Tinnitus is the perception of noise or ringing in the ears. It affects approximately 15% to 20% of people and can significantly impact quality of life.[1] While there is no definitive cure for tinnitus, certain vitamins and supplements may help reduce symptoms.
Can vitamins get rid of tinnitus?
There is no vitamin or supplement that has been clinically proven to completely cure or get rid of tinnitus. However, some vitamins may help manage tinnitus symptoms and provide relief for some individuals. The most commonly studied vitamins for tinnitus include:
- Vitamin B12
- Vitamin D
- Vitamin C
- Vitamin E
- Vitamin B3 (niacin)
- Magnesium
- Zinc
Research on the efficacy of these vitamins for tinnitus is limited. However, some studies have shown potential benefits. For example, one study found that high-dose vitamin B12 injections reduced tinnitus loudness and annoyance in noise-induced hearing loss.[2] Another study showed that Vitamin D deficiency was associated with more bothersome tinnitus symptoms.[3]
While no vitamin provides a proven cure, some may help manage symptoms as part of an overall treatment approach. Consultation with a doctor is recommended before taking any vitamin supplement.
Vitamin B12 for tinnitus
Vitamin B12 plays a role in myelin production, which protects nerve fibers. Damage to myelin sheaths surrounding auditory nerves may contribute to tinnitus.[4]
Some research indicates vitamin B12 may help reduce tinnitus:
– A study of noise-induced hearing loss found high dose B12 injections decreased tinnitus loudness and annoyance compared to placebo.[2]
– An analysis of 9 studies concluded B12 supplementation significantly improved tinnitus symptoms compared to control groups.[5]
– However, other studies show no benefit of oral vitamin B12 supplementation for tinnitus when B12 levels are normal.[6][7]
Overall, the evidence for B12 and tinnitus is mixed. High dose injections may provide more benefit than oral supplements in some cases. Checking B12 levels beforehand is advisable.
Recommended dosages
There is no standard dosage of vitamin B12 for tinnitus. Dosages studied for tinnitus range from 1000 mcg per day up to 15,000 mcg injected intramuscularly. It’s best to have B12 levels tested first and consult a doctor regarding appropriate supplementation.
Vitamin D for tinnitus
Low vitamin D levels have been associated with a higher prevalence and severity of tinnitus symptoms. Proposed mechanisms include:
– Inflammation reduction – Vitamin D regulates inflammatory pathways that may exacerbate tinnitus.[8]
– Nerve health – Vitamin D promotes nerve growth and myelination, which may protect against tinnitus.[9]
– Inner ear health – Vitamin D receptors are found in the inner ear and may support healthy cochlear function.[10]
Here is some of the research on vitamin D and tinnitus:
– Multiple studies show a correlation between vitamin D deficiency and more bothersome tinnitus symptoms.[3][11]
– A study of patients with mild-to-severe hearing loss found vitamin D supplementation for 12 weeks improved tinnitus compared to placebo.[12]
– However, other studies have not found a significant benefit from vitamin D supplementation on tinnitus severity.[13]
Overall, correcting any vitamin D deficiency may help manage tinnitus symptoms. However, benefits from supplementation in those with normal D levels remains unclear.
Recommended dosages
There is no standardized dosage for vitamin D and tinnitus. Vitamin D dosing should be based on a blood test to identify any deficiency. General daily recommended intakes are 600-800 IU for adults, but higher therapeutic doses may be used under medical supervision.
Vitamin C for tinnitus
Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that may help reduce oxidative stress, which has been proposed as a cause of tinnitus and noise-induced hearing loss. Some key research on vitamin C includes:
– Multiple animal studies indicate vitamin C protects against noise-induced hearing loss and tinnitus.[14][15]
– A study in humans found vitamin C (1000 mg/day) decreased tinnitus loudness and annoyance after 2 months compared to placebo.[16]
– Conversely, two other human studies found no significant improvement from vitamin C supplementation.[17][18]
While vitamin C shows promise in animal models, more research is needed to confirm benefits for humans with tinnitus. Overall, vitamin C appears safe to try with low likelihood of side effects.
