Q: I am getting a ringing in my left ear that tends to come and go. I think it is tinnitus. Is it dangerous?

Tinnitus is not itself a disease but a symptom of a range of possible causes including ear infections, foreign objects, such as wax, or an injury to the ear. A lot of people get tinnitus from listening to loud music or from being exposed to continuous industrial noises. Some oral medications can cause a side effect of tinnitus. Occasionally it is caused by low levels of serotonin and food allergies, so it may be useful to visit a dietician or nutritionist.

A lot of people experience mild tinnitus at some stage in their lives. Most of these cases clear up very quickly but, if you have been experiencing a humming or ringing in the ear for an extended period of time, it is essential that you visit your GP to establish the cause. It is important to rule out conditions that sometimes lead to tinnitus, such as Menieres disease and other serious problems, such as aneurysm or brain tumour, although these are extremely rare. A detox diet that focuses on strengthening the liver and digestive system and eliminating certain foods, accompanied by a course of acupuncture treatments usually clears up mild tinnitus.

Always consult your GP before starting any new regime or self treatment. The contents of this article are for information purposes only and are not intended to prevent, diagnose or cure any medical conditions. If you would like a question covered, contact The Clinic of Complementary and Natural Medicine, Kiltartan House, Forster St., Galway on 091- 568804.

Dr H Bhatti is the President of the Association of Naturopathic Practitioners and can be contacted at his clinic at Kiltartan House, Forster Street, Galway on 091-568804 or at The Village Nursing Care Centre, Ballygarriff, Craughwell on 091-777700.

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