Tinnitus and Ear Clear Plus

Name of treatment

Ear Clear Plus

Type of treatment

Dietary supplement

Claims for treatment

“[a] supplement that focuses on treating tinnitus as a brain problem and not an ear one.

“It repairs the damaged connection.”[1]

How treatment is delivered

Orally. The supplement is a combination of:

Hibiscus

Hawthorn berry

Olive extract

Niacin (vitamin B3)

Vitamin C

Vitamin B6

Folic acid

Vitamin B12

Garlic

Buchu leaves

Uva ursi

Juniper berry

Green tea[2]

Potential negative consequences

Side effects[3] [4]

Cost – this supplement currently is on sale for $70 for one month’s supply.

Evidence offered:

Papers available

There have been no papers published on Ear Clear Plus as a supplement, but there have been >50 published on its component parts. However, the only studies considering tinnitus for these were for niacin (nicotinamide).

Conclusions drawn

Studies suggest hibiscus has antibacterial, anti-oxidant, diuretic and antihypertensive effects. It is regarded as safe [5].

Hawthorn extracts have been used in the treatment of heart problems, including heart failure as it increases coronary blood flow. It can lower blood pressure.[6] Although it may interact with some medications, it is regarded as safe.[7]

Olive leaf extract has claimed antioxidant and antiviral activity but studies do not support its use for any indication. It is likely to be safe.[8]

Niacin (vitamin B3) can improve cholesterol levels at high doses. As nicotinamide, there is evidence that it is not effective.[9] Side effects are common.[10]

Vitamin C is important for bones, connective tissue, muscles, blood vessels. It helps the body absorb iron, needed for red blood cell production. Side effects are rare.[11]

Vitamin B6 is used to treat a type of anaemia (lack of red blood cells). High levels of supplementation or prolonged use can cause severe nerve damage.[12] This supplement contains 2.5 times the recommended upper limit.[13]

Folic acid is needed to make DNA and other genetic material. Side effects are rare.[14]

Vitamin B12 helps keep the body’s nerves and blood cells healthy.

It is not certain whether garlic is effective in treating any medical condition. It is safe as a foodstuff but unregulated as a supplement.

Buchu leaves have traditionally been used as a diuretic and for kidney or urinary tract infections. It can cause stomach and kidney irritation and can be an abortive.[15]

Uva ursi is also used for problems with the urinary tract or to help with hard stools. Side effects include tinnitus.[16]

It has been suggested that juniper berries have potential antimicrobial, antioxidant and neuroprotective effects but no clinical data exists to support the use of juniper for any indication. It should not be used by someone who is pregnant/breastfeeding.[17]

Green tea has been used as an aid in treating high cholesterol and maintaining mental alertness[18] but it uncertain whether it is effective in treating any medical condition. Green tea supplements can be toxic in large doses.[19]

Quality of evidence[20]

A – D

Does the BTA recommend this treatment?

No

BTA opinion on this treatment:

Although independent evidence is limited, what there is does not show that the components of this supplement are effective for tinnitus. We would suggest you talk to your GP before taking any new medication or supplement.

“Dietary supplements should not be recommended to treat tinnitus.”[21]

Would the BTA support further studies into this treatment?

No

Verdict: Safety – is this treatment harmful?

Evidence of harm

Verdict: Efficacy – does this treatment work?

No evidence of effect

Date completed

February 2020

Date for revision

February 2023