Recommended dosages
Doses used in tinnitus studies range from 500-1000 mg daily of vitamin C. For general immune health, the recommended daily intake for adults is 75-90 mg. High doses above 2000 mg per day can cause diarrhea and gastrointestinal upset.
Vitamin E for tinnitus
Like vitamin C, vitamin E has antioxidant properties and may counteract oxidative damage involved in tinnitus. Some research indicates vitamin E may help:
– Multiple animal and lab studies show vitamin E protects hearing and reduces drug-induced tinnitus symptoms.[19][20]
– A human study found vitamin E (400 IU twice daily) improved subjective tinnitus measures compared to placebo after 3 months.[21]
– But another study did not find a significant difference with vitamin E supplementation.[22]
While the evidence is mixed, vitamin E supplementation is generally considered safe if doses are kept below 1000 mg per day. Checking with a doctor is still recommended.
Recommended dosages
There is no standard dosage, but human studies showing potential tinnitus benefits have used 400-800 IU vitamin E. The daily upper limit is suggested at 1000 IU or less for adults.
Vitamin B3 (niacin) for tinnitus
Niacin is one of the B-complex vitamins involved in energy metabolism. Niacin may help tinnitus by improving blood flow and optimizing inner ear oxygen supply.[23]
Some key research includes:
– Animal studies show niacin supplementation protects against noise-induced hearing loss and tinnitus.[24]
– A human study found niacin provided significant tinnitus relief after 8 weeks compared to placebo.[25]
– However, two other human studies did not find a tinnitus benefit with niacin supplementation.[26][27]
Overall, niacin shows potential from preliminary research but larger human trials are still needed. Some flushing and skin warming can occur with niacin doses over 50 mg.
Recommended dosages
There is no standardized dose. Human studies showing possible benefits for tinnitus have used 200-500 mg of niacin daily, while the tolerable upper limit is suggested at 35 mg per day.
Magnesium for tinnitus
Magnesium plays a role in regulating glutamate, an excitatory neurotransmitter linked to tinnitus and hearing loss. Magnesium may also improve blood flow to the inner ear.[28]
Here is some research on magnesium and tinnitus:
– Animal studies indicate magnesium can protect against noise-induced hearing damage and tinnitus.[29][30]
– One human trial found magnesium supplementation (267 mg 3x daily) improved tinnitus severity and loudness vs. placebo after 3 months.[31]
– However, other studies found no significant effects from oral magnesium on tinnitus.[32][33]
While promising, there is limited evidence currently that magnesium supplementation can improve tinnitus in humans. Well-designed clinical trials are still needed.
Recommended dosages
There are no specific dosing guidelines for magnesium and tinnitus. Studied doses range from 133-810 mg elemental magnesium daily, split into multiple doses. The upper tolerable limit is 350 mg per day.
Zinc for tinnitus
Zinc is vital for maintaining cochlear health and deficiency is linked to inner ear dysfunction.[34] Zinc may lessen tinnitus by protecting against oxidative damage and improving nerve conduction.
Here are some key research findings on zinc:
– Animal studies indicate zinc deficiency exacerbates noise-induced hearing loss and tinnitus.[35][36]
– A study in elderly found zinc supplementation (50 mg/day) improved tinnitus loudness more than placebo after 1.5-2 months.[37]
– However, other studies in younger adults showed no significant improvement in tinnitus from zinc supplementation.[38][39]
– Zinc lozenges may provide more benefit than supplements for tinnitus according to one study.[40]
Zinc supplementation may help in cases of severe zinc deficiency. However, benefits in mild deficiency are unclear. More research is warranted.
Recommended dosages
There are no specific dosage guidelines for zinc and tinnitus. Doses studied range widely from 50 mg to 150 mg elemental zinc per day. Zinc lozenges may provide more benefit. The tolerable upper limit for zinc is 40 mg daily.
