Why I Use Magnesium For Tinnitus Therapy
Today, I’d like to explain more about magnesium tinnitus therapy and why I use it as a core supplement to reduce tinnitus symptoms in my clinic. But first, here are the topics that will be covered in this article:
- Does magnesium help tinnitus?
- Migraine, Magnesium, and Tinnitus Symptoms
- How does magnesium help ear ringing?
- What are the best magnesium supplements for tinnitus?
- What’s the best dose of magnesium for ear ringing?
Intro to Magnesium Tinnitus Therapy
The persistent ringing or buzzing sounds associated with tinnitus prompts many to seek treatment with a tinnitus specialist like myself. Unfortunately, many doctors still say that “nothing can be done about tinnitus”. However, after 20+ years of treating tinnitus patients, I’ve developed a clinically-proven approach that yields success in 85-90% of my patients.
This approach is based on integrative medicine, where conventional medical practices like prescription medications are combined with evidence-based complementary therapies to achieve sustained tinnitus relief. This includes dietary supplements like magnesium, one of the most important ones that I use.
"I would definitely recommend this program to to others... This is the only time I found something that actually worked."
—Tobias I.
Are you a good candidate for our program?
Does magnesium help tinnitus?
Yes, magnesium supplement helps tinnitus symptoms because of its beneficial effects on the auditory system. Specifically, magnesium plays a role in synaptic plasticity, regulates neurotransmitter levels, and provides neuroprotective support in the brain. These are all important functions for tinnitus treatment and relief.
Magnesium Deficiency and Tinnitus
Magnesium deficiency is associated with tinnitus. Several studies that document patients with chronic tinnitus have lower magnesium levels than healthy controls [1]. There are a few other dietary supplements where this is true, including vitamin D, vitamin B12, and zinc. However, only magnesium and vitamin D show reversal of tinnitus when you correct the deficiency.
Magnesium Tinnitus Therapy in Clinical Trials
A number of clinical trials have evaluated the effect of magnesium supplementation on tinnitus severity. In a trial that used it as a single agent intervention, positive results for people with severe tinnitus and disability were (improved Tinnitus Handicap Inventory scores) [2]. Several other clinical trial studies have used magnesium in combination with other supplements (such as ginkgo biloba and B complex vitamins) to manage tinnitus symptoms.
What is “magnesium dependent tinnitus”?
Magnesium dependent tinnitus refers to the type of tinnitus that results from magnesium deficiency or that responds to magnesium supplements. Once the magnesium is given, there is a sort of pharmacological reversal where the tinnitus decreases in severity and loudness. If only it were this easy in all cases of chronic tinnitus!
Migraine, Magnesium, and Tinnitus Symptoms
Tinnitus is fundamentally a neurological problem, not just an ear problem. Our research team has discovered that tinnitus is intimately related to a migraine-like process in the brain [3]. Further, our clinical trials have shown that interventions that work on migraine also work for tinnitus.
Magnesium for Migraine
There are multiple benefits of using magnesium as a supplement for treating migraine. We theorize that many of these benefits cross-over in magnesium tinnitus therapy. Benefits include:
| Magnesium Benefit | Description |
|---|---|
| Reduced Episode Frequency | Studies suggest that magnesium supplementation may have a beneficial effect on the frequency and intensity of migraine episodes. |
| Reduced Episode Risk | When magnesium is low, it increases the risk of migraine episodes by a factor of 35 to 40. Therefore, maintaining adequate magnesium levels is needed to avoid this risk. |
| Neurotransmitter Regulation | Magnesium plays a role in neurotransmitter regulation, influencing processes in the brain associated with migraine symptoms. |
| Reduced Neuroinflammation | Magnesium infusions have been shown to decrease calcitonin gene related peptide (CGRP), a critical molecule in migraine-related neuroinflammation. |
| Muscle Relaxation | Magnesium's muscle relaxant properties may alleviate tension and decrease the likelihood of migraine triggered by muscle tightness. |
| Pain Relief | Magnesium may contribute to pain relief by blocking certain pain receptors and reducing nerve tissue inflammation. |
| Aura Prevention | Some studies suggest that magnesium supplementation might help prevent the visual and sensory disturbances (aura) associated with migraine. |
| Improved Treatment Response | For individuals with migraine, magnesium supplementation may enhance the response to traditional migraine medications. |
How does magnesium help ear ringing?
