Hi Barry,
I have a question regarding the natural sweeteners stevia and erythritol: Where do they fit in as to being healthy or not healthy? Does either act like a carcinogen? Is it really true when they say zero calories, zero carbohydrates, zero sugars, zero fat? Is all of that truth or fiction?
Thanks,
Matthew L.
Dear Matthew,
Many of the mainstream artificial sweeteners (Equal, Splenda etc.) are known to exacerbate tinnitus and generally be bad for one’s health.
Stevia however is an excellent choice. It is from a natural plant in South America and is much sweeter than sugar so less is used. Stevia is very healthy to use.
Erythritol is a sugar alcohol. It is less sweet than sugar and is not completely calorie-free. It is not completely absorbed by the body so can cause gas, bloating and diarrhea if too much is taken. Erythritol actually has 0.24 calories per gram, with only 6% of the calories of sugar, it still has 70% of the sweetness.
Stevia has zero calories and sugars.
Neither of these is carcinogenic. Artificial sweeteners such as aspartame, saccharin and sucralose are carcinogenic and have many other side effects. These should be studiously avoided.
Wishing you quiet times,
Barry Keate
Hi Barry,
My husband has a severe form of tinnitus for seven years and can barely function. Other than benzodiazepine what are the latest meds that seem to have some relief? I read that Lamictal can cause tinnitus so I’m leery about anti-convulsives, unless others act differently in the brain and are safe.
Thanks,
Janice K.
Dear Janice,
There are no drugs that will help tinnitus in the long term. Benzodiazepines are used by many people and they help. But, they are addicting and cause a host of other problems. The dosage needs to be increased over time, and the problems they were taken for in the beginning are often worsened over long-term use. Anti-convulsives also have many serious side effects and can worsen tinnitus.
Arches Tinnitus Formula has been shown in scientific studies to reduce tinnitus loudness for the great majority of people who use it. It is especially helpful for those who have tinnitus caused by hearing loss, about 85% of people with tinnitus. One Manhattan ear doctor states that among his patients with hearing loss and tinnitus, 75% to 80% have a significant reduction in the sound level.
As with all dietary supplements used for specific conditions, it can take at least three months to get the full benefit. We recommend Arches Tinnitus Starter Kit, a full three-month supply of four bottles. You can buy these individually but the Starter Kit is offered at a significant discount over single bottle pricing, there is a large savings in shipping costs, and you won’t accidentally run out during the critical three-month period.
I hope this is helpful for you.
Wishing you quiet times,
Barry Keate
Hello Barry,
I can see the medical value of your tinnitus formula, but my boyfriend is all “mainstream” and discounts your website. He asked, “How come the medical community does not know about this?” How can I help him understand? What would you say to him to win his confidence?
Thank you,
Cheryl W.
Dear Cheryl,
There are people in the medical community who do know this. You must keep in mind that most ENT doctors are surgeons. That’s how they make their money so that’s what they concentrate on. Many are not well versed in alternative treatments. There are, however, a continuing and growing number of ENTs and other physicians who refer their patients to Arches Tinnitus Formulas based on clinical evidence.
The German Commission E is similar to our FDA and is a German government agency. Their charter is to review herbs and minerals for therapeutic effects and recommend them based on their findings. They recommend Ginkgo biloba for tinnitus.
Also, here is an article which cites clinical studies conducted on Ginkgo biloba for tinnitus. It clearly shows it is helpful in reducing tinnitus sound levels.
Finally, here’s a clinical study on the use of zinc for tinnitus. Ginkgo biloba and zinc are the two most active ingredients in Arches Tinnitus Formula.
Wishing you quiet times,
Barry Keate
Hi Barry,
Is there any product that is known to stop ringing in the ears?
Thanks,
Joseph A.
Dear Joseph,
There is no cure for tinnitus. That is, at least for tinnitus caused by aging, hearing loss and noise exposure, which is the great majority. Some people have tinnitus due to another medical condition, such as sinus problems and allergies, hypothyroidism, otosclerosis, TMJ dysfunction, impacted earwax, etc. In these cases treatment of the medical condition can result in dramatically reduced tinnitus or cure.
