Actual Long-Term Remission from Tinnitus Achieved

[dakukir1]

Hi @From9to<1, your post gives me a lot of hope.

However, it would be incredibly helpful if you could list the supplements or medications you used.

We all rely on Tinnitus Talk to educate ourselves, fully aware that we are responsible and that we should consult a doctor before using any supplements or medications.

Withholding the names of the supplements or medications is like telling a drowning person, "There's the shore you need to swim to, but I can't give you a boat because sharks might attack it."

We would be sincerely grateful if you could reconsider and share the specific supplements or medications you used.

I have a list of 18 different supplements and medications that seem to work for many people based on my research of this and other forums for over three weeks, spending 6 to 8 hours daily. I will post these later this week.

If I were to test all 18, along with the vasodilator, anti-clot medication, and antihistamine you mentioned, it would be far more dangerous to my health, not to mention expensive and time-consuming.

Kindest regards.

 

[gameover]

However, it would be incredibly helpful if you could list the supplements or medications you used.

He did do so. Check a few posts up.

 

[dakukir1]

That's right. I am sorry I overlooked it.

The OP wrote:

1) Hydralazine 50 mg
2) Warfarin 5 mg
3) Hydroxyzine HCL 50 mg
4) Valsartan 160 mg
5) Chantix

Has anyone else tried this? I am about to get myself the prescriptions.

 

[dakukir1]

Hi @gameover and @From9to<1,

As far as I understand from the postings, the supplements were never mentioned, only the medications.

Would you PLEASE also post the supplement cocktail? I suffer from exactly the same tinnitus as @From9to<1, and I am truly extremely close to suicide now.

 

[benjd2016]

I'm nearing the end myself because I've been trying to get a vasodilator and an anti-clotting drug. I've explained how distressing and emotionally disturbing my problems have been over the past four years, with no end in sight unless I can either treat whatever is causing this or end things for good. I don't want to die, but I can't keep living in constant anxiety and stress, always wondering when this will happen again. I can't keep taking massive doses of prednisone; that steroid is going to kill me in the end. I've heard of countless cases of cerebrovascular events, myocardial infarctions, and long-term bone diseases from patients who took too much corticosteroid medication, either repeatedly or over extended periods.

When I mentioned this to the online doctor (I think it was Updoc), they passed me around to several doctors and nurse practitioners. And what was the outcome? Nothing. I got a refund—thankfully—but their reasoning was that it was "out of scope." Yes, I have a complex problem with a simple cause: blood clots! Hello, doctors! HELLO!!!

If you're in Australia, forget about Updoc. They will NOT help you. I explained how serious this was, and they just refunded me, saying it was too far out of their scope to treat a simple condition like blood clotting.

I can't keep playing this game. I know what's causing this problem, and relying on dangerous drugs like steroids that can destroy your health in the long term is not the smartest way to handle each major episode. The other option is suicide because I'm not willing to let this condition further destroy my second most prized sensory function. I feel trapped, with no tools left to deal with this, except self-destruction, because it seems there's no way out unless I can get on those clot-preventers. Otherwise, I'm reasonably sure I'm screwed.

I've had 11 major episodes of sudden hearing alterations, involving severe distortions, drops in hearing, low-frequency hearing loss, and a whole bunch of other symptoms that nobody wants to experience. This will kill me in the end—there's no mistaking it.

I don't even know what this is. Could it be autoimmune inner-ear disease (AIED)? I don't think it's just Ménière's, and even if it is, isn't Ménière's just a catch-all for a wide range of inner-ear diseases?

My main GP is now writing a referral to a rheumatologist. I'm going to ask the rheumatologist for a blood coagulation test and all the autoimmune blood tests because I don't want to end up taking my own life over something that could be treated.

 

[MrChips13]

Good argument:

I took 1-3, then 4 and 5 later (and still).

1) Hydralazine 50 mg
2) Warfarin 5 mg
3) Hydroxyzine HCL 50 mg
4) Valsartan 160 mg
5) Chantix

I hope this helps someone.

Hello, and thank you! Your original and subsequent posts have inspired me. Your descriptions of yourself and your symptoms mirror my own, except for your bout with deafness in one ear as a child and the fact that I am 20 years older. Tinnitus struck me almost exactly one year ago, and I am convinced it was caused by ototoxic medications, though that's almost irrelevant now since I am no longer taking them.

In an effort to get better, I first had my hearing tested, which showed a slight reduction in one ear but nothing significant. The audiologist wanted to put me into sound therapy for my tinnitus, but I had read too many criticisms of that approach here and was determined not to be one of those people running around with hearing aids emitting exotic noises for years. So, like you, I sought an alternative medicine-friendly doctor and read everything I could find.

