Forum and Message Board for Tinnitus Treatment Reviews and Discussion

Originally posted 04/26/2009:

Use of Zinc supplements for tinnitus is a common and easy treatment.  Zinc is an essential element the body needs for vital functions such as cell growth and division.  It is noted that zinc may play an important role in hearing function, although that exact role is not yet known.

Some limited studies with zinc have been performed looking at tinnitus with positive results.   However, from what I understand, such studies are very limited.  Here is a link to the study abstract:

http://www.otology-neurotology.com/pt/re/otoneuroto/abstract.00129492-200301000-00018.htm

I have personally used zinc supplements on and off over the past two years.  Nothing stands out in my memory as to zinc providing a strong positive response to my tinnitus.  On the other hand, I haven't used it continuously over a month or two as many suggest is needed.  If you are going to take zinc supplements for your tinnitus, especially over any long term time period, consulting with your doctor is recommended.

Any comments on your experience or results with zinc would be great.

4/27/2009 renoalaska wrote:

I have read where you are NOT supposed to take high doses of zinc for any long period of time. Zinc is what is in items like Cold-EEZ which is great to take for a couple of days if you feel a cold coming on as it will lessen the severity & length of your cold but it will not help if you have had the cold for a couple of days.
I don't remember exactly what it was but long term use of Zinc can cause some problems. I am not an expert on vitamins & minerals but I do know that sometimes to much is just as bad as too little. I would talk to a doctor before I would embark on this trail. Especially maybe a naturopathic doctor.

4/27/2009 Alan - Site Administrator wrote:

Renoalaska,

Your advice is good about consulting a doctor about zinc supplements for tinnitus.  In fact, this goes for all supplements.  I am going to post a link to the article I noted so everyone can read it.  In the study, the duration on zinc was 2 months   

4/28/2009 redplanet wrote:

Zinc is an excellent mineral to take for tinnitus. Every few days, stop the zinc and take a copper supplement. Zinc and copper are synergistic. You need more zinc than copper. Do not take a combined zinc/copper pill although plenty are out there. Consulting a doctor is a waste of money unless you know very specialized doctors who know how vitamins work therapeutically. Most know nothing and will say, "Well, it can't hurt you." or "It's a waste." Those are clues they don' know anything on the subject. Doctors like Julian Whitaker or Stephen Sinatra are exceptions.

Mandie:

Some scientists in Japan did an extensive study on the relationship between zinc deficiency and tinnitus.  The problem was found mostly in those over 65 years of age - for some reason as we get older our ability to absorb Zinc is diminished or perhaps we are not eating as well.

They have the zinc test - some dietary supplement stores offer a soluable tablet you place under your tongue for a moment - if you taste it - I think you don't need the zinc supplement - if you taste nothing - bingo - get some zinc - as you take the zinc supplement keep using those soluable tablets to make sure you are not over dosing.

I took zinc for a couple of months - no discernable difference - I have moderate hearing loss in the high frequencies -