Western medicine describes tinnitus as hearing sounds without an external source. Ringing, buzzing, hissing, humming, whistling – sometimes even roaring.

Nobody else hears it. But you most certainly do.

Tinnitus is often associated with hearing loss, ageing, noise exposure and changes in how the brain processes sound. Earwax, certain medications
and jaw problems can also contribute to tinnitus.

And then there’s stress.

Oh, our old friend stress! It doesn’t necessarily cause tinnitus, but it can certainly turn up the volume of that internal orchestra.

Enter Ayurveda. And the usual suspects.

In Ayurveda, tinnitus is traditionally associated with Karnanada, primarily linked to an aggravated Vata dosha.

But before we start pointing fingers, let’s round up the suspects.

VATA – the restless troublemaker

Vata governs movement and is associated with air, space, dryness and change.

As we age, Ayurveda considers Vata increasingly influential. More dryness, lighter sleep and sometimes a nervous system that simply refuses to switch off.

The unpredictable ringing and buzzing of tinnitus fit rather neatly into this traditional Vata picture.

PITTA – turning up the heat

Pitta brings heat, intensity and transformation.

When Pitta joins the party, Ayurveda looks for heat, irritation, inflammation and that wonderful ability to become annoyed by absolutely everything.

Including the noise in your own head.

KAPHA – the heavy passenger

Kapha represents structure, stability and moisture.

Congestion, heaviness or a blocked sensation around the ears may suggest Kapha involvement in an Ayurvedic assessment.

These are traditional Ayurvedic interpretations, not medical diagnoses.

And autumn? Is autumn playing silly buggers too?

Well, possibly – from an Ayurvedic perspective.

Autumn is Vata season. Windy, cold, dry and unpredictable.

Combine that with poor sleep, busy schedules, stress and the general business of getting older, and you’ve created a rather lively environment for Vata.

Autumn doesn’t cause tinnitus, but it certainly reminds us to pay attention to how we’re treating ourselves.

Time for a little lubrication!

Back to that old car.

You wouldn’t dream of driving it indefinitely without checking the oil. Yet we expect our bodies to keep running beautifully without rest, decent food or regular maintenance.

And you don’t smear oil on the bodywork to keep the engine running smoothly, do you?

The same principle applies to our bodies.

Ayurveda calls the practice of internal and external oleation Snehana.

Lubrication from the outside

A little warm coconut or sesame oil, gently massaged around the outer ears, temples, jaw and base of the skull, can be wonderfully relaxing.

Add gentle Marma point massage around Vidhura (behind the ear), Shankha (temples) and Krikatika (base of the skull).

The intention? Relax muscular tension and help settle that overworked nervous system.

Traditional Ayurveda also uses Karna Purana, a practice involving oil placed in the ear canal. However, this requires an appropriate ear examination and qualified supervision, particularly to rule out infection, eardrum damage or other ear problems.

Lubrication from the inside – see image below …

No, I’m not suggesting you drink a bottle of coconut oil!
But a teaspoon a day will certainly keep the ENT (Ear Nose Throat)
specialist away.

Think nourishment rather than an oil change.

Warm, freshly prepared meals, good-quality dietary fats such as olive oil,
nuts, seeds and a little ghee. Soups, stews, cooked vegetables, regular mealtimes and enough fluids.

In Ayurvedic terms, we’re counterbalancing Vata’s cold, dry and irregular qualities with warmth, nourishment and consistency.

Dietary fats don’t literally lubricate the inner ear or cure tinnitus, but good nutrition and regular routines support overall wellbeing.

And perhaps the most overlooked form of maintenance?

Rest. Proper rest.

Not scrolling through your phone while pretending to relax.

Sleep. Quiet moments. Gentle movement. Less unnecessary noise.

And occasionally allowing the world to carry on without your personal supervision.

So, who’s the culprit?

Vata? Pitta? Kapha? Stress? Ageing? Autumn?

Maybe a combination. Maybe none of them.

Western medicine helps us investigate the physical and neurological causes. Ayurveda offers another perspective on balance, daily habits and self-care.

And Ayurveda isn’t simply sitting on the sidelines. Clinical researchers are investigating traditional treatments for tinnitus, including Karnapurana (medicated ear-oil therapy) and internal oleation. Some small studies have reported encouraging improvements, although larger, better-controlled trials are needed to establish their effectiveness.

Persistent tinnitus deserves a hearing assessment. Sudden hearing loss requires urgent medical attention, and tinnitus that beats in time with your pulse should also be medically assessed.

Because getting older is unavoidable. Neglecting your maintenance isn’t.

And sometimes, even the most faithful old engine deserves a little TLC.