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Over-the-Counter Tinnitus "Cures": Marketers' Promises Do Not Ring True.
Varun Vendra1, Yona Vaisbuch1, Albert C Mudry1
1Department of Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California, U.S.A.
The Laryngoscope
|December 27, 2018
Summary
Over-the-counter tinnitus remedies (OTCTR) are widely available but lack scientific evidence. Many products make unfounded claims and are sold at inflated prices, despite containing common ingredients.
Area of Science:
- Otolaryngology
- Tinnitus Management
- Dietary Supplements
Background:
- Clinical practice guidelines advise against recommending dietary supplements for tinnitus.
- A significant market exists for over-the-counter tinnitus remedies (OTCTR).
Purpose of the Study:
- To characterize available OTCTR in the U.S. market.
- To detail their ingredients, pricing, and marketing strategies.
Main Methods:
- Web searches and retail visits identified OTCTR.
- Data collected included chemical composition, labeling, advertisements, pricing, and customer reviews.
Main Results:
- Numerous unproven OTCTR with unfounded relief claims were found.
- Most products are inexpensive vitamins, minerals, or herbs sold at a premium.
- Some brands market to otolaryngologists, implying endorsements.
Conclusions:
- Awareness of the unproven OTCTR market is crucial for clinicians treating tinnitus.
- Misleading marketing and implied endorsements by otolaryngologists are concerning.
- Specialty organizations and journals should address unsubstantiated claims in advertising.