March 2020 Ask Barry

Dear Jude,

Yes, I think Arches Tinnitus Formula (ATF) can help restore some degree of hearing and also reduce your tinnitus.

Clinical studies have shown Ginkgo biloba, the primary ingredient in ATF, restores hearing. One study conducted on patients with hearing weakness due to inner ear problems and using ginkgo, reported 35 of 59 patients in the study had either successful or very successful improvements in hearing.

Another study of 350 patients with hearing defects due to old age were treated with ginkgo extract. The success rate was 82% and a follow-up study of 137 of the original group 5 years later revealed that 67% still had better hearing.

There are also numerous clinical studies showing Ginkgo is an effective treatment for tinnitus.

Arches Tinnitus Formula is successful in restoring some degree of hearing, preventing further deterioration of hearing, and reducing tinnitus.

Wishing you quiet times,
Barry Keate

Dear Tommy,

Please do not despair. I know how bad tinnitus can be and I was once pretty much in your shoes. I remember thinking that I couldn’t possibly go on with it as bad as it was. There are treatments that really work to get tinnitus reduced and get your life back together. My tinnitus has gone down by about 2/3.

Stress and anxiety are the leading triggers for tinnitus. If you can reduce your stress levels, tinnitus will reduce as well. I know this is easier said than done but there are ways to accomplish this. Biofeedback and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy will be very helpful. They are both recognized by the American Academy of Otolaryngology (Ear, Nose & Throat doctors) as being effective. They are available in the UK and are usually administered by psychologists. They will train you to reduce tension and deeply relax. Here are articles about these therapies.

If you are overweight, insulin resistant or diabetic, this is a major cause of tinnitus. You can reduce it by consuming a good diet and exercise regularly. Salt is a major contributor to tinnitus and patients are advised to reduce salt intake. Eat plenty of whole, fresh food, avoid packaged foods and snacks, don’t drink carbonated beverages or visit fast food restaurants. This will take some time but it is very effective.

Your tinnitus may be associated with hearing loss. This is the most common cause and close to 85% of people with tinnitus have it due to hearing loss. For this, Arches Tinnitus Formula with Ginkgo Max 26/7 is very effective. One prominent ENT in Manhattan states he has success with 75 – 80% of people who have tinnitus due to hearing loss.

All of these therapies take time. But if you are willing to put forth the effort to manage your tinnitus, I’m certain it will significantly reduce the sound level.

Wishing you quiet times,
Barry Keate

Dear Lauren,

Somatic tinnitus occurs when signals from the body interfere with auditory signals to cause or worsen tinnitus. One of the common causes of this is TMJ dysfunction, where the jaw is out of alignment with the skull. A dentist familiar with the condition can tell you if you have it and, if so, can treat it. The most common treatment is use of a bite guard while sleeping that will help re-align the jaw.

Another common cause is spasm of the sternocleidomastoid (SCM) muscle. This muscle starts under the ear and is what you use when turning your head. Spasm in the SCM can be treated by a physical therapist. You could see your family doctor about this and he or she would be able to refer you.

Biofeedback and Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS) are often used to treat muscle and upper cervical problems that cause tinnitus.

Wishing you quiet times,
Barry Keate