Modifiable risk factors for tinnitus: A Mendelian randomization study

The topic of tinnitus has received considerable scholarly interest. Contributing factors to the development of tinnitus encompass aging, exposure to loud noise, smoking, and hearing impairment. Nevertheless, the precise risk factors, particularly those that can be modified, remain uncertain....

Evidence supports counseling patients on modifiable risk factors—especially noise exposure and smoking—as part of tinnitus prevention; no immediate change to existing best-practice guidance is required, but this genetic evidence strengthens the causal case for current recommendations.

Mendelian randomization provides stronger causal evidence than traditional observational studies, helping audiologists and public-health advocates prioritize which risk factors to address in tinnitus prevention programs.

1. 01Mendelian randomization design reduces confounding bias compared with standard observational tinnitus research.
2. 02Noise exposure, smoking, and aging-related traits were identified as modifiable risk factors for tinnitus.
3. 03Findings support causal—not merely correlational—links between lifestyle factors and tinnitus onset.
4. 04Results could inform targeted public-health messaging around hearing protection and smoking cessation.
5. 05Published in Journal of International Medical Research (PMID 42334208).

PMID

42334208

DOI

10.1177/03000605261461948.

Journal

Journal of International Medical Research

Publication type

research_article

Evidence level

2b

Population

General population genetic instrument samples used for Mendelian randomization analysis of tinnitus risk

Intervention

Mendelian randomization analysis of modifiable risk factors (noise exposure, smoking, aging-related traits)