There are anecdotal "cures" that may be true for some individuals—like those who claim daily ginseng, Acai berry, or Horse Chestnut solved their problems. However, I've tried to focus on studies with some scientific basis. I haven't yet tried any neuro-modulation approaches, though those are on my radar. But two studies, in particular, have caught my attention.

The first study is a European study published by MDPI of Switzerland, titled "The Effect of Antioxidant Supplementation in Patients with Tinnitus and Normal Hearing or Hearing Loss." You may have come across it; it's likely posted on this website somewhere. The study found that antioxidant supplementation with vitamins, minerals, phytochemicals, and Alpha Lipoic Acid (ALA) taken over three months could significantly reduce the loudness and intensity of tinnitus. Does it cure my tinnitus? No. But does it help? Yes, definitely.

I found I could replicate the formula from the study by taking a specific "natural food-sourced" multivitamin, a B-Complex vitamin (I actually calculated all the dosages), along with Alpha Lipoic Acid (twice a day) and Grape Seed Extract. Additionally, I was already taking supplements touted for tinnitus, such as Taurine, and a formula of Nicotinamide Riboside (NR) containing Quercetin and Resveratrol, spaced out during the day. At bedtime, I take a regimen that helped me conquer insomnia a year ago, which includes GABA, L-Theanine, Magnesium L-Threonate, Valerian Root, and Zinc (see "Master Your Sleep" by Huberman on YouTube).

My tinnitus is so quiet and calm most mornings that I often wonder whether sleep itself is the cause or if some of these supplements, particularly GABA, are contributing. I don't know for sure, but I've become a morning person! I am taking a lot of pills, but they are all natural supplements, mostly vasodilating or anti-inflammatory, and I am bombarding my system with antioxidants. My doctor's response? "Not a bad idea."

The second study you might be familiar with is the Notched Music approach, titled "Music-induced cortical plasticity and lateral inhibition in the human auditory cortex as foundations for tonal tinnitus treatment." The concept is explained in simple terms on the AudioNotch.com website. I have created 113 separate pieces of notched music, mostly classical, and I listen to them while working. It's easy. Does it help? It's too soon to tell. But if, in addition to habituation, coping, and masking, the antioxidants can reduce the intensity of my tinnitus from a 5 to a 3, and notched music helps me go from a 3 to a 2, then what might help me get from a 2 to a 1 or even 0?

Well, that's where you come in. My doctor prescribed Varenicline for me yesterday. I haven't started it yet because I'm getting over a slight cold, and I want to read up on it first. Being cautious about pharmaceuticals (I only take a blood pressure med and a blood thinner), I'm curious about any side effects you might have experienced. Are you taking it permanently?

Wish me luck! Tinnitus is highly individualized, and Varenicline may not help me at all, but it just might. Hope springs eternal.

MrChips

 

[Nick47]

Varenicline

I also take ALA, but it's hard to tell whether it's a placebo effect or if there's a slight improvement.

There are some animal studies on varenicline suggesting it might be beneficial. Varenicline is commonly used to help people quit smoking.

If you're looking for evidence, you might want to read the NeuroMed thread. While some studies show efficacy in certain patients, it remains a controversial topic.

 

[MrChips13]

I also take ALA, but . . .

If you're looking for evidence, you might want to read the NeuroMed thread. While some studies show efficacy in certain patients, it remains a controversial topic.

Well, I started taking ALA after it was recommended by a doctor following foot surgery. It helped my foot heal and definitely helps with neuropathy, so I have every reason to believe it is a powerful vasodilator.

Regarding studies on Varenicline, thank you, but perhaps you missed the link that @From9to<1 posted on page 1 of this thread.

→ Desensitizing nicotinic agents normalize tinnitus-related inhibitory dysfunction in the auditory cortex and ameliorate behavioral evidence of tinnitus

 

[Nick47]

Well, I started taking ALA after it was recommended by a doctor following foot surgery. It helped my foot heal and definitely helps with neuropathy, so I have every reason to believe it is a powerful vasodilator.

Regarding studies on Varenicline, thank you, but perhaps you missed the link that @From9to<1 posted on page 1 of this thread.

I saw that, or I might have even posted it myself. I haven't seen you contribute to the Research News threads. Maybe you should consider doing so.

I'd like to point out that this research is based solely on animal models, so the findings might not necessarily translate to humans. However, it could still be worth exploring. The study seems to suggest that it diverts attention away from tinnitus.

It's also worth noting that some of the authors have patents and have declared conflicts of interest.