Tinnitus caused by aging, hearing loss and noise exposure is called sensorineural in nature. This indicates nerve damage to the hair cells in the cochlea. There is no cure for this condition but there are methods to reduce the sound level. Therapies such as stress reduction, biofeedback, acupuncture and sound therapy can be helpful in mitigating the anxiety and loudness of tinnitus.
Arches Tinnitus Formula has been found in clinical trials to reduce tinnitus loudness in the case of aging, hearing loss, etc. One Manhattan ENT states he has a 75% to 80% success rate in lowering tinnitus sounds in this group.
It takes up to three months to receive the full benefit of Arches Tinnitus Formula. We recommend Arches Tinnitus Starter Kit, a full three-month supply of four bottles. At the end of this period you should know how much relief you can expect to have. You can purchase individual bottles of the product but the cost is higher and you run the risk of running out during the trial period.
Wishing you quiet times,
Barry Keate
Hello Barry,
Have you heard about the condition vestibular neuritis? My tinnitus got so loud that I had an episode of acute vestibulitis, had you heard of anyone experiencing this?
Thank you,
Karen A.
Dear Karen,
Vestibular neuritis is an infection of the vestibular nerve. This commonly affects balance but generally does not include tinnitus. Labyrinthitis is a related infection of both the vestibular and cochlear nerve that affects balance and commonly does cause tinnitus. You most likely have labyrinthitis.
These infections are usually viral, not bacterial. They can be related to systemic infections in the whole body. These include herpes, influenza, measles, mumps, rubella, polio, and some others. There are no specific tests to diagnose either of these conditions so diagnosis is usually made by examining the symptoms. Because the symptoms of these conditions can mimic other medical problems, a thorough examination is usually conducted to rule out other causes, such as stroke, head injury, cardiovascular disease, allergies, neurological disease and anxiety.
When other conditions have been ruled out, medications are often used to control balance issues, anxiety and nausea.
Most people will have resolution of the infection after a few weeks. It is possible the infection can hide for some time and come back later but, if it is treated successfully, no permanent damage occurs.
You should see an ENT specialist to formally diagnose and treat this condition.
Wishing you quiet times,
Barry Keate
Hello Barry,
Please help! I am new to tinnitus. Is it possible that excitotoxicity/ototoxic tinnitus can fade with time? I’ve had this affliction, due to ibuprofen, for a month. Please respond when possible!
Thank you,
Chris V.
Dear Chris,
I’m sorry this happened to you. There is some good news that I’ll outline.
1 – Ototoxic means that the medication is toxic to the ears, specifically the hair cells in the cochlea that change vibrational sound to electrical signals. These hair cells do not die immediately but become weakened. Over time, if the toxicity is continued, they will die. If the toxicity is removed, they have the chance to recover. While ibuprofen does have the capacity to cause tinnitus, it is not extremely ototoxic and hopefully the damage to your ears will recover. This may take some time but there’s a good chance it will resolve or at least settle down at a lower level.
2 – The initial onset of tinnitus can be very stressful. The stress contributes to tinnitus and makes it sound much louder than it otherwise would. Over time, many people emotionally adjust to the idea of having tinnitus and the very adjustment makes for a reduction in the sound level. It is very important to try to reduce stress and be accepting of tinnitus without giving in to anxiety or depression. I know this is difficult in the early stages but it will make a significant, and positive, difference.
3 – In the event it is chronic, there are strategies to help cope with tinnitus. There are several therapies that can help you relax and reduce tinnitus. Stress reduction techniques include exercise, relaxation techniques, biofeedback and hypnotherapy. All of these have been clinically shown to reduce tinnitus and are outlined in our article.
4 – Arches Tinnitus Formula has also been shown in clinical studies to reduce tinnitus loudness for the great majority of people who use it. It can take up to three months to get the full benefit so we recommend Arches Tinnitus Starter Kit, a three month supply of four bottles. You can purchase them individually but the price of the Starter Kit is significantly reduced from the single bottle price, you save on shipping, and you don’t have to worry about running out during the critical three month period.
I hope this is helpful and your tinnitus resolves or reduces to a point where it is no longer bothersome.
