Dear Dr. Gott: My 80-year-old mother has had ringing in her ears for most of her adult life. It used to drive her crazy until she learned about Lipoflavonoid. Since taking this medicine, she has become much more comfortable and no longer complains about the buzzing. Have you used this product? Do you recommend it?

Reply: Lipo-Flavonoid is a nonprescription dietary supplement that is marketed for treating tinnitus and Meniere's disease (loss of hearing, dizziness and tinnitus). I have not used it but I have learned that many ear-nose-and-throat specialists advocate it for their patients and have had good results. In any case, the supplement seems to be safe and appears to have improved your mother's quality of life.

Because I have no experience with Lipo-Flavonoid, I cannot advocate its use. However, I would like to hear from readers who have used this product and to know what results were achieved, good or bad. Once I receive some more information, I can better make a judgment about this product. So readers, let me know what you think of Lipo-Flavonoid.

To give you related information, I am sending you a copy of my updated Health Report "Ear Infections and Disorders''. Other readers who would like a copy should send a long, self-addressed, stamped envelope and $2 to Newsletter, PO Box 167, Wickliffe, Ohio 44092. Be sure to mention the title.

Dear Dr. Gott: Referring to the article about urinary tract infections, I have a suggestion for the lady who wrote to you. After experiencing many infections myself, a wise doctor (my gynaecologist) suggested I take one acidophilus tablet by mouth a day (500 million live cells per tablet) and, for a week after stopping the antibiotic, to insert a tablet vaginally.

This was to put the "good" bacteria back into my body. It's worked wonderfully! I continue to take one tablet by mouth every day and rarely have an infection. Please pass this information to your readers. These infections are miserable, and I hope she'll get relief.

Reply: This seems like a good idea.

Acidophilus is the name of a harmless bacteria often found in yoghurt. They are helpful in reducing the likelihood of a yeast infection in the presence of antibiotics.

I have never heard of acidophilus being used to prevent a urinary tract infection; however, it seems like a novel (and cheap and easy) solution to a common problem.

Any woman who has experienced urinary tract infections knows how uncomfortable they can be, and I hope she will give this a try while awaiting an appointment with her doctor for a urine culture.

To give you related information, I am sending you a copy of my Health Report "Bladder and Urinary Tract Infection." Other readers who would like a copy should send a long, self-addressed, stamped envelope and $2 to Newsletter, PO Box 167, Wickliffe, Ohio 44092. Be sure to mention the title.