New research suggests your diet might be one of the easiest ways to protect your hearing
A new study suggests that certain dietary patterns are associated with a lower incidence of tinnitus – a common condition affecting millions worldwide – offering a fresh perspective on how our diets might influence hearing health.
Published in BMJ Open, the study involved a systematic review and meta-analysis across eight separate studies, which together involved over 301,000 adults aged 18 and older. Researchers looked at 15 dietary factors to understand how nutrition might be linked to tinnitus, a condition characterised by the persistent perception of ringing, buzzing or whooshing sounds in the absence of any external noise.
Tinnitus affects an estimated 740 million people globally, and while it is often manageable, there is no known cure. Management typically focuses on coping strategies such as sound therapy and hearing support, but these findings suggest that prevention through lifestyle changes, particularly diet, could play a more prominent role than previously thought.
Four protective food types identified
The researchers found that four types of food were associated with a lower risk of developing tinnitus. The most effective appeared to be fruit. Participants with the highest fruit intake were found to have a 35% lower risk of developing the condition. Antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds in fruit are thought to help protect delicate structures in the inner ear from oxidative stress, commonly known as “free radicals”.
Dairy products also showed promise, with a 17% risk reduction likely tied to calcium and vitamin D, which are both essential for nerve function and cellular repair. Caffeine, long suspected of exacerbating tinnitus, was surprisingly linked to a 10% lower risk, thought to possibly influence neurotransmitters and the sympathetic nervous system. Nevertheless, the relationship between caffeine intake and tinnitus remains a debated subject in current research.
Finally, fibre – especially from whole grains, legumes and vegetables – was linked to an 8% reduction in risk, reinforcing existing evidence that good cardiovascular health supports optimal auditory function.
Why hearing specialists are taking notice
The findings have been welcomed by hearing health professionals. “This study provides valuable insights into how our dietary choices might impact auditory health,” said Micaela Stonestreet, a Clinical Audiologist at Hearology® with a special interest in tinnitus. “We advocate for a holistic approach to hearing care and tinnitus management, which includes not only lifestyle considerations like diet but also regular maintenance of your ears and hearing.”
Stonestreet added that taking early, preventative steps is far more effective than waiting until problems become disruptive. “We see people every day whose symptoms – including tinnitus – could have been alleviated much sooner through a proper hearing assessment or earwax removal.
Blocked ears are one of the most common and overlooked causes of hearing difficulty and, indeed, tinnitus, yet are so easily treated. That being said, it is important to consider the quality of any new research and look at it with a discerning eye. Whilst this is a very interesting systematic analysis from a trusted source, the researchers themselves have indicated that their findings should be interpreted with caution.”
Why aftercare matters
Hearing doesn’t deteriorate overnight. It usually declines gradually, and many people adapt without realising the strain they are under, or the potential damage being caused. That’s why the Hearology® team places such emphasis on regular ear health checks, not just for older adults but for anyone using headphones extensively, struggling with blocked ears or noticing even mild tinnitus.
“Hearing is like any other sense,” Stonestreet said. “We check our eyes, our teeth, our blood pressure. Hearing deserves the same attention. A quick hearing test or an ear health check can restore clarity and prevent bigger issues further down the line.”
Part of a bigger picture
While healthy dietary choices may offer benefits, they work best as part of a wider approach to ear health. That includes avoiding excessive noise exposure, managing stress and monitoring hearing. And for those experiencing persistent tinnitus or changes in hearing, the advice is simple: don’t ignore it, and don’t wait.
Further reading:
Association of 15 common dietary factors with tinnitus – BMJ Open study detailing the link between diet and tinnitus risk
How could dietary choices lower the risk of tinnitus? – Medical News Today article exploring the findings in plain language
Tinnitus Mayo Clinic – Mayo Clinic guide to tinnitus symptoms, causes and lifestyle management