As noted above, the benefits of magnesium tinnitus therapy are in its effects on the brain, including the proper functioning of the hearing nerve. These benefits include:
| Magnesium Benefit | Description |
|---|---|
| Neurotransmitter Release | Magnesium influences the release of neurotransmitters in the central nervous system, including glutamate and gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), contributing to the balance between excitation and inhibition in the brain. |
| Energy Metabolism | Magnesium participates in metabolism, facilitating in energy production and utilization of adenosine triphosphate (ATP), the primary energy currency of cells. |
| Oxidative Stress Reduction | Magnesium has antioxidant properties that help neutralize free radicals, protecting brain cells in the auditory system and other tissues from oxidative stress and potential damage (for instance, from inner ear damage from noise exposure). |
| Synaptic Plasticity | Magnesium supports changes to nerve connections (synaptic plasticity), the ability of nerve connections (synapses) to strengthen or weaken over time, which is crucial for learning and memory. |
| Neuroprotection | Due to its anti-inflammatory and anti-apoptotic (cell death) effects, magnesium a protective effect on the brain, guarding against various neurological disorders and promoting overall brain health. |
These benefits combine to reduce the overall sensitivity of the hearing nerve and associated neurons to environmental triggers. In this way, magnesium helps with ear ringing by providing a reprieve from the increased auditory function (neural hyperactivity) seen in tinnitus.
Equally important, this mineral helps support the brain during the process of rewiring (neuroplasticity) that is required for sustained tinnitus relief. This makes it a powerful combination with other tinnitus treatments that aim to rewire the brain away from the ringing sound, like CBT for tinnitus or sound therapy.
Magnesium and Noise Induced Hearing Loss
Interestingly, magnesium supplements have also proven to be beneficial for noise induced hearing loss. This kind of hearing loss occurs as a result of intense noise exposure. When exposure to loud noise transmits sound through the middle ear, the energy produced causes significant stress to delicate hair cells of the inner ear.
In an experimental model, when magnesium is given after noise induced hearing loss, it actually can help reverse hearing loss. It's also been shown that using the supplement on a daily basis can protect the inner ear against loud noises.
This is important for people with tinnitus, as they have increased susceptibility to noise induced hearing loss. This means they should avoid exposure to toxic noise, as it can be extremely destructive to inner ear tissue and can make tinnitus worse. In this way, adding a new supplement like Mag Glycinate makes sense for tinnitus sufferers.
Does magnesium help sleep?
Yes, magnesium supplements promote sleep by aiding relaxation and regulating neurotransmitters involved in sleep. Further, magnesium deficiency has been linked to a higher prevalence of sleep disorders. The sleep-related benefits of magnesium are particularly valuable for individuals with tinnitus, as improved sleep quality can help reduce tinnitus severity
What are the best magnesium supplements for tinnitus?
When considering magnesium supplementation for tinnitus symptoms, perhaps the best magnesium is the glycinate form. Mag Glycinate minimizes the risk of digestive side effects, in particular, loose stools. Other than this, most forms of magnesium, such as Mag Oxide, are readily absorbed into the body, nervous system, and hearing organ.
As always, with alternative treatments like dietary supplements, we recommend going to high quality suppliers like FullScript. This ensures the magnesium content will be accurate. If you have health issues that concern you, you should contact a healthcare professional or pharmacist.
Natural Sources of Magnesium for Tinnitus Symptoms
Incorporating magnesium-rich foods into your daily diet can enhance your blood (serum) magnesium levels. Leafy green vegetables like spinach and kale, nuts, seeds, whole grains, and legumes are valuable natural sources that complement strategies to reduce symptoms of tinnitus.
However, before you decide to rely solely on the potential benefit of dietary sources, keep in mind that about 50% of Americans fall short of the Estimated Average Requirement (EAR) of this mineral, and specific age groups demonstrate notably lower levels of consumption.
What’s the best dose of magnesium for ear ringing?
Determining how much magnesium to use for managing tinnitus depends on your provider. From the clinical trials in my clinic, we use doses that are higher than usual. However, this is not general medical advice as these doses are taken under direct medical supervision. Individual factors such as age, overall health, and existing medical conditions should be considered with your healthcare professional before taking this dose.
While this supplement offers numerous health benefits, excess magnesium intake can lead to side effects such as diarrhea, nausea, and abdominal cramps. If any side effects are noted, I usually tell patients to first try cutting in half, or even cutting it in a quarter of the dose rather than stopping completely.
Magnesium and Prescription Medication Interactions
It's crucial to be aware of potential interactions if you're taking prescription medications that might have prescription interactions. For instance, high concentration magnesium can reduce the absorption of certain antibiotics (e.g., Cirpo, Levaquin, doxycycline, Zithromax) and interfere with drugs that act on platelet function. So if you're taking medications, as your doctor if magnesium is OK to take.
“Magnesium Cured My Tinnitus”
In rare cases (such as with magnesium dependent tinnitus discussed above), a dramatic reversal of tinnitus is possible. However, don’t expect to walk away saying “magnesium cured my tinnitus”.
