MemberI'm writing because I found something that seems to be helping my chronic ear pain, and has subsequently had a positive impact on my T + H. I had an acoustic trauma 8/30/14 and lost most of the hearing in my left ear, and developed T and H. My T is variable and in both ears, and my H was much more profound at the beginning of my recovery, then seemed to stabilize after a year or so into a situation where I was still sensitive to noise and felt near constant fluctuating minor pain in both ears, usually triggered by noise or pressure fluctuations. Because of the constant fluctuation of pain and sound I felt I was making very little progress habituating. I was on a waitlist to see a neurologist at the Tinnitus Clinic at MEEI in Boston, affiliated with MGH and Harvard, for a year...and because it was such a long wait I think I had pinned too many hopes on this meeting. She diagnosed me with depression and suggested medication and lifestyle changes. Since I felt my depression was caused by my hearing problems, the last thing I wanted to do was take a medication that could potentially increase my tinnitus. As a last resort before filling the prescription I decided to try essential oils, since a friend with a rare neurological disorder is doing so well on them and one of her symptoms is tinnitus accompanied by "ice pick" headaches. I made one essential oil blend to treat depression, and another one I call "Immortal Blend" that my friend gave to me for my hearing problems. I will share it below. I started using the blends on 4/18/16, and since that time I have not had any ear pain. Without the constant nagging aches and pains I have found it much easier to habituate, and the volume of my T generally seems lower to me as well. I have had three very loud noise exposures since 4/18 with no appreciable change in anything (volume, discomfort, tension), and getting through the fireworks associated with the 4th of July in the US this year was a welcome change from last year.
It's possible that this is coincidence, since hyperacusis is known to stabilize and improve on it's own. I believe that my relief began the day I started using the oils, so I am still using them...and I have started using EO for a lot of other things as well since I like them so much (cleaning, laundry, to help with sleep, etc.). One odd thing happened that I want to share because it has given me objective proof that the "Immortal Blend" has healing capacity: a few weeks after using the blend I was distracted by a throbbing pain in my thumb, and looked down to see that a scar that was 30 years+ old was angry and red and pulsing. I continued to use the oil, and 2 months later my new scar is less than half the size of my original scar, the bump continues to diminish, and most importantly I actually have new sensation on the tip of my thumb that I haven't had in 30 years. (I'm 50, btw).
I did take a "med holiday" for a day or two after taking the oils for several weeks, to test what might happen. I did not notice any change in my ears at all...still no pain, still no noise sensitivity. I did notice a change in my emotional state and felt I was slipping back into a funk, so I resumed using all my oils.
I have read "miracle cure" threads here before, and understand that some people might be upset because here is another "snake oil" remedy that may not help, and will certainly lighten your wallet. I can only speak to my own experience, and I want to iterate that this blend seems to have taken my pain away and improved my hyperacusis and my journey toward habituation...I still have tinnitus.
What follows is the essential oil blend recommended to me, as well as the method of application. I have only used the blend and the application method described here, following it up with the "milking technique" that is described where I use my finger tips to trace a groove from behind my ear down to my collar bone. In other words, I have not used helichrysum "neat", nor have I put the blend on a cotton ball and left it in my ear. I can't comment on these suggestions other than to say I would not try them for myself. Helichrysum is very potent, and why take a chance that I might overexpose myself to something so potentially useful thereby causing a situation where I might not be able to tolerate it?
Here's the blend I call "Immortal Blend":
To a one ounce bottle add 15 drops each of cypress, juniper and lavender and five drops of helichrysum, blend well by rolling gently between your palms. Fill the bottle with a carrier oil like fractionated coconut or jojoba. Let it blend 24 hours and keep in a dark, cool place.
Application methods: Put three drops in the palm of your hand and inhale deeply. Apply to the back and front of your ear lobe and the back of your neck. First massage each ear lobe, then behind the ears. Always move in either an up and down movement or in a circular movement. Do not apply pressure. In the front of your ear is a small pointed bump called the tragus, that is in front of the auditory canal, the opening to your ear. Massage gently directly in front of that in an up and down movement. Then from under the ear lobe gently massage down and under the jaw line. The oils with enter the neurovascular gateways located in these areas to effectively trigger your relaxation and healing response. Do NOT put the oil in your ears!
Oher options include applying 1 drop of the immortal blend on a cotton ball and placing it the ear canal, leaving it overnight. Gently clean the ear the next morning with a warm washcloth.