Other vitamins and supplements
Here are some other vitamins and supplements that have been studied for tinnitus, but have less evidence overall:
Folic acid
– Helps form myelin nerve coatings
– Limited studies show potential benefit from high-dose injections[41]
Ginkgo biloba
– Has antioxidant and blood flow-enhancing effects
– Small studies show possible benefit, but results are mixed[42]
Melatonin
– Involved in sleep-wake cycle regulation
– May help tinnitus-related sleep disturbances[43]
Coenzyme Q10
– Antioxidant that may protect inner ear cells
– Limited evidence from human trials so far[44]
Are there vitamin combinations for tinnitus?
No specific vitamin combinations have been clinically tested or proven for tinnitus. However, some clinicians recommend a comprehensive combination based on the current evidence:
– **Vitamin B complex** – contains B vitamins involved in nerve conduction like B6, B12, niacin
– **Magnesium** – thought to regulate inner ear homeostasis
– **Zinc** – supports cochlear health and nerve function
– **Vitamin C and E** – provide antioxidant effects
This type of combination aims to target proposed mechanisms contributing to tinnitus with nutrients that are important for hearing and neurological health. While not a proven cure, a multivitamin approach may provide some potential symptom relief for some individuals.
Always check with a doctor before taking any vitamin supplements, as high doses can interact with medications or cause side effects.
Should I take vitamins if I have no deficiency?
If blood tests confirm there is no underlying vitamin deficiency, taking supplemental vitamins is unlikely to provide any added benefit for tinnitus according to current evidence.
In fact, high doses of certain vitamins like A, C, E can be harmful if intake exceeds recommended upper limits over long periods. Unnecessary supplementation may also lead to excess costs.
Exceptions may include older individuals and those with dietary restrictions or absorption issues who have higher needs for certain vitamins like B12 or zinc. Those cases warrant a discussion with a doctor.
Overall, addressing any nutritional shortfalls is wise. But absent a deficiency, simply taking vitamins is unlikely to cure tinnitus.
Can vitamins make tinnitus worse?
There are no vitamins that directly worsen or trigger tinnitus symptoms. However, in very high doses, certain vitamins may contribute to worsening through secondary effects like:
– **Vitamin A toxicity** – Dizziness and headaches which could make tinnitus more bothersome.
– **Vitamin C excess** – Gastrointestinal side effects like diarrhea that amplify tinnitus distress.
– **Vitamin E high doses** – Increased risk of hemorrhagic stroke associated with very high supplementation over 1000 IU daily.
– **Vitamin B3/niacin excess** – Flushing reaction that may exacerbate tinnitus.
– **Zinc excess** – Indigestion, nausea, metallic taste that may indirectly worsen tinnitus.
Vitamins and supplements should not be taken in excess of recommended upper limits without medical monitoring. Toxicity risk is heightened with extremely high “mega-doses”. Always discuss vitamin use with your doctor.
Do vitamins help with noise-induced tinnitus?
Noise exposure is one of the most common causes of chronic tinnitus. Animal research indicates certain vitamins can protect against noise-induced hearing loss and tinnitus, such as:
– **Vitamins A, C and E** – May prevent noise-induced inner ear damage through antioxidant effects.[14][15]
– **B vitamins** – Help maintain nerve health and conductivity affected by noise.[45]
– **Magnesium** – Protects against noise-related cochlear damage in animal models.[29]
However, direct clinical evidence showing benefits of vitamins specifically for noise-induced tinnitus in humans remains limited. Checking nutrient levels and addressing any deficiencies is still advisable.
While no substitute for prevention, vitamin supplementation may provide some symptomatic relief as part of a comprehensive plan. But more research is still needed.
Conclusion
In summary, there is currently no vitamin or supplement proven to completely cure or eliminate tinnitus. However, certain vitamins like B12, D, zinc, magnesium, and antioxidants C and E show promise from preliminary research. Addressing any nutritional shortfalls through diet or targeted supplements may help reduce severity for some individuals as part of an overall treatment approach. Well-designed clinical trials are still needed to better understand the role vitamins may play in tinnitus management. Always consult a doctor before taking any supplements. While not guaranteed to work for all, vitamin therapies present relatively low risk and may offer a potential symptomatic benefit for some people with tinnitus.