikeP505 Nothing ventured nothing gained mike, and you never know. When a friend introduced it to me I was sceptical but I was in a very dark place caused by my tinnitus. Within a short while I noticed improvement and I have it quite severe. Again, each person will be different but I think it's worth a go....
Michael

 

[MikeP505]

Appreciate that. I know all about trying things and failures. No biggie! Nothing ventured, nothing gained!! My T is also severe and never fluctuates. High pitch squeal in both ears 24/7/365! Got really bad during my kidney blockage and stayed there even after the kidney was perfectly repaired. No was to mask it being deaf so the only thing I am lucky enough to ever hear now is................. Steam Whistles!!! lol

 

[Jacob83]

Looking forward to an update from you, Mike

 

[Kazue]

According to Tibean medicine, T can be associated with liver and kidney problems. I would think it would safe to get those organs checked out.

 

[Michael Leigh]

According to Tibean medicine, T can be associated with liver and kidney problems. I would think it would safe to get those organs checked out.

Touch wood I haven't any kidney or liver problems. My tinnitus was caused by loud noise exposure 20 years ago. Using headphones over a long period of time but didn't realize I occasionally listened at too high a volume.

By the way, I read on one of your posts earlier that you're going buy headphones and use them? If I were you I'd think twice about that as your tinnitus was caused by loud noise I believe? Your choice of course but not a good idea in my opinion even listening at low volume.
All the best
Michael

 

[MikeP505]

It is widely available in Chinese herbal shops/stores and also online.

Funny thing about this herb. Seems to not be recognized in the canadian medical/herbal remedy good books in Canada. Seems like you have to risk buying it online thru the United States, or wherever, and risk having it stopped by our customs during delivery. I have left a few emails with herbal practitioners in my area and waiting for a reply on whether or not they carry/prescribe this here. The product is cheap enough but if I want it shipped before I'm 300 years old, the shipping is 4 times the cost of the herbs lol. It's 10x the cost if I want it shipped in 2 weeks!!

 

[Kazue]

That response was supporting the Mike guy discovery. I have heard people having T and kidney problems or vitamin deficiencies. There's this other natural medicine for anxiety but is used to decrease the sound of T. Some people who can't go to sleep at night take it as well. I was going to buy but earplugs and over the ear headphones to protect my ears, yes. I have to listen to music in order to keep me sane. I usually play it on my speaker very low. My hearing is great according to my audiologist. I think she saw a dip in my hearing somewhere but didn't want to say anything. I don't have the paper version. My T is very low at the moment, even after waking up. I really hope it does away. 3 week anniversary of having T. Trying to keep my head up.

 

[Michael Leigh]

@MikeP505 The same thing here in the UK Mike. It used to be available everywhere but the EU laws put a stop to it so I was told. However, I found a couple UK online Chinese shops and ordered it from them. But my latest shipment I bought from ebay and it came direct frim china. I didn't want to mention I bought it from ebay as there's bound to be someone saying I'm part of that business which I'm not. They ship world wide I believe. I bought 20 bottles I know it's a lot but I need them and the shipping was free. Here is the link if you want to take a look: http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/272238932...49&var=571137364066&ssPageName=STRK:MEBIDX:IT

 

[Michael Leigh]

@Kazue

Thanks for writing an interesting post. You seem like a nice person with your whole life a head of you. You haven't asked for my advice and I hope you don't mind me giving it. I've had tinnitus a long time and if you want to give yourself the best chance of being tinnitus free or it to be kept at a low level:
Never listen to music through headphones again even at low volume. If you go clubbing make sure you have noise reducing earplugs with you. Follow this advice and I believe you'll be just fine. ENT and audiologist know about the anatomy of the ear and I have every respect for their skills and knowledge, but they no nothing about tinnitus because the majority of them have never experienced it. They are far too quick to tell people with tinnitus there's nothing wrong using headphones at low level but they just don't know the risks.
All the best
Michael

 

[MikeP505]

shipping was free.

Appreciate the info Michael. Going to wait 1 day to see if any of my emails locally get answered. Already bookmarked the purchase page on ebay.

