Question: I've suffered from tinnitus for more than ten years now, but in the last few years symptoms have really started to take a turn for the worse and now the condition has become quite painful physically. I experience constant earaches, headaches, soreness/tingling, and occasional vertigo (though no insomnia). Anyone know of any alternative remedies (e.g. acupuncture, herbal medicines, etc.,) that may help?

Let me elaborate a bit....I know what caused my tinnitus: it was my years and years of constant headphone use (something which has made me feel like a bit of a spokesperson for people who use I-pods).

There's no question about that because I've never had any tumors and I don't suffer Meniere's Disease.

I think the original symptoms (while somewhat alarming) didn't really bother me. Only since the physical pain started has this really started to make life difficult.

Answer: Tinnitus can be due to a lot of things: certain medications like aspirin, diuretics etc; hearing loss; meniere's disease or even a tumor. Sometimes, the cause is unknown, too. Usually, you would be referred to an otolaryngologist and they will check your ears and order a hearing test.Depending on the results, they will either prescribe meds, hearing aids or ask for further work ups to be done (MRI/CT scan - if they suspect a tumor). So please see your doctor first before going for alternative therapy.

After reading your additional details: maybe it would help to get a new hearing test and see if it has changed ... your diagnosis may change too since it seems like its been years since you have last been seen by your doctor ... if there is nothing worse than a hearing loss (or even none) then hearing aids may help - just to dampen the sound of the tinnitus - you may also try turning on the radio/TV at a low level at night - again, to mask the tinnitus (usually tinnitus is worse at night).