From the Guidelines
Vitamin E supplements are not known to cause tinnitus for most people, and there is no conclusive evidence to suggest a link between vitamin E supplementation and tinnitus. The most recent and highest quality study on the topic of vitamin E toxicity, published in 2022 1, does not mention tinnitus as a potential side effect of vitamin E supplementation. In fact, the study concludes that vitamin E, even in large supplemental oral doses of up to 3200 IU per day, causes no consistent adverse effects.
Some key points to consider when evaluating the relationship between vitamin E and tinnitus include:
- The recommended dietary allowance for vitamin E is about 15 mg (22.4 IU) daily for adults, which is much lower than the doses that may cause side effects 1.
- Tinnitus can be caused by numerous factors, including certain medications, hearing loss, ear infections, blood vessel disorders, or exposure to loud noises 1.
- If you're experiencing tinnitus and take vitamin E supplements, it's more likely that another factor is causing your symptoms.
- The American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery (AAO-HNS) clinical practice guideline for tinnitus recommends a comprehensive otologic examination, audiometric examination, and review of medical history and medications before imaging 1.
Overall, while vitamin E supplements may have potential benefits for hearing health, there is no evidence to suggest that they cause tinnitus, and any concerns about tinnitus should be evaluated by a healthcare provider to determine the underlying cause and recommend appropriate treatment options.
From the Research
Vitamin E Supplementation and Tinnitus
- There is no direct evidence in the provided studies to suggest that vitamin E supplementation can cause tinnitus 2, 3, 4, 5, 6.
- The studies primarily focus on the treatment of tinnitus using cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and do not mention vitamin E supplementation as a potential cause of tinnitus.
- The provided studies discuss various aspects of tinnitus treatment, including CBT, but do not explore the relationship between vitamin E supplementation and tinnitus.
Tinnitus Treatment
- Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a recognized treatment for tinnitus, aiming to reduce the negative response to tinnitus rather than eliminating the auditory perception itself 3, 4, 5, 6.
- Studies have shown that CBT can be effective in reducing tinnitus distress, improving quality of life, and addressing associated psychological conditions such as depression and anxiety 3, 4, 5.
- Internet-based CBT has also been found to be effective in reducing tinnitus distress and improving outcomes for individuals with tinnitus 5.