From the Guidelines
Clinicians should not recommend any dietary supplements, including Ginkgo biloba, melatonin, zinc, or other supplements, for treating patients with persistent, bothersome tinnitus. The current evidence, as stated in the clinical practice guideline: tinnitus executive summary 1, does not support the use of these supplements due to a lack of benefit and potential harm. When considering treatment options for tinnitus, it is essential to prioritize evidence-based approaches that focus on addressing underlying causes and managing symptoms effectively. Some key points to consider when evaluating treatment options for tinnitus include:
- The importance of consulting with a healthcare provider to discuss individualized treatment plans
- The need to address underlying causes of tinnitus, such as exposure to loud noise or related medical conditions
- The potential benefits of alternative therapies, such as sound therapy or cognitive behavioral therapy, in managing tinnitus symptoms. It is crucial to rely on the most recent and highest-quality evidence, such as the 2014 clinical practice guideline 1, to inform treatment decisions and ensure the best possible outcomes for patients with tinnitus.
From the Research
Supplements for Tinnitus
- There are no evidence-based supplements that have been proven to effectively treat tinnitus 2, 3, 4.
- Ginkgo biloba, melatonin, zinc, and other dietary supplements have been studied, but the evidence suggests they are not effective in reducing the severity of tinnitus 2, 3, 4.
- Some supplements, such as melatonin, may help with sleep disturbances, which can be associated with tinnitus 5, 4.
- The use of dietary supplements to treat tinnitus is common, but they are generally not effective and may produce adverse effects 4.
Treatment Options for Tinnitus
- Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is the only treatment that has been shown to improve quality of life in patients with tinnitus 2, 5, 6.
- Sound therapy and tinnitus retraining therapy are treatment options, but the evidence is inconclusive 5, 6.
- Hearing aids and cochlear implants may be effective for patients with tinnitus associated with hearing loss 6.
- Other treatment options, such as pharmacological treatment, neurofeedback, and brain stimulation, are being studied, but the evidence for their effectiveness varies considerably 6.