Is Tinnitus a Cause for Vitamin B-12 Deficiency?

A pilot study was conducted among 40 people, both men and women, in the age group of 18 to 60 years. The group had people suffering from chronic tinnitus for over six months (some had a sensorineural hearing loss and others did not). In 27.5 percent of the cases, tinnitus was present in both ears and in 72.5 percent cases, only one ear was affected by the condition.

Those participating in the study were placed into two groups (on a random basis). While 1 mL of intramuscular methylcobalamin (2,500 mcg) was given to the first group (once per week for six weeks), the second group was given 1 mL of intramuscular isotonic saline (once per week for six weeks). Neither the examiner nor the patient was aware of the treatment administered.

The key results included tinnitus matching, tone audiometry, vitamin B-12 analysis (pre and post treatment) as well as a self-report compiled with the help of a tinnitus severity testing questionnaire.

According to the analysis, 17 patients out of the total 40 had vitamin B-12 deficiency.

In the first group, those who suffered from a B12 deficiency demonstrated some progress in the average tinnitus severity index reading. At the same time, those in the first group who weren’t deficient in B12 and those in the second group who were given placebo, showed zero progress in the severity index reading.

There was a significant improvement in the patients from the first group with regards to tinnitus loudness post therapy. There was no major improvement in the patients from the second group.

Conclusion

It is important to understand that Vitamin B12 levels aren’t affected by Tinnitus alone. Other factors such as aging or nutritional deficiencies may also lead to low levels of Vitamin B-12 in the body. With aging, there is a reduction in the secretion of a specific compound, called intrinsic factor. This compound is responsible for the proper absorption of B12 in the body.

To Conclude, it is recommended that anyone over the age of 65, or a vegetarian at any age, with cobalamin – deficient tinnitus to take the active form of vitamin B12, methylcobalamin, at a dosage of 1,000 to 3,000 mcg daily. Note: this high dosage bypasses the need for intrinsic factor to aid absorption.

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