I know, people always think your some part of some evil plan to take the money and run, when you offer websites to products. I believe I know you better than that so you can feel free to offer me any information anytime!

Cheers mate!

 

[Michael Leigh]

I know, people always think your some part of some evil plan to take the money and run, when you offer websites to products.

lol Mike, I like that: take the money and run! I'm an upfront person but there's so much corruption in the world today no-one thinks anyone is honest, even when you're trying to help them. Can't win.

 

[MikeP505]

even when you're trying to help them. Can't win

Exactly!!

 

[Kazue]

@Kazue

Thanks for writing an interesting post. You seem like a nice person with your whole life a head of you. You haven't asked for my advice and I hope you don't mind me giving it. I've had tinnitus a long time and if you want to give yourself the best chance of being tinnitus free or it to be kept at a low level:
Never listen to music through headphones again even at low volume. If you go clubbing make sure you have noise reducing earplugs with you. Follow this advice and I believe you'll be just fine. ENT and audiologist know about the anatomy of the ear and I have every respect for their skills and knowledge, but they no nothing about tinnitus because the majority of them have never experienced it. They are far too quick to tell people with tinnitus there's nothing wrong using headphones at low level but they just don't know the risks.
All the best
Michael

Definitely sounds like this advice comes from experience. Hearing damage is cumulative, indeed. I guess I'll stop listening to music as I already increased my risk of having permanent by not wearing earplugs to school. They are some really loud children who like to yell and laugh loudly. My mom refuses to buy earplugs for me because she doesn't think I need it. She insists that I use cotton which doesn't provide a lot of protection. Sigh, old school folks give me headaches. So I'm going to complain until she buys me some.

 

[Jacob83]

@Kazue

If your mom insists that you don't need them, you could try going to your school's nurse and asking for them. I'm sure they have ear plugs laying around and if you tell them you have tinnitus, I'm sure they'd let you have them

 

[Kazue]

@Jacob83

I highly doubt that but I will check and see. Thanks for the suggestion.

 

[MikeP505]

@Kazue

Try to get some earplugs any way you can. You don't need to freak out if you forget them or happen to be somewhere loud stuff is happening that you were not expecting. I bought a box of those cheap disposable ear plugs. Like a memory foam plug. I think to buy 1 pair is about a dollar here in Canada. I had a box of 100 pairs for 39.00. So really I paid 39 cents a pair. If your parents won't buy you any, then ask them for a few dollars for..........?? Head to the local drug market/store and buy a pack or 2 of even the cheap guys. You can reuse them a few times til they get real dirty.

 

[Kazue]

@MikeP505

I will try my best. I was going to buy some earplugs and headphones off of Amazon and I think that's why she doesn't want to buy it. I live in the states, right below Canada. Hi from Michigan. I have more of a chance of getting the foam ones from a store than ordering them. Gonna to try and go to a dollar store and buy some. They're pretty cheap here too. My T is very mild right now and I can't risk it becoming louder.

 

[MikeP505]

I will try my best

Thats all you really need for now. Keep some cheap throw aways handy. They help when necessary. What I like about those foam jobs is how you squish em up before inserting them into the ear. That allows the air between the plug and ear to escape easier than a rubber pair. I find them easier on the ears really. Once you have a few packs handy, just live your life buddy! Don't be afraid of the "what if's" !! We will have those what if moments! You can be in the quietest place, say a library, and some guy working outside crashes thru a window with a ladder. Don't freak out!! Fire trucks will roar around the corner when you least expect it. Don't freak out, just plug your ears for a few seconds. You know your hearing is sensitive now. You know enough to even keep a cheap pair of throw away plugs around. Save the little box or bag they come in and reuse them a few times til they get nasty!

You have your whole life ahead. Try not to live it in fear or stress. Sure won't help. We are all rooting for you. We are also all hoping for a cure soon. Once they finally have a real treatment, then you can say goodbye to those earplugs if you choose.

You are not far from me. I am in southern Ontario close to Lake Ontario.

Feel free to ask me anything, anytime. Keep plugging away.......................

