Do any supplements or lifestyle changes reduce the symptoms of tinnitus? Is it true that some supplements can cause tinnitus?

Answer:

Several supplements are promoted for reducing symptoms of tinnitus, or ringing in the ear, but only three are supported by clinical evidence — and that evidence remains preliminary. In fact, some experts advise against the use of any herbal or nutritional supplement to reduce symptoms of tinnitus due to lack of quality evidence and lack of oversight and testing to ensure products are safe and contain what is claimed on the label before they are sold (LaGuinn, JAMA Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg 2025).

Certain dietary supplements have been associated with onset or worsening of tinnitus, as have medications such as pain relievers (aspirin and ibuprofen), opioids, antibiotics, antidepressants, and blood-pressure lowering drugs.

Sign in as a member for details, including the effects on tinnitus of pine bark extract (Pycnogenol), iron, magnesium, melatonin, vitamin B-12, zinc, manganese, Ginkgo biloba, glycine, CoQ10, weight loss supplements, vitamin D, calcium, palmitoylethanolamide (PEA), acai, helichrysum oil and caffeine, coffee and tea, and medications including antibiotics, benzodiazepines, blood-pressure lowering drugs, COVID-19 vaccines, pain relievers, proton pump inhibitors, and thyroid medication, as well as certain artificial sweeteners. Also find out if changes in weather or hearing tests worsen tinnitus.

The article also explains if cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), stimulation devices such as Duo and Lenire, hearing aids, sound generators (including white noise generators), tinnitus retraining therapy, dietary changes (such as reducing sugar, salt, or caffeine and increasing fiber) and exercise can be beneficial for tinnitus.