Let’s explore the limited research surrounding diet and tinnitus. Also, some general tips for auditory health.
Does Diet Affect Tinnitus?
The research related to nutrition and tinnitus is limited and conflicting. For example, one study found that eating fruits and vegetables improved tinnitus symptoms, while another study found that produce may worsen symptoms. A third study found that fruits and vegetables had no impact on symptoms.
Some of these same studies found that caffeine was and was not triggering. Or that consuming a diverse range of proteins minimized symptoms. Until larger and more comprehensive studies are performed, there are no widespread nutritional guidelines.
That said, keeping a food journal may help you identify your individual food triggers.
Does Alcohol Make Tinnitus Worse?
It does for some. A study of 100 patients found that 22% had increased tinnitus symptoms when they drank, while 62% found that alcohol had no effect. Alcohol causes blood vessels to relax and expand, increasing the blood flow in the body, and to the ears. This is likely to be why symptoms increase for some.
Can Tinnitus Be Reversed With Diet?
Does diet affect tinnitus? Maybe. Can it reverse your symptoms? No. Even if you identify foods that increase or decrease your symptoms, dietary changes cannot reverse tinnitus. If your diagnosis is chronic, there is no cure. So, you must identify your triggers and work with your audiologist to minimize your symptoms.
How Salt Can Trigger Tinnitus in Meniere’s Disease?
Meniere’s disease is a chronic inner ear disorder with no cure. Symptoms include tinnitus, vertigo, hearing loss, and a feeling of fullness in the ear. While there is no cure for Meniere’s disease, there are ways to minimize your symptoms. This includes transitioning to a low-sodium diet.
The average American consumes about 3,400 milligrams of sodium per day, when the target should be no more than 2,300 milligrams per day. This is the equivalent of 1 teaspoon. If you are diagnosed with Meniere’s disease you may experience reduced symptoms with a low salt diet of between 1,500 and 2,000 milligrams per day.
What Foods Have The Highest Sodium?
For those with Meiner’s disease-induced tinnitus, understanding this link between diet and tinnitus can be life-changing. The fewer processed foods you eat, and the more meals you prepare for yourself, the less sodium you will consume.
The American Heart Association reports that about 70% of the sodium in American diets comes from processed foods and restaurant meals. However, some foods are more concerning than others.
According to the FDA, 40% of daily sodium intake is consumed from foods on the list below. Most of the foods below can be prepared in low-sodium alternatives, but most are consumed in restaurants or when on-the-go.
- Burgers
- Burritos
- Chips
- Crackers
- Deli meat
- Egg dishes/omelets
- Pasta dishes
- Pizza
- Popcorn
- Poultry
- Soups
- Tacos
Ear-Healthy Vitamins
Understanding the relationship between specific vitamins and hearing loss may be beneficial. The vitamins below are proven to be beneficial for hearing and overall auditory health. You can consume them in food or supplement form as a proactive or reactive approach to ear health.
- Omega-3 fatty acids
- Potassium
- Vitamin B12
- Vitamin C
- Vitamin D
- Vitamin E
What Are The Top Tinnitus Treatment Options?
The first step in managing your tinnitus is to determine its cause and whether it is acute or chronic. For acute tinnitus, your symptoms may only last up to 2 weeks.
For chronic tinnitus, your audiologist may suggest any combination of:
- Physical therapy to minimize facial tension.
- Oral appliances to minimize TMJ symptoms.
- Stress and anxiety relief techniques.
- Hearing aids if accompanied by hearing loss.
- Food journaling to identify diet and tinnitus triggers.
Beyond Diet and Tinnitus: Need Help Managing Your Tinnitus?
If you have been diagnosed with tinnitus, you should visit an audiologist at least once per year to assess your hearing and symptoms. Your symptoms can disrupt your life, leading to a variety of non-auditory side effects. This may include anxiety, depression, sleep deprivation, decreased productivity, and feelings of isolation due to decreased socialization.
Annual tinnitus evaluations and treatment assessments ensure you explore the best options for your individual triggers. Recent treatment options and auditory technology are improving hearing and quality of life like never before.
If you live in or around Holmdel, New Jersey or Staten Island, New York—schedule your evaluation with Audiologist Dr. Stella Fulman. Dr. Fulman will advise on the most effective methods of minimizing triggers and managing symptoms.