 

[Cher2]

Hello, and thank you! Your original and subsequent posts have inspired me. Your descriptions of yourself and your symptoms mirror my own, except for your bout with deafness in one ear as a child and the fact that I am 20 years older. Tinnitus struck me almost exactly one year ago, and I am convinced it was caused by ototoxic medications, though that's almost irrelevant now since I am no longer taking them.

In an effort to get better, I first had my hearing tested, which showed a slight reduction in one ear but nothing significant. The audiologist wanted to put me into sound therapy for my tinnitus, but I had read too many criticisms of that approach here and was determined not to be one of those people running around with hearing aids emitting exotic noises for years. So, like you, I sought an alternative medicine-friendly doctor and read everything I could find.

There are anecdotal "cures" that may be true for some individuals—like those who claim daily ginseng, Acai berry, or Horse Chestnut solved their problems. However, I've tried to focus on studies with some scientific basis. I haven't yet tried any neuro-modulation approaches, though those are on my radar. But two studies, in particular, have caught my attention.

The first study is a European study published by MDPI of Switzerland, titled "The Effect of Antioxidant Supplementation in Patients with Tinnitus and Normal Hearing or Hearing Loss." You may have come across it; it's likely posted on this website somewhere. The study found that antioxidant supplementation with vitamins, minerals, phytochemicals, and Alpha Lipoic Acid (ALA) taken over three months could significantly reduce the loudness and intensity of tinnitus. Does it cure my tinnitus? No. But does it help? Yes, definitely.

I found I could replicate the formula from the study by taking a specific "natural food-sourced" multivitamin, a B-Complex vitamin (I actually calculated all the dosages), along with Alpha Lipoic Acid (twice a day) and Grape Seed Extract. Additionally, I was already taking supplements touted for tinnitus, such as Taurine, and a formula of Nicotinamide Riboside (NR) containing Quercetin and Resveratrol, spaced out during the day. At bedtime, I take a regimen that helped me conquer insomnia a year ago, which includes GABA, L-Theanine, Magnesium L-Threonate, Valerian Root, and Zinc (see "Master Your Sleep" by Huberman on YouTube).

My tinnitus is so quiet and calm most mornings that I often wonder whether sleep itself is the cause or if some of these supplements, particularly GABA, are contributing. I don't know for sure, but I've become a morning person! I am taking a lot of pills, but they are all natural supplements, mostly vasodilating or anti-inflammatory, and I am bombarding my system with antioxidants. My doctor's response? "Not a bad idea."

The second study you might be familiar with is the Notched Music approach, titled "Music-induced cortical plasticity and lateral inhibition in the human auditory cortex as foundations for tonal tinnitus treatment." The concept is explained in simple terms on the AudioNotch.com website. I have created 113 separate pieces of notched music, mostly classical, and I listen to them while working. It's easy. Does it help? It's too soon to tell. But if, in addition to habituation, coping, and masking, the antioxidants can reduce the intensity of my tinnitus from a 5 to a 3, and notched music helps me go from a 3 to a 2, then what might help me get from a 2 to a 1 or even 0?

Well, that's where you come in. My doctor prescribed Varenicline for me yesterday. I haven't started it yet because I'm getting over a slight cold, and I want to read up on it first. Being cautious about pharmaceuticals (I only take a blood pressure med and a blood thinner), I'm curious about any side effects you might have experienced. Are you taking it permanently?

Wish me luck! Tinnitus is highly individualized, and Varenicline may not help me at all, but it just might. Hope springs eternal.

MrChips

Would you mind sharing the name of the supplement that has the combination of Nicotiamide Riboside (NR) containing Quercetin and Resveratrol? I appreciate reading your post - helpful information!

 

[MrChips13]

Would you mind sharing the name of the supplement that has the combination of Nicotiamide Riboside (NR) containing Quercetin and Resveratrol? I appreciate reading your post - helpful information!

Sure, sorry for the delay—I've been ill but am just now getting back to normal. The product I've been taking is Thorne's ResveraCel, which is available directly from Thorne's website or on Amazon.com. I did read a report suggesting that Resveratrol itself is best taken every other day, but I trust Thorne to know what they're doing. They seem to have a solid reputation.

 

[Cher2]

Sure, sorry for the delay—I've been ill but am just now getting back to normal. The product I've been taking is Thorne's ResveraCel, which is available directly from Thorne's website or on Amazon.com. I did read a report suggesting that Resveratrol itself is best taken every other day, but I trust Thorne to know what they're doing. They seem to have a solid reputation.

Thanks so much. I hope you feel better now

 

[Nettles]

@MrChips13 & @Nick47, this may seem like a silly question, but do either of you have silver fillings in your teeth? I bought ALA and have taken it a few times, but with some hesitation because I read that it's a chelator and could move mercury released from fillings around your body. It might be absolute quackery, but it has made me hesitant to take it.

