Consider Acupuncture For Tinnitus Relief

If you've ever experienced tinnitus, you're among the nearly 25 million Americans who have suffered from this very irritating condition in the last year. Tinnitus can range in severity from mildly annoying to completely debilitating, and there are limited medical treatments available to provide relief. Here at Meraki Family Wellness, we can offer acupuncture treatment that's been proven to lessen the severity of your debilitating tinnitus, so you're able to live life to the absolute fullest.

What is Tinnitus?

According to the Mayo Clinic, tinnitus is described as a "constant ringing or other noises in one or both ears." You can also experience sounds like

• buzzing

• roaring

• clicking

• hissing

• humming

These perceived sounds aren't related to external noises and they can be very frustrating to experience. Tinnitus can range in volume from very soft to very, very loud.

Common Causes of Tinnitus

Tinnitus is not a condition on its own but usually a symptom of something else going on in the body. Your ears may be signaling that another health issue needs attention.

Ear conditions: Ear infections, earwax buildup, or other ear injuries can trigger tinnitus.

Circulatory problems: In some cases, tinnitus can be related to issues with the heart or blood vessels. In these instances, it’s important to work with your primary care provider to identify and treat the underlying cause.

More commonly, constant ringing (non-pulsatile tinnitus) is linked to hearing loss. This may happen naturally with aging or after damage to the inner ear from loud noise exposure. Damage can come from long-term noise exposure (like machinery or music) or from a sudden loud sound (such as a gunshot). When part of the cochlea — the hearing structure inside the inner ear — is injured, it can send altered or “crossed” signals to the brain, resulting in ongoing tinnitus.

Unfortunately, non-pulsatile tinnitus often has no clear medical cause, and conventional treatments are limited. However, many patients report finding relief through acupuncture, which may help calm the nervous system and improve circulation in the head and neck.

How Does Acupuncture Work?

Acupuncture is a medical therapy that has been practiced for thousands of years and is now widely used in modern healthcare. It involves the insertion of very fine, sterile needles at precise points on the body. The needles are so thin that most patients report little to no discomfort during treatment.

Research shows that acupuncture stimulates the nervous system and supports the release of natural chemicals such as endorphins, serotonin, and oxytocin. These substances help regulate pain, reduce inflammation, improve mood, and encourage the body’s natural healing response.

The National Institutes of Health (NIH) recognizes acupuncture as an effective treatment for a number of conditions, including chronic pain, migraines, osteoarthritis, and chemotherapy-related nausea. It is considered safe when performed by a licensed practitioner and is increasingly integrated alongside conventional medical care.

Does Acupuncture Help Tinnitus?

Research on acupuncture for tinnitus has produced mixed results, but recent studies suggest it may help reduce the intensity and severity of symptoms, improving quality of life for some patients.

A 2018 study of 88 adults found that acupuncture reduced both the volume and severity of tinnitus.

A 2016 review of existing studies concluded that acupuncture is likely effective in decreasing tinnitus symptoms, though more large-scale, high-quality trials are needed.

While acupuncture is not a cure for tinnitus, many patients report meaningful relief. Because it also helps with related issues such as stress, anxiety, and poor sleep, it may provide additional benefits that make tinnitus easier to manage.

Acupuncture is considered a safe, low-risk therapy when performed by a licensed practitioner. Side effects are generally mild — such as slight bruising or temporary soreness at the needle site — and serious risks are extremely rare.

The Bottom Line

Tinnitus can be frustrating and difficult to manage, especially when conventional treatments offer limited relief. While research is ongoing, studies suggest that acupuncture may help reduce the intensity of tinnitus and improve quality of life by supporting the nervous system, lowering stress, and promoting better sleep.

Because acupuncture is safe and low-risk when performed by a licensed practitioner, it can be a valuable part of a comprehensive care plan. If you’re living with ringing in your ears and looking for a natural option to find relief, acupuncture may be worth exploring.

At Scottsdale Family Acupuncture, we work with patients every day to address tinnitus and related concerns in a safe, supportive environment. Contact us to schedule your consultation and discover how acupuncture may help you.