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Tinnitus (Ear Ringing) 
Over the counter relief options

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What is Tinnitus?
It is the perception of sound—such as ringing, buzzing, humming, or whooshing—when no external noise is present. It often develops after prolonged loud noise exposure, age-related hearing changes, earwax blockage, or issues affecting blood flow around the ear. For many people, the constant internal noise can be distracting, stressful, or interfere with concentration and sleep. Although no over-the-counter product can cure tinnitus, several supportive options may help lessen its intensity, reduce stress around the symptoms, or make day-to-day coping easier.

Pharmacist-recommended products​​

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Lipo-Flavonoid Plus®

A dietary supplement that contains a blend of bioflavonoids, B-complex vitamins, and vitamin C. It’s widely marketed for tinnitus relief, especially ringing related to inner-ear irritation. While clinical evidence is mixed and results vary from person to person, some users report reduced intensity or frequency of ringing when taken consistently over several weeks. It is generally used as a supportive, long-term option rather than a fast-acting treatment.

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Ginkgo Biloba Extract

Ginkgo is an herbal supplement thought to help improve blood circulation to the brain and inner ear structures. Better blood flow may support ear nerve function and potentially reduce tinnitus symptoms, particularly when tinnitus is linked to vascular issues or reduced microcirculation. Benefits tend to be mild and may take several weeks to notice.

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Low-Dose Magnesium Supplements

Low magnesium levels have been associated with increased susceptibility to tinnitus, especially after noise-induced damage. Magnesium supports healthy nerve signaling and helps protect inner-ear hair cells from overstimulation. Supplementing may reduce the severity of ringing for some people and is often used as part of a broader hearing-health approach.

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Zinc Supplements

Zinc deficiency has shown a possible connection to tinnitus in several studies. For individuals with low zinc levels, supplementing may help improve symptoms over time. It is not universally effective for all tinnitus cases, but it may offer benefit when a nutritional deficit is contributing to the issue.

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White Noise Machines / Apps

These devices and apps generate calming background sounds—such as rain, ocean waves, fans, or soft static—to mask or blend the perception of ringing. They don’t treat tinnitus itself but can make symptoms far less noticeable, especially at night. Many people use white noise to fall asleep more easily or reduce the stress caused by constant internal sounds.

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Earwax Removal Products

If excessive or impacted earwax is causing muffled hearing, the brain may amplify internal noise, worsening tinnitus. Using safe OTC earwax softeners or sprays can help clear the blockage and improve sound clarity, which may reduce tinnitus intensity in cases where wax buildup is a contributing factor.

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Stress & Sleep Support

Tinnitus often feels louder at night or during quiet moments, making sleep difficult. OTC sleep aids such as melatonin, magnesium glycinate, or occasional nighttime antihistamines (like diphenhydramine) can improve sleep quality. Better sleep reduces stress, which in turn may lessen the perceived loudness of tinnitus. Relaxation aids and calming supplements can also help break the stress–tinnitus cycle.

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Pharmacist Recommendations

  • Start with simple measures: keep background noise with a fan or white noise app, manage stress, and avoid caffeine or loud noise, which can worsen ringing.

  • Supplements like Lipo-Flavonoid, Ginkgo, magnesium, or zinc may help some people, though benefits are not guaranteed.

  • If earwax is a factor, consider safe removal drops.

  • For nighttime relief, melatonin or magnesium glycinate or antihistamines may help you sleep better.

  • Always seek medical care if tinnitus is sudden, one-sided, or accompanied by other symptoms like dizziness or hearing loss.​​

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When to See a Doctor

  • Sudden onset of tinnitus in one ear

  • Tinnitus with hearing loss, dizziness, or ear pain

  • Ringing that is constant, worsening, or interfering with daily life

  • Pulsatile tinnitus (ringing in sync with your heartbeat)

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