The ALA I purchased is 600 mg, so I've been emptying half of the capsule into the trash and taking a lower dose to be on the safer side. What do you both think? I'm taking it mainly for irritation, sensitivity, or tightness in my facial nerve caused by acoustic trauma, which was worsened by Prednisone.

 

[MrChips13]

@MrChips13 & @Nick47, this may seem like a silly question, but do either of you have silver fillings in your teeth? I bought ALA and have taken it a few times, but with some hesitation because I read that it's a chelator and could move mercury released from fillings around your body. It might be absolute quackery, but it has made me hesitant to take it.

The ALA I purchased is 600 mg, so I've been emptying half of the capsule into the trash and taking a lower dose to be on the safer side. What do you both think? I'm taking it mainly for irritation, sensitivity, or tightness in my facial nerve caused by acoustic trauma, which was worsened by Prednisone.

I've never heard of that possibility before. As for ALA, I don't think 600 mg is a lot. The more I read, the more I believe it's safe.

Regarding Prednisone, yes, I had a bad experience with it. I retained so much water that I blew up like a balloon and ended up in the hospital. Never again!

 

[benjd2016]

I guess I am probably going to end up ending my own life because I know this is going to happen again. It will happen again because it has already happened 13 times.

Let me explain. I was at the doctor's office on September 9th, right after my 11th episode. I suggested trying blood thinners, but he got angry because he does not like prescribing them.

Now, fast forward to today. October 9th marks 13 episodes. I have had to take a huge amount of steroids just to try and get things back to normal. But honestly, I feel like this is the end for me. I cannot take any more of this. I know one day I am going to be hit with the worst tinnitus imaginable, along with auditory distortion and hearing loss on one side. It keeps happening, and I know exactly what it is. It is exactly what people like the original poster are suggesting it might be.

I am sick of this. I am absolutely certain that if I have a 14th episode, I am done. I have already contacted people close to me and told them about this. Some of them are religious and suggest that I pray, but I refuse. None of my prayers are being answered, and I cannot accept any more destruction in my life. If it happens again, I have decided I will end it.

The doctor told me my case is "too complicated." This is the same doctor who gets paid an incredible amount of money because he owns the entire practice. But apparently, I am too much for him to handle. I wonder if I will still be "too complicated" when I am cold, blue, and smelling like something left out for two days. This doctor knows I am suicidal because of this, yet he refuses to prescribe what I believe has the best chance of fixing my problem.

I told him there will be no more of this. If it happens again, I am likely to take my life. I have not shared the details of my plan with him. He suggested that I go to a hospital. Sure, I will go to a hospital, but most likely in a body bag rather than as a living person. I keep telling people that I am so, so fed up with this.

This is not going to happen again. I am not going to let it happen again because I will not survive it. The longer I wait for treatment, the more likely it is that I will suffer irreversible damage. By the time they figure it out, it will be too late. I will have already made my decision.

 

[Uklawyer]

@benjd2016, I'm sorry to hear about the difficulties you're currently experiencing with your tinnitus.

Have you tried Nattokinase? If you look it up, you'll find that it thins the blood. I don't know what is causing your tinnitus, but Nattokinase is generally available to purchase as a supplement online.

I wish you all the best.

 

[benjd2016]

I have managed to get hold of Hydralazine and Apixaban (the doctor did not prescribe Warfarin, as she believed Apixaban was safer). I also have Pentoxifylline, but that is intended for long term treatment. For now, the initial 4 week course includes 100 mg of Aspirin, 2.5 mg of Apixaban, and 25 to 50 mg of Hydralazine taken daily for 30 days.

I will report back on how this goes. Hopefully, it works.

@From9to<1, how long did you take the blood thinner and vasodilator (Hydralazine) for? It would be really helpful to know whether these need to be taken long term or if a short term course is sufficient. Obviously, there is a risk of bleeding with long term use of blood thinners, which could be a problem in the event of a serious injury. Aside from that, I do not see any major risks. I am also taking a proton pump inhibitor (like Somac) to prevent gastrointestinal ulcers and eliminate that risk.

Thank you for sharing your information—it has helped steer me toward what could be the right approach to avoid further harm to my ears or possibly reverse any existing damage (though I am uncertain about this). Since your tinnitus was bilateral, that suggested a high blood pressure issue to me. If it were unilateral (in just one ear), it might not have been reversible or treatable, except possibly within a 2 to 7 day window using steroids, which only reduces tinnitus in about 50 percent of cases.