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Ringing in your ears, which is also known as tinnitus, can be a challenging condition to treat. And those who live with this constant problem need relief fast. One natural method that offers some relief for those with tinnitus is using essential oils. These natural compounds can reduce the intensity of tinnitus and help you function in your daily life.
How Essential Oils Relieve Ear Ringing
Essential oils contain potent and pure compounds that are naturally found in plants. Extracted from the resin, bark, leaves, seeds, flowers, roots, and leaves of plants from all over the world, these oils have medicinal and healing properties that people have used for centuries to treat a wide range of medical problems.
Essential oils are excellent for treating tinnitus because they address some of the leading causes of this ear ringing. Ringing in the ears can result from poor circulation, congestion in your respiratory airways, stress, inflammation, and other factors, all of which can be improved with essential oils. Essential oils are also helpful in treating pain associated with tinnitus, helping with depression that some people with this chronic disorder may feel, and helping you improve your concentration, which can be affected by constant ear ringing.
Which Essential Oils are Best for Ear Ringing?
Each of the essential oils listed has specific properties and uses. You will need to select the oil or oils that best suits your symptoms and meets your needs. You may have to experiment to find the right blend and method of use for your tinnitus symptoms.
This essential oil is widely regarded as an effective treatment for tinnitus. Helichrysum not only reduces inflammation, a leading contributor to ear ringing, but also helps repair damaged cells, tissues, and blood vessels that may be causing your problems.
Lavender essential oil is another popular choice for treating tinnitus. It relaxes your body and blood vessels, calming and sedating you. It can also relieve the stress caused by chronic ear ringing, and it helps soothe anxiety that you may be feeling, as well.
Basil essential oil works for many people with ear ringing because it reduces spasms and soothes muscle cells that can be pulsating or throbbing, leading to tinnitus symptoms. Basil is an excellent choice for those with chronic ringing.
This essential oil stimulates blood circulation, which can often help to relieve ringing in the ears. Cypress is an excellent choice if you have pulsing tinnitus, a variation of this disease. Cypress calms the nervous system, too.
Other effective essential oils used to treat ringing in the ears include patchouli oil and bitter orange oils.
How to Use Essential Oils for Ear Ringing
Now that you know which oils are most effective for treating ringing in the ears, it’s time to learn the proper and safe ways to use them. Using essential oils correctly is crucial not only for getting the best results but also for protecting your delicate ear structures from potential harm. When used improperly, essential oils can cause irritation, burns, or even permanent hearing damage. However, when applied safely and correctly, they can provide meaningful relief from tinnitus symptoms.
Safety First: Critical Warnings
Before you begin using essential oils for ear ringing, please read and follow these important safety guidelines:
Never put essential oils directly into your ear canal. Essential oils are highly concentrated plant extracts that are far too strong for the sensitive tissues inside your ear. Putting undiluted oils into your ear can damage your eardrum, irritate the delicate mucous membranes, and potentially cause hearing loss.
Always dilute essential oils before applying them to your skin. Pure essential oils can cause chemical burns, severe irritation, and allergic reactions when applied directly to skin without dilution.
Do a patch test first. Before using any new essential oil, test it on a small area of skin (like your inner forearm) and wait 24 hours to make sure you don’t have an allergic reaction.
Avoid use if you’re pregnant, nursing, or have certain medical conditions. Some essential oils aren’t safe for everyone. Consult with your healthcare provider before starting any essential oil regimen.
Keep essential oils away from your eyes and inner ear. If you accidentally get oil in these areas, flush with a carrier oil (not water) and seek medical attention if irritation persists.
Dilution is the most important step in safely using essential oils. Here’s how to do it correctly:
Choose a carrier oil. Good options include coconut oil, sweet almond oil, jojoba oil, or olive oil. These oils are gentle on skin and help spread the essential oil safely.
Use the right dilution ratio. For adults, a 2-3% dilution is recommended for topical use around the ears. This means:
2-3 drops of essential oil per teaspoon (5 ml) of carrier oil
12-18 drops of essential oil per ounce (30 ml) of carrier oil
Mix thoroughly. Combine your essential oil and carrier oil in a small, clean glass bottle or bowl. Shake or stir well to ensure even distribution.
Start with less. If you’re new to essential oils, begin with a 1% dilution (1 drop per teaspoon of carrier oil) and increase gradually if needed.
Application Methods for Ear Ringing Relief
Here are several safe and effective ways to use essential oils for tinnitus:
Massage Application (Most Recommended)
Prepare your diluted essential oil mixture as described above
Place a few drops of the diluted oil on your fingertips
Gently massage the oil into the skin around your ears, including:
Behind your ears
On your earlobes
Along your jawline near your ears
On your neck below your ears
Around the outer ear (but never inside the ear canal)
Use gentle, circular motions for 1-2 minutes
Repeat 2-3 times daily for best results
Warm Compress Method
Fill a bowl with warm (not hot) water
Add 3-4 drops of your chosen essential oil to the water
Soak a clean washcloth in the water and wring out excess
Place the warm compress over your ear and the side of your face
Add 5-10 drops of essential oil to a diffuser filled with water
Place the diffuser in your bedroom or living space
Run for 30-60 minutes at a time
This method provides gentle, indirect benefits through inhalation and can help with stress-related tinnitus
Use daily, especially before bedtime for relaxation
Pillow or Tissue Method
Place 1-2 drops of essential oil on a tissue or cotton ball
Tuck it inside your pillowcase near (but not touching) your ear
The gentle aroma can provide calming benefits throughout the night
Replace nightly for consistent results
Frequency and Dosage Recommendations
For massage application: Apply diluted oils 2-3 times per day—morning, afternoon, and before bed
For compress method: Use once or twice daily, allowing at least 6 hours between applications
For diffusion: Run your diffuser for 30-60 minutes, 2-3 times per day
Duration: Give any method at least 2-4 weeks of consistent use before evaluating effectiveness
Rotation: Consider rotating between different essential oils every few weeks to prevent your body from becoming less responsive to a single oil
When to Stop Use and Seek Medical Attention
Discontinue use of essential oils immediately and consult a healthcare provider if you experience:
Increased ear pain or discomfort
New or worsening hearing loss
Dizziness or vertigo
Skin rash, redness, or burning sensation
Swelling around the ear area
Discharge from the ear
Severe headaches
Any allergic reaction symptoms (difficulty breathing, hives, swelling of face or throat)
Remember, essential oils are a complementary approach and should not replace professional medical care. If your tinnitus is severe, persistent, or accompanied by other symptoms, consult an ear, nose, and throat specialist (ENT) or audiologist for a proper diagnosis and treatment plan.
Sources
Gruenwald, J., Brendler, T., & Jaenicke, C. (2007) PDR for Herbal Medicines. Thomson Healthcare Inc., Montvale, NJ.
