Research has revealed that dietary habits may play a significant role in the risk of developing tinnitus among women. A study published on December 17, 2023, in the American Journal of Epidemiology examined this association, drawing data from two extensive cohorts comprising a total of 113,554 women. The research team, led by Dr. Sharon G. Curhan of Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston, aimed to identify the long-term dietary patterns linked to persistent tinnitus.
The study analyzed data from the Nurses’ Health Study (NHS), which ran from 1984 to 2022, involving 42,504 participants, and NHS2, conducted from 1991 to 2021 with 71,050 participants. The researchers investigated how different dietary choices correlated with the onset of tinnitus over time.
While the overall adherence to healthy dietary patterns did not show a consistent reduction in tinnitus risk, certain specific food groups were found to have a more pronounced effect. Increased consumption of fruits was linked to a reduced risk of developing tinnitus in both cohorts. In contrast, higher intakes of whole grains, legumes, and sugar-sweetened beverages (SSBs) were associated with an increased risk.
For the highest and lowest quintiles of intake, the study reported adjusted hazard ratios indicating significant associations: 0.81 for fruit, 1.26 for whole grains, 1.13 for legumes, and 1.12 for SSBs. These findings remained consistent in a subcohort of women for whom lifetime noise exposure data was available.
Implications of Dietary Choices
The authors of the study emphasized the importance of these findings, stating, “This study provides compelling evidence that dietary intake can influence the development of persistent tinnitus.” They noted that while certain foods linked to increased risk are often recommended as part of a healthy diet, they do not advocate for the elimination of these foods from one’s diet at this stage.
The research highlights the complex relationship between nutrition and hearing health, suggesting that dietary modifications could potentially impact women at risk for tinnitus. As this area of study evolves, further investigation may be warranted to explore how specific dietary interventions could mitigate the risk of this condition.
This study contributes to the growing body of literature exploring the influence of lifestyle factors on health outcomes, particularly in women. With tinnitus affecting millions globally, understanding its risk factors could lead to more effective prevention strategies.
