Tinnitus are these ghost sounds heard without external source. They can take the form of buzzing, whistling, clicking … They often appear after prolonged or strong sound exposure, emotional shock, or even in case of fatigue. These parasitic noises can settle and weigh on the quality of life. Among the prevention strategies, experts recommend stress management, avoiding strong sounds, good ears hygiene and diet that limits exciting and hypertension causes. “These hearing perceptions are linked to the neurological state. The more the brain is excited, the less the hearing cortex filters correctly “explains Gaëlle Girier, dietician at the thermal baths of Saint-Gervais Mont Blanc. A balanced lifestyle, which combines stress management, restful sleep and suitable diet, can make the difference. “”In this context, certain foods decrease or increase the frequency and intensity of tinnitus. But beware, there are no anti-cutting diet. Everything is a question of balance “recalls the specialist.
Foods to avoid
On the front line: the exciting. Coffee, tea, sodas, chocolate, alcohol and tobacco stimulate the nervous system and accentuate anxiety, aggravating factor of tinnitus. Saturated fats (cold meats, cheeses, oily meats, palm oil) harm blood circulation, which can accentuate hearing disorders. Salt, consumed in excess, promotes hypertension and disrupts micro-circulation of the inner ear. Some people must also monitor allergenic products such as chocolate, milk, soy or citrus, likely to trigger headache and whistles.
Foods to favor
Conversely, a diet rich in protective nutrients helps soothe symptoms. Antioxidants, which are in quantity in bays (blackcurrants, blueberries, raspberries …), apples, broccoli, spinach … Protect cells from oxidative stress.
Magnesium, present in green vegetables, dried fruits or oilseeds, regulates the nervous system, while vitamin A, brought by carrots, peppers or apricots, promotes cell renewal of the ear. “”The ideal remains to be inspired by Mediterranean diet, rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, olive oil and fish “recommends Gaëlle Girier.
Everything is a matter of balance
There remains a crucial point: do not fall into excess control. “”If patients become too strict, they add stress. They already suffer enough, they must not ban their little pleasures “insists the dietician. In other words, no blacklist, but a simple rule: to reduce what excites the nervous system or disrupts blood circulation, and favor what nourishes the cells and soothes the body. In this way, you put all the chances on your side to silence these tinnitus.
The treatment of tinnitus is that of the cause when it is found. In other cases, the treatment is based on sound therapies (prostheses emit background noise, moderate but permanent, thus masking tinnitus and limiting their perception), drug treatment (corticosteroids, antidepressants, anxiolytics, anti-epileptics, vasodilators …), therapeutic workshops or electrical stimulation of the auditory areas.