The Role of Diet in Tinnitus Onset: A Hospital-Based Case-Control Study from Italy

Abstract

Knowledge on the role of diet in tinnitus onset is mostly based on few cross-sectional studies. In 2016–2019 we conducted a hospital-based case-control study in northern Italy on 185 incident idiopathic tinnitus cases and 198 controls, providing data on dietary habits through a 37-item food-frequency questionnaire. Odds ratios (OR) for tinnitus risk were derived through unconditional multiple logistic regression models. Moderate-to-high vs. low intake of caffeine (OR, 0.49; 95% confidence interval (CI), 0.24–0.99) and butter (OR, 0.46; 95% CI, 0.23–0.93), and high vs. low intake of poultry (OR, 0.43; 95% CI, 0.23–0.81), prosciutto (OR, 0.44; 95% CI, 0.23–0.85), and legumes (OR, 0.50; 95% CI, 0.28–0.92) were inversely associated with tinnitus onset. Other food items, including cereals, red meat, fish, vegetables, and fruit did not show any statistically significant relationship. The variety of food consumed decreased the risk of tinnitus (OR for at least 20 vs. less than 16 different food items, 0.47; 95% CI, 0.24–0.90). Our findings highlight the importance of diet in tinnitus onset and confirm a potential inverse association of protein-rich food and caffeine on the incidence of tinnitus. Confirmation of our findings in longitudinal studies is necessary before proving any diet recommendations for tinnitus prevention.

The Role of Diet and Lifestyle in the Tinnitus Management: A Comprehensive Review

“…A UK study involving over 34,000 adults revealed that elevated calcium, iron, and fat intakes were linked to heightened tinnitus odds. In contrast, increased intakes of vitamin B12 and adherence to a dietary pattern rich in meat intake were associated with reduced odds of tinnitus [ 40 ]. This study underscored the potential influence of nutrients on the onset of tinnitus.…”

Tinnitus at the Junction of Traditional Medicine and Modern Technology

“…The first studies conducted in humans suggest that dietary factors have an important role in the onset and severity of tinnitus. Jarach and colleagus [30] provide the first evidence for an inverse association between tinnitus onset and a diet characterized by protein-rich food and caffeine and highlight the importance of food variety: the variety of food decreased the risk of tinnitus (OR 0.47; 95% CI, 0.24-0.90). Marcrum and coauthors [31] show that the intake of caffeine, alcohol, and salt has a mild effect on tinnitus severity, but only in a small proportion of patients.…”