Association between diabetes and tinnitus traits in the UK Biobank: a population-based cohort study

Tinnitus is common but challenging to treat. Investigating diabetes-related factors may inform prevention and targeted interventions. This study evaluated associations between diabetes-related factors and tinnitus traits.

Using UK Biobank data (n = 136,181), we performed cross-sectional logistic regression to evaluate links between diabetes status, HbA1c, medication use, and diabetes duration with tinnitus occurrence, frequency, and severity. Subgroup analyses assessed variations by sex and age.

This study systematically identified the associations between diabetes-related factors and the frequency and severity of tinnitus. Patients with type 2 diabetes had higher odds of experiencing current, constant, and upsetting tinnitus (OR: 2., 95% CI: 1.4-2.85, p = 0.001; OR: 2.49, 95% CI: 1.44-4.31, p = 0.0011; OR: 6.36, 95% CI: 2.3-17.54, p = 0.001, respectively). Insulin use was associated with lower odds of developing current, transient, and upsetting tinnitus compared to non-users of hypoglycemic drugs (OR: 0.61, 95% CI: 0.47-0.80; OR: 0.62, 95% CI: 0.43-0.9, p = 0.011; OR: 0.42, 95% CI: 0.25-0.69, p = 0.007, respectively). Subgroup analyses revealed stronger associations in younger females.

Type 2 diabetes increases tinnitus risk, whereas insulin use was associated with a lower prevalence of tinnitus. Notably, diabetes status and HbA1c were significantly associated with tinnitus, mainly in younger females.