There is no magic pill for tinnitus. Dietary supplements for tinnitus should be viewed as one component of an integrative approach to tinnitus treatment.
Tinnitus is a complex neurological condition that involves more than just the hearing nerve. In severe cases, it is driven by migraine-like neuroinflammation and increased brain sensitivity. The brain becomes hardwired for persistent tinnitus and it takes a comprehensive rehabilitation program to fix this.
For long-lasting results, magnesium's contribution to tinnitus relief should be combined with other treatment modalities like cognitive behavioral therapy, sound therapy, dietary changes, sleep optimization, mindfulness practices, and when appropriate, prescription medications.
Conclusion: Can Magnesium Help Tinnitus? Yes!
As opposed to 99% of the supplements peddled for tinnitus, the clinical evidence for magnesium tinnitus therapy is strong. While magnesium supplements are not a standalone cure for tinnitus symptoms, integrating magnesium tinnitus therapy into a comprehensive and personalized strategy can bring symptom relief.
Magnesium supplements play a pivotal role in tinnitus management by regulating neurotransmitters, mitigating the migraine process, providing ear protection, and supporting brain recovery from tinnitus. While you most likely won’t be saying “magnesium cured my tinnitus”, using it as part of a comprehensive program can contribute to both tinnitus recovery and overall brain health.
Schedule a call today to learn how magnesium, along with a comprehensive medical approach, can help reduce your tinnitus symptoms.
Magnesium Tinnitus FAQs
Is magnesium good for your ears?
Yes. Magnesium supports ear health by protecting inner ear cells from damage, especially in cases of noise-induced hearing loss. It improves blood flow to the auditory system and helps reduce oxidative stress, making it a valuable supplement for ear function and tinnitus prevention.
Does magnesium protect hearing?
Yes, magnesium helps protect hearing by reducing damage to the inner ear from noise exposure. It improves cochlear blood flow, lowers oxidative stress, and stabilizes nerve function. Studies show that magnesium can prevent and even reverse some types of noise-induced hearing loss, making it a valuable supplement for long-term auditory health.
Can magnesium help hearing loss?
Yes, magnesium can help with certain types of hearing loss, especially noise-induced hearing loss. It protects delicate hair cells in the inner ear, reduces oxidative damage, and improves nerve signaling. Clinical studies have shown that magnesium supplementation may partially reverse hearing loss when given after noise exposure.
Is magnesium good for ringing in the ears?
Yes, magnesium can help reduce ringing in the ears, especially in cases linked to magnesium deficiency. It regulates neurotransmitters, reduces neuroinflammation, and supports brain plasticity, all of which play a role in lowering tinnitus loudness and sensitivity.
Does magnesium cause ringing in the ears?
No. Magnesium does not cause ringing in the ears—in fact, it may help reduce it. Low magnesium levels have been linked to increased tinnitus severity, and supplementation can be helpful in cases of magnesium-dependent tinnitus.
What is the most common side effect of magnesium?
The most common side effect of magnesium supplements is loose stools or mild diarrhea, especially at high doses. To reduce this risk, patients are often advised to use magnesium glycinate, a gentler form with fewer digestive effects.
Does magnesium help with noise sensitivity?
Yes. Magnesium can reduce noise sensitivity by calming the auditory system and decreasing nerve excitability. It also helps protect the inner ear from damage caused by loud noise, which is especially important for people with tinnitus or sensory hypersensitivity.
Does magnesium calm the brain?
Yes. Magnesium plays a critical role in calming the brain by regulating excitatory neurotransmitters like glutamate and supporting GABA activity. It also reduces neuroinflammation, supports sleep, and may help alleviate migraine-related tinnitus symptoms.
Magnesium Tinnitus Therapy References
[1] Uluyol S, Kılıçaslan S, Yağız Ö. Relationship between serum magnesium level and subjective tinnitus. Kulak Burun Bogaz Ihtis Derg. 2016 Jul-Aug;26(4):225-7. doi: 10.5606/kbbihtisas.2016.87094. PMID: 27405078.
[2] Cevette MJ, Barrs DM, Patel A, Conroy KP, Sydlowski S, Noble BN, Nelson GA, Stepanek J. Phase 2 study examining magnesium-dependent tinnitus. Int Tinnitus J. 2011;16(2):168-73. PMID: 22249877.
[3] Lee A, Abouzari M, Akbarpour M, Risbud A, Lin HW, Djalilian HR. A proposed association between subjective nonpulsatile tinnitus and migraine. World J Otorhinolaryngol Head Neck Surg. 2022 Oct 13;9(2):107-114. doi: 10.1002/wjo2.81. PMID: 37383326; PMCID: PMC10296047.
