Tips for Ear Health

Structure and functions of the ear

Ear structure can be divided into three main areas – the external ear, the middle ear (behind the eardrum), and the internal or inner ear. There are two main functions of the ear – hearing and balance. While the inner ear is responsible for both hearing and balance, the middle and external ear structures perform the task of collecting sound and conducting it to where it can be interpreted by the nervous system.

Tips for ear health:

Avoid exposure to loud noises, which can damage the sensitive structures in the ear.
Remember that maintaining overall health will benefit all systems – including the ear.

Maintain healthy circulation with regular exercise and a balanced diet.

Support the health of the nervous system, as well as the joints and muscles of the head.

Be aware that certain medications can affect the ear and cause problems in balance and hearing – even causing tinnitus. Consult your doctor if you need advice.

Smoking has a negative effect on circulation and cardiovascular health – quit smoking if you want to promote clear hearing!

Use natural remedies to promote the health of the ear and all its structures.

Lifestyle Choices and Additives That Worsen Tinnitus

Lifestyle choices like smoking, high caffeine use, alcohol and certain spices especially on the hotter side of the spectrum like chili has also been shown to worsen tinnitus. MSG a food additive can also have an effect on tinnitus and hearing. Glutamate is used by the hair cells in the ear as a neurotransmitter. If the hair cells are damaged there will be ringing or hearing damage.

According to Barry Keate from his Tinnitus blog article entitled, "Food-borne Neurotoxins and Tinnitus, Part 2: Monosodium Glutamate" Excitotoxins, such as MSG and Aspartame, have been linked to a whole group of degenerative brain diseases in children and adults, especially the very young and the elderly. These diseases include ADD and ADHD, Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's disease, Huntington's disease, ALS, (Lou Gehrig's disease), as well as several more rare disorders of the nervous system. Tinnitus is a degenerative neurological condition that is affected by excitotoxins.