 

[Michael Leigh]

@Kazue Kazue,
You are better off using "noise reducing" earplugs. They will reduce external sounds and they are available in different values. Standard types reduce sound by 18 decibels which I think would suit you. Be careful though, using any type of earplug to reduce normal everyday sounds is not a good idea if you have sensitivity to sound or hyperacusis, which was brought on by loud noise (tinnitus) By using earplugs too regularly there is the risk of making your auditory system over sensitive. Of course when using noisy power tools or petrol lawn mower for instance, it's perfectly fine to use the Foam earplugs - but I don't advise that you use foam earplugs for everyday use as you are blocking out a lot of the external sound.

On another thread: titled: Working in NYC (New York City) I've rattled a few feathers for advising someone not to make a habit of using earplugs for every day use as you risk making the auditory system more sensitive. I smile to myself. The people that disagree with me haven't realized my point. Someone that hasn't got tinnitus or hyperacusis wearing foam earplugs everyday to suppress external sounds, will not usually make their ears and auditory system more sensitive. This does not apply to someone that has tinnitus or hyperacusis. To treat hyperacusis sensitivity to sound one mustn't make a habit of using earplugs to block out or reduce normal everyday sounds.

It's introducing the auditory system to sound that will over time desensitize it and bring things back to normal.

As I've previously mentioned, try and use "noise reducing" earplugs if you find sounds at school too loud but try not to make a habit of using them as you risk making your auditory system more sensitive. Use a sound machine at night by your bedside for sound enrichment. Over time your sensitivity to sound will reduce. It takes time and it's not something that happens quickly. Oasis sound machines are the best and made for people with tinnitus. Model S-650 is popular.

Michael

 

[Kazue]

@Michael Leigh @MikeP505

Well I'm not really trying to hid from the sound. I can handle a loud motorcycle going past and water running for loud periods of time. You guys really don't understand how loud these children can be. Easily at 85 decibels constantly. There's always this dude doing a high pitched scream at lunch. It's already loud enough. It's just way too much stimuli for a school cafeteria. And I don't want to ruin the fun when my mom plays her music loudly. I can sleep at night perfectly and actually find my T relaxing. I do have reactive T and masking does not work for me. Only makes me have a temporary spike. I will get some noise reduction earplugs eventually and I'll invest in some foam earplugs. Thanks for the suggestions.

 

[Michael Leigh]

@Kazue It is a good idea to wear earplugs when in a nosiy enviroment as a school, but I advise noise reducing earplugs and not foam type. I have written a lenghly post on the working NYC thread that you might find interesting to read about sound and using earplugs. Regarding your sleeping arrangements and reactive tinnitus.
1. It is not recommended that anyone that has tinnitus and expecially sensitivity to sound (hyperacusis) sleeps in a quiet room. Your tinnitus will improve quicker if you use a sound machine at night.

2. Many people talk about reactive tinnitus. As I've already mentioned: In my opinion, this is sensitivity to sound and known as hyperacusis. The way to treat sensitivity to sound is by using sound enrichment. Sound machine.

Wish you all the best for the future.
Michael

 

[volsung37]

@Michael Leigh
I notice at the bottom of the ebay blurb they say the pills are not suitable for tinnitus with sudden onset. Isn't most tinnitus sudden onset? Be interesting to hear folks reports on this herb. Another on my list of things to try! Pages of stuff now! lol

 

[Kazue]

Eh, that's just a personal preference. I feel like sound machines are counterproductive. I should be able to adapt by myself and not depend on a machine. That's just my perspective though. Once again, any nature sounds or white noise makes my T louder. I would just put my fan on if I wanted something to drown out my T. I wanted to buy foam earplugs just in case I forget my other earplugs. It's like a replacement.

 

[Michael Leigh]

I notice at the bottom of the ebay blurb they say the pills are not suitable for tinnitus with sudden onset. Isn't most tinnitus sudden onset? Be interesting to hear folks reports on this herb. Another on my list of things to try! Pages of stuff now! lol

I first used the herbs 20 years ago when I first got tinnitus and never had any problems.