Tinnitus Since 2007, Considering DMSO as a Potential Treatment

[EricL]

I believe I've had tinnitus since before 2007, but it just wasn't as pronounced. In August 2007, I was caught off guard by fireworks being set off nearly overhead. That incident made the ringing in my right ear very noticeable. The left ear didn't seem to be affected at the time. However, over the past five years, ringing has also developed in my left ear and has progressively worsened.

I've tried various supplements. At times, they seemed to help, but the effects didn't last. I even visited an audiologist while taking one supplement, and my exam results showed improvement. Unfortunately, the results have since gotten worse.

I also tried acupuncture. It seemed to reduce the severity of the ringing for a day or two, but the effect was temporary and the ringing returned.

Now I'm considering trying DMSO. I came across a 50-year-old study that looked promising, but I haven't been able to find any follow-up research since then. I did find anecdotal reports from people who claimed that using a diluted DMSO mixture helped cure their tinnitus. I'm still researching, but I'm definitely interested in trying it.

 

[FR2025]

I can very unscientifically share my experience with DMSO. It is the most effective product I have used.

I'm sharing this because so many others on the forum have helped me, and I want to give something back.

I've had tinnitus for years, and any relief is welcome. My tinnitus includes ringing and occasional clicking sounds. It is worst in the evening and becomes more intense when I am exposed to strong EMF sources, such as being in a room with a Wi-Fi modem.

After reading several articles about DMSO, I was excited to try it. I also came across the study on its cytotoxic effects. I agree with @Lukee that the study applied DMSO directly to isolated cell cultures, which does not reflect how I use it, so it did not discourage me.

Lacking the patience to start slowly, I purchased 70% pharmaceutical-grade DMSO. I applied it with a cotton swab to my ear canal, only to the depth of the cotton tip. I also applied it to the central part of my ear. Within 15 minutes, my ears became extremely itchy—I wanted to scratch them off. Now I understand why people mix DMSO with aloe or other soothing ingredients. My tinnitus initially felt louder and more intense, although this may have been a reaction to the increased awareness.

Fifteen minutes later, the itching subsided, and, surprisingly, so did my tinnitus. I had a quiet and peaceful day. There were occasional flare-ups triggered by external factors, but they passed quickly. I still experienced some ringing in the evening, but it was less severe. Finally, I had some relief. This continued for about seven days.

What happened next makes no logical or linear sense. I am just as confused as you may be reading this.

On the seventh day, my ears would not stop ringing. I stopped using DMSO the next morning, and my ears became quiet. They remained quiet for about another week. I cannot explain it, but I was overjoyed.

When my tinnitus returned, I resumed the treatment, and the same pattern repeated itself. I am still puzzled. It is almost as if DMSO amplifies the tinnitus just enough to push it into remission.

It has now been about a month since I started this experiment. I have experienced significant improvement, and the clicking sounds are completely gone. The ringing still returns in the evenings and sometimes in the mornings, but to a much lesser extent.

I now use DMSO occasionally, when I feel my tinnitus becoming more intense. I am trying to find the right balance to avoid the sharp ups and downs that I described earlier.

It is the only thing that has provided me with real relief.

I am incredibly grateful to the other members for their posts and shared experiences. This forum is the only place where I feel that what tinnitus sufferers go through is truly understood and validated.