Wishing you quiet times,
Barry Keate
Hi Barry,
I experienced a loud burst of sound in my right ear and when it occurred and I went directly to an ENT specialist. He informed me that I experienced nerve damage and nothing could be done to eliminate the resultant tinnitus. Overall the sound is of low intensity however of greater concern is the muffled dull sensation I have in and around the ear. It feels like I have clogged ear passages as if I was suffering from a head cold. When driving and going over bumps I actually get a jolt of noise in my ear. Very bothersome.
Would you know what is causing the congestive feeling and which of your products might relieve this clogged sensation. Note I am on day two following the unfortunate incident. Any thoughts would be appreciated.
Thanks.
Rob A.
Dear Rob,
It’s difficult to diagnose this after an ENT has offered no help. However, it seems to me you may be experiencing Sudden Sensorineural Hearing Loss (SSHL), which is often accompanied by a loud “pop” or other noise, followed by muffled hearing and ear fullness. About 1/3 of these patients completely recover, another 1/3 have partial recovery and 1/3 do not recover.
I think you should consider starting Arches Tinnitus Formula immediately. The first ten days are crucial to recovery. Clinical studies show the ingredients in Arches Tinnitus Formula is very helpful for those who have tinnitus due to hearing loss. Approximately 65 to 80 percent of those patients experience a significant reduction in sound levels or full recovery. It can take up to three months to get the full benefit so we recommend Arches Tinnitus Starter Kit, a full 100 day supply of four bottles.
Wishing you quiet times,
Barry Keate
Hello Barry,
Thank you for your articles on tinnitus. Very helpful. I have pulsatile tinnitus which developed about six years ago. I believe it was occurred from whiplash. After I went to a chiropractor who maneuvered my neck and made it worse (louder). Throughout the years I would also grind my teeth and developed TMJ which I’ve learned to control.
I got a hearing tests and according to the audiologist, my tinnitus was from hearing loss (33%). But I really believe my tinnitus is from whiplash. I am now 62 and still looking for some relief. What do you suggest?
Thank you,
Florence M.
Dear Florence,
You may have two different contributors to your tinnitus. If you have hearing loss, this is the largest cause of tinnitus among sufferers. About 80% of people with tinnitus have it due to hearing loss. Arches Tinnitus Formula has been clinically shown to reduce tinnitus sound levels for the great majority of these people.
Pulsatile tinnitus is totally different and always due to turbulent blood flow rather than smooth blood flow. The causes of this are numerous but it can be treated successfully. It is necessary to know the exact cause for treatment to be effective. A vascular surgeon is the specialist to see for this. Regarding whiplash, please see our article Head and Neck Injuries Cause Tinnitus: Part 2.
Wishing you quiet times,
Barry Keate
Hi Barry,
How much Gingko biloba do I need to take to reduce tinnitus?
Thanks,
Jackie C.
Dear Jackie,
Thank you for your question. I can give you a number for the proper dosage, and will, but you must know quality of the product is at least as important as dosage. Ginkgo biloba is a fairly expensive material, cannot be synthesized, and is frequently adulterated by unscrupulous manufacturers. Adulteration with low quality substitutes is quite common in the industry. Even many products that are not adulterated still do not contain the level of quality ingredients listed on the label.
Consumer Labs has conducted tests for most of the products found in the American marketplace and states that fully 67% of these do not contain the minimal amounts of ginkgo components expected in products that will have beneficial effects. Arches Tinnitus Formula has developed our own high grade Ginkgo biloba that exceeds these standards. We have done this to provide a product that is the most effective for reducing tinnitus in the great majority of people who use it. You cannot purchase a higher quality Ginkgo biloba anywhere in the world. Please see our article on Ginkgo Max 26/7, the trademarked ginkgo we use in Arches Tinnitus Formula.
Provided you take a high quality ginkgo product, the correct dosage is 240 mg taken twice daily for a minimum period of three months. This equates to 2 capsules Arches Tinnitus Formula in the morning and another two capsules in the evening. It takes up to three months for any dietary supplement to fully affect conditions for which they were developed. We recommend Arches Tinnitus Starter Kit, a 100 day supply of four bottles. You can purchase these one at a time but the Starter Kit is significantly discounted from the single bottle price. You will also ensure you don’t run out during the critical three month period.
I hope this is helpful and you can significantly reduce your tinnitus.
Wishing you quiet times,
Barry Keate