Oxytocin is often referred to as the love hormone because it promotes social connections, but new findings suggest it may also offer relief to those suffering from tinnitus. Brazilian researchers found that patients with tinnitus – ringing or buzzing in the ears – obtained relief by spraying oxytocin in their nose.
Lead researcher Dr. Andreia Azevedo said, “Oxytocin has actions in the brain and the ear that may help in tinnitus treatment and provide immediate relief.” Dr. Azevedo is unsure as to how oxytocin works to improve ringing in the ears but she speculates that it may affect the fluid regulation in the inner ear in addition to its effect on brain related to the production of dopamine.
Dr. Azevedo added, “For some patients, tinnitus disappeared or reached a non-distress level. As usual in tinnitus treatment, in some patients the tinnitus kept low, and for some it raised after drug therapy ended.”
Advertisement
At the moment, the effects of oxytocin are safe, but the long-term effects are unknown, so additional research is required. The researchers are working on larger dosage studies to see if the effects of love hormone could be prolonged.
Mohan Garikiparithi got his degree in medicine from Osmania University (University of Health Sciences). He practiced clinical medicine for over a decade before he shifted his focus to the field of health communications. During his active practice he served as the head of the Dept. of Microbiology in a diagnostic centre in India. On a three-year communications program in Germany, Mohan developed a keen interest in German Medicine (Homoeopathy), and other alternative systems of medicine. He now advocates treating different medical conditions without the use of traditional drugs. An ardent squash player, Mohan believes in the importance of fitness and wellness.
