Using PEMF for Tinnitus Relief
Tinnitus, the perception of ringing or buzzing in the ears without an external sound source, affects millions worldwide. This condition is unique to the person experiencing it, with it coming and going for some, with others hearing sounds all of the time. According to Tinnitus UK, 1 in 7 adults will have tinnitus, that's 7.6 million people in the UK suffering, with 1.5 million people reporting to have 'severe' tinnitus.
Many often describe tinnitus as a ringing, buzzing or hissing sound in the ears. It's a symptom rather than a disease, and is often associated with hearing loss, ear infections, or exposure to loud noises. In some cases, tinnitus can also be a result of stress, high blood pressure, or certain medications. Current treatment options for tinnitus can include sound therapy, cognitive behavioural therapy, and medications, but many patients still struggle to find effective relief. This is where PEMF therapy may be able to support those suffering.
What is PEMF therapy?
PEMF therapy, which is short for pulsed electromagnetic field therapy, involves the use of therapeutic, low frequency electromagnetic fields, to stimulate cellular repair and regeneration. These electromagnetic pulses penetrate the body, potentially influencing cellular function and enhancing overall health. Originally developed for its potential benefits in promoting healing and reducing pain, PEMF has now gained attention for its broader therapeutic applications.
How might PEMF help with tinnitus?
Magnetic stimulation has been studied widely to help with tinnitus. A study from the Liverpool Tinnitus Association, saw 58 patients volunteer to take part in a double-blind placebo-controlled trial. They applied pulsed electromagnetic stimulation over the mastoid bone, to see if it made an improvement in the level of tinnitus in long-standing sufferers. At the end of just one week of treatment, each patient noted whether their tinnitus was improved, had disappeared, was unchanged, or made worse by the treatment, with 45% of the patients who completed the trial reported their tinnitus was improved by the active device.
PEMF may help tinnitus by targeting underlying issues which contribute to the issue, these can include:
- Cellular Repair & Regeneration: The electromagnetic pulses used in PEMF therapy can help to enhance cellular repair and regeneration, potentially addressing the damaged cells in the auditory system that might contribute to tinnitus.
- Improved Blood Circulation: PEMF can help to improve blood flow and circulation, which may help in delivering essential nutrients and oxygen to the inner ear. Improved circulation can aid in reducing the symptoms of tinnitus, especially if the condition is related to vascular issues.
- Reduction of Inflammation: Inflammation in the ear can be a contributing factor to tinnitus. PEMF has anti-inflammatory properties that might reduce inflammation in the ear, potentially alleviating tinnitus symptoms.
- Neuromodulation: PEMF therapy neural activities, which may help in reducing the abnormal neural signals associated with tinnitus. By modulating the neural pathways, PEMF might decrease the perception of ringing or buzzing sounds.
- Stress reduction: Since stress is a known trigger for tinnitus, PEMFs ability to promote relaxation and reduce stress can indirectly help in managing tinnitus. Lower stress levels can lead to a reduction in the severity of tinnitus symptoms.
- Enhanced sleep quality: Tinnitus can often disrupt sleep, and poor sleep can worsen tinnitus. PEMF therapy has been shown to help improve sleep quality, in one study by Pelka (2017), 101 participants were split into two categories; one received PEMF therapy and the other a placebo. Of those who used PEMF therapy, 94% remarked on their improved sleep. By improving sleep, in turn it can help to reduce the impact of tinnitus on daily life.
Are their any other devices that are specifically designed to help tinnitus?
Yes! The Cleanhearing Sono, is a medically approved device for tinnitus that delivers safe, gentle PEMFs to target and treat underlying tinnitus contributors and reduce tinnitus noise and occurrence.
The calming pulses of electromagnetic energy are generated by the comfortable Sono headphones, which you can operate with a convenient handheld controller.
For more information, book a free PEMF consultation here.