Another application method involves using helichrysum neat (not diluted in a carrier oil) and apply 1-2 drops in front of the auditory canal. Gently grasp the lobe and firmly but gently pull in a circular motion. Do this ten times to allow the oil to be absorbed and increase circulation in the ear canal. Continue by gently stretching and massaging the ear lobe, gently stretching it downward and out. Continue massaging behind the ear lobe. Be sure to spend several minutes massaging. Then begin "milking" which will increase lymph drainage in the neck and throat. This will help reduce the swelling that often comes with tinnitus. Just behind your ear there is a slight indentation, just under the ear and behind the jawbone. Place your finger there. In long, gentle, but firm strokes rub your finger downward under the jawbone all the way to your collarbone. There is a natural groove that your finger will fall into naturally. Repeat this motion ten times. If you should find that your finger begins to meet resistance apply 1-2 more drops of the blend or the helichrysum neat.
You can safely repeat every few hours.
I have tried several different blends to uplift my mood, and they all of these seem helpful and satisfying to me: lavender, bergamot, and lemon are good to start. Warning: citric oils like bergamot and lemon are photoreactive.
I have really appreciated the support and suggestions I have received on this forum, and hope this suggestion provides some relief to others.
It's possible that this is coincidence, since hyperacusis is known to stabilize and improve on it's own. I believe that my relief began the day I started using the oils, so I am still using them...and I have started using EO for a lot of other things as well since I like them so much (cleaning, laundry, to help with sleep, etc.). One odd thing happened that I want to share because it has given me objective proof that the "Immortal Blend" has healing capacity: a few weeks after using the blend I was distracted by a throbbing pain in my thumb, and looked down to see that a scar that was 30 years+ old was angry and red and pulsing. I continued to use the oil, and 2 months later my new scar is less than half the size of my original scar, the bump continues to diminish, and most importantly I actually have new sensation on the tip of my thumb that I haven't had in 30 years. (I'm 50, btw).
I did take a "med holiday" for a day or two after taking the oils for several weeks, to test what might happen. I did not notice any change in my ears at all...still no pain, still no noise sensitivity. I did notice a change in my emotional state and felt I was slipping back into a funk, so I resumed using all my oils.
I have read "miracle cure" threads here before, and understand that some people might be upset because here is another "snake oil" remedy that may not help, and will certainly lighten your wallet. I can only speak to my own experience, and I want to iterate that this blend seems to have taken my pain away and improved my hyperacusis and my journey toward habituation...I still have tinnitus.
What follows is the essential oil blend recommended to me, as well as the method of application. I have only used the blend and the application method described here, following it up with the "milking technique" that is described where I use my finger tips to trace a groove from behind my ear down to my collar bone. In other words, I have not used helichrysum "neat", nor have I put the blend on a cotton ball and left it in my ear. I can't comment on these suggestions other than to say I would not try them for myself. Helichrysum is very potent, and why take a chance that I might overexpose myself to something so potentially useful thereby causing a situation where I might not be able to tolerate it?
Here's the blend I call "Immortal Blend":
To a one ounce bottle add 15 drops each of cypress, juniper and lavender and five drops of helichrysum, blend well by rolling gently between your palms. Fill the bottle with a carrier oil like fractionated coconut or jojoba. Let it blend 24 hours and keep in a dark, cool place.
Application methods: Put three drops in the palm of your hand and inhale deeply. Apply to the back and front of your ear lobe and the back of your neck. First massage each ear lobe, then behind the ears. Always move in either an up and down movement or in a circular movement. Do not apply pressure. In the front of your ear is a small pointed bump called the tragus, that is in front of the auditory canal, the opening to your ear. Massage gently directly in front of that in an up and down movement. Then from under the ear lobe gently massage down and under the jaw line. The oils with enter the neurovascular gateways located in these areas to effectively trigger your relaxation and healing response. Do NOT put the oil in your ears!
Oher options include applying 1 drop of the immortal blend on a cotton ball and placing it the ear canal, leaving it overnight. Gently clean the ear the next morning with a warm washcloth.
Another application method involves using helichrysum neat (not diluted in a carrier oil) and apply 1-2 drops in front of the auditory canal. Gently grasp the lobe and firmly but gently pull in a circular motion. Do this ten times to allow the oil to be absorbed and increase circulation in the ear canal. Continue by gently stretching and massaging the ear lobe, gently stretching it downward and out. Continue massaging behind the ear lobe. Be sure to spend several minutes massaging. Then begin "milking" which will increase lymph drainage in the neck and throat. This will help reduce the swelling that often comes with tinnitus. Just behind your ear there is a slight indentation, just under the ear and behind the jawbone. Place your finger there. In long, gentle, but firm strokes rub your finger downward under the jawbone all the way to your collarbone. There is a natural groove that your finger will fall into naturally. Repeat this motion ten times. If you should find that your finger begins to meet resistance apply 1-2 more drops of the blend or the helichrysum neat.
You can safely repeat every few hours.
I have tried several different blends to uplift my mood, and they all of these seem helpful and satisfying to me: lavender, bergamot, and lemon are good to start. Warning: citric oils like bergamot and lemon are photoreactive.
I have really appreciated the support and suggestions I have received on this forum, and hope this suggestion provides some relief to others.
