Is Zinc Deficiency a Risk Factor for Tinnitus? An Analysis from Chronic Idiopathic Tinnitus Patients with Normal Hearing

To investigate whether zinc deficiency is associated with tinnitus severity in patients with chronic idiopathic tinnitus and normal hearing.

✦ Clinical Takeaway ✦

Evidence on zinc and tinnitus remains inconclusive; this single cross-sectional study does not support routine zinc testing or supplementation for tinnitus patients, and current clinical guidelines do not recommend it.

✦ Why It Matters ✦

If zinc deficiency is confirmed as a modifiable risk factor for tinnitus severity, it could offer a low-cost, accessible intervention target for a condition that currently lacks effective pharmacotherapy.

✦ Key Points ✦

01Study specifically targets patients with chronic idiopathic tinnitus and normal hearing thresholds, isolating nutritional factors.
02Cross-sectional design limits ability to establish causality between zinc deficiency and tinnitus.
03Zinc has antioxidant and neuromodulatory roles relevant to cochlear function.
04Prior studies on zinc supplementation for tinnitus have yielded mixed results.
05Published in a peer-reviewed otolaryngology journal (IAO, 2025).

✦ Claims & Evidence ✦

ClaimEvidenceSupport

Zinc deficiency is associated with tinnitus severity in patients with chronic idiopathic tinnitus and normal hearing.

studyunclear

✦ Research metadata ✦

PMID: 42378546
DOI: 10.5152/iao.2025.252059.
Journal: Journal of the International Advanced Otology
Publication type: research_article
Evidence level: 3
Population: Adults with chronic idiopathic tinnitus and normal hearing thresholds
Intervention: Measurement of serum zinc levels
Comparator: Tinnitus patients without zinc deficiency (within cohort)

Primary outcomes

Association between zinc deficiency and tinnitus severity scores; Serum zinc levels in chronic idiopathic tinnitus patients

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