It’s possible that some vitamin and mineral supplements may help alleviate tinnitus symptoms, but there’s limited and conflicting research about taking supplements for tinnitus.

Tinnitus affects millions of people worldwide and is related to a variety of health conditions, including anxiety and stress.

There’s currently no cure for tinnitus, but some lifestyle changes (including taking supplements) are thought to help with its symptoms.

Although some individuals have reported relief from their tinnitus after taking supplements, research supporting the success of this supplement use is lacking.

This article takes a closer look at how well taking vitamins and supplements for tinnitus works.

Some common supplements that are taken to reduce tinnitus symptoms include:

At this time, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) hasn’t approved any medications or supplements for the treatment of tinnitus.

Current research into the use of supplements to reduce symptoms of tinnitus is limited. The diverse range of causes behind tinnitus complicates research, and what research is available frequently provides inconclusive or contradictory results.

One 2016 study that surveyed individuals with tinnitus in 53 different countries found that, of those who used supplements, 70.7% didn’t experience a change in their tinnitus as a result. Nineteen percent of those who used supplements did report an improvement and 10.3% experienced worsening of their tinnitus.

It’s worth noting that symptom improvement in the above study might be caused by the “placebo effect.”

The placebo effect occurs when there’s an improvement caused by the belief that a treatment will make you better, even if an individual is given a sugar pill as opposed to active medical treatment.

What supplements in particular have been studied for tinnitus symptom relief?

Even if supplements are beneficial for people with tinnitus, it’s unclear which ones to recommend.

A 2022 review that examined the use of herbal supplements to treat tinnitus found insufficient research to support the recommendation of ginkgo biloba and açaí.

An herbal mixture called “Gushen Pian,” which is used in traditional Chinese medicine, did display significant therapeutic benefits in treating tinnitus symptoms over a placebo, but a larger sample size is still needed to confirm the benefits.

It’s worth remembering that just because a treatment is herbal doesn’t mean it’s safe to try without first talking with a doctor. Supplements may have side effects, such as negative interactions with medications you’re currently taking.

A specific 2016 study suggests supplements like melatonin and magnesium may help individuals with tinnitus to get more sleep. Again, there was insufficient research to support the widespread recommendation of these supplements as a tinnitus treatment, and contradictory research exists.

Can a vitamin deficiency cause tinnitus?

Certain vitamin deficiencies, including vitamin D and zinc, can lead to auditory issues such as tinnitus. If you believe that you might have a vitamin deficiency, it’s important to consider talking with a doctor so that you can be tested and receive appropriate treatment.

At this time, more research is still needed to understand the effects of taking vitamin supplements and the best doses in which to take vitamin supplements for tinnitus.

Before deciding to take any dietary supplements or vitamins, it’s important to talk with a doctor. The importance of talking with a healthcare professional is especially true if you have certain health conditions or are on other medications.

Supplements may cause side effects like nausea, vomiting, headaches, or constipation. Additionally, excessive amounts of some vitamins and minerals may be toxic for the body, leading to organ and nerve damage.

Certain antioxidant supplements can affect the success of some chemotherapy treatments. Also, if you’re pregnant or nursing, excessive amounts of certain nutrients have the potential to harm your developing baby.

On the positive side, certain cases of tinnitus may not need medical treatment, and improvements in diet or taking dietary supplements may help with symptoms, even if improvements may be due to a placebo effect.

Read more about the benefits and risks of dietary supplements.

Some other methods for managing tinnitus that may be helpful include:

  • avoiding triggers like loud noises and stress
  • using hearing aids
  • getting sound, behavioral, or talk therapy
  • exercising regularly
  • getting acupuncture
  • trying hypnosis

A doctor may also recommend medications to treat any underlying health issues like high blood pressure and anxiety.

Read more about potential tinnitus treatments.

Dietary supplements may help some individuals get relief from tinnitus symptoms, but taking supplements can also pose health risks. There isn’t sufficient research to suggest that many supplements are effective at treating tinnitus.

If you’re experiencing tinnitus, it’s important to talk with a doctor. In addition to advising you about the risks of taking any supplements, they can help you figure out the cause of your tinnitus and create the best possible treatment plan.