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Zinc deficiency and tinnitus
Kentaro Ochi1, Hirotsugu Kinoshita, Mutsumi Kenmochi
1Department of Otolaryngology, St. Marianna University School of Medicine, 2-16-1, Sugao, Miyamae-ku, 216-8511, Kawasaki, Japan. k2ochi@marianna-u.ac.jp
Auris, Nasus, Larynx
|January 25, 2003
Summary
Serum zinc levels may be linked to tinnitus, particularly in individuals with normal hearing. Lower zinc levels were observed in tinnitus patients with normal hearing compared to controls, suggesting zinc
Area of Science:
- Otolaryngology
- Nutritional Neuroscience
- Audiology
Background:
- Tinnitus is a common auditory disorder.
- The role of micronutrients, such as zinc, in tinnitus pathophysiology is not fully understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between serum zinc levels and hearing performance in patients experiencing tinnitus.
Main Methods:
- Serum zinc levels were measured in 73 tinnitus patients (aged 20-59) and 38 healthy controls.
- Average hearing sensitivity was calculated based on pure-tone audiometry.
- Hypozincemia was defined based on control group serum zinc levels.
Main Results:
- No significant difference in serum zinc was found between tinnitus patients and controls overall.
- Tinnitus patients with normal hearing exhibited significantly lower serum zinc levels than controls.
- A significant correlation was observed between average hearing sensitivity and serum zinc levels.
Conclusions:
- Zinc may play a role in the development of tinnitus, especially in individuals with preserved hearing.
- Further research is warranted to explore the therapeutic potential of zinc supplementation for tinnitus.