Ringing in the Ears Is NOT an Ear Problem (Fix It in 7 Days)
In a Nutshell
Ringing in the ears is caused by high insulin and blood sugar damage to the inner ear nerves, not by ear problems themselves. Reducing carbohydrates through intermittent fasting, keto, or carnivore diets lowers insulin and often eliminates tinnitus within days to weeks. Track symptoms daily, test fasting insulin (target under 5), and consider alpha-lipoic acid plus benfotiamine for added support.
These notes were generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies.
Ringing in the ears (tinnitus) is not coming from the ear or the inside of the ear. It can originate from loud noises such as concerts or noisy jobs, or from side effects of medication. When no such history exists, other factors must be considered.
Multiple viewer comments indicated improvement after dietary changes:
- One person with tinnitus for 3 years reported the ringing was almost gone after 2 weeks of intermittent fasting (17-hour fast, 7-hour eating window) combined with low carb.
- Another with tinnitus for 8 years stated nothing worked until starting keto 5 days prior, after which the ringing was almost gone.
- A third reported tinnitus resolved after 1 year on a carnivore diet consisting of 97% meat, salt, and water.
- Worsening of tinnitus was noted when consuming sugar and caffeine.
These reports prompted investigation into the relationship between blood sugar, insulin, and the nervous system in the inner ear. A standard hearing test primarily checks whether a beep can be heard. Parts of hearing remain untested, allowing passage of a hearing test despite actual hearing loss. Request a high frequency test and a speech in noise test for fuller assessment.
The ringing originates in the brain rather than the ear. Hearing loss occurs at a specific pitch, prompting the brain to produce sound to compensate for the lost note and increase volume. Causes including medications, loud sounds, viruses, infections, and chemotherapy damage the nerves inside the ear.
Chronic blood sugar elevation slowly chokes off the tiny blood vessels that feed the delicate nerves in the inner ear. This mechanism parallels diabetic peripheral neuropathy affecting nerves in the feet. The nerves in the inner ear are also peripheral nerves. Insulin can maintain normal blood glucose readings for 4–25 years while masking underlying issues. Excess insulin directly destroys the nervous system, and insulin resistance shuts down fuel supply to peripheral nerves. Nerves in the inner ear are especially hungry for fuel; blood sugar issues cause these nerves to become overactive.
- Studies from 2004 found 84–90% of people with unexplained ringing in the ear had higher amounts of insulin.
- Another paper found 82% of tinnitus patients had a pre-diabetic blood sugar problem.
- A study of over 2 million people showed diabetics are significantly more likely to have ringing in the ears than non-diabetics.
- A 2025 study following thousands of people linked higher sugary drink consumption to increased risk of ringing in the ears.
Doctors often focus on blood glucose; request a fasting insulin level test. Target fasting insulin at 5; do not accept levels of 22 as normal. Fasting and carbohydrate reduction lower fasting insulin, restoring fuel supply to the tiny vessels and nervous system in the inner ear.
Hearing loss involves a larger metabolic problem beyond mineral or vitamin deficiency. Two supportive nutrients are:
- Alpha-lipoic acid: a powerful antioxidant; one study showed 600 mg daily for 2 months significantly reduced ringing.
- Benfotiamine: recommended dosage is four times the label amount, taken as one dose four times per day spread throughout the day.
Results depend on severity and duration of the condition. Extensive damage does not resolve overnight. The majority of people should begin seeing results within 7 days. Rate ringing intensity on a 1–10 scale before starting, document daily for 7 days to observe changes. Continue beyond 7 days if needed.
Dietary change addresses the root cause; nutrients alone provide limited or temporary relief without it. Environmental factors (insulin, cortisol, inflammation, sleep quality, gut function) affect outcomes; fixing the primary broken signal is required for recovery.
Tinnitus often worsens at night due to fuel regulation. Reducing carbohydrates forces the body to use stored fat, converting to ketone fuel and accelerating improvement for many. Give the protocol at least 2–3 weeks, or longer, for full effect. Prolonged fasting can further speed results.
Keep Dr. Eric Berg DC in your library
Save the videos and channels worth coming back to, and find them again in one place.
