Tinnitus is largely an idiopathic condition. In other words, what caused Tinnitus is very difficult or impossible to determine. But, research seems to have found a link between vitamin B12 deficiency and Tinnitus.
To understand how vitamin B12 and Tinnitus might be connected, one needs to understand the role of Vitamin B12 in the body. This vitamin supports the production of red blood cells. It is also involved in aiding the release of energy from the foods that we consume.
Now, red blood cells are what carry oxygen in the blood, to various organs in the body. Your ears rely on oxygen as the only nutrient that helps them function. Vitamin B12 deficiency will therefore not allow for enough oxygen to reach your ears. As a result, your ears are compromised. Studies have also shown that chronic Vitamin B12 deficiencies also lead to what is called a demyelination of nerves in the brain’s auditory cortex. Demyelination is a scientific equivalent of the word fraying. So, without sufficient Vitamin B12 levels, your auditory nerves begin to fray. This can then cause several problems with your auditory functioning, resulting in symptoms such as hearing loss or Tinnitus.
A small group of people in a study were given Vitamin B12 supplementation for a period of 6 weeks. After this period, all of them who were suffering from Tinnitus reported an improvement (relief) in their symptoms.
So, if you are suffering from Tinnitus, should you start taking a Vitamin B12 supplement? You first have to evaluate your vitamin b12 levels. You are more likely to be deficient if you are a vegan or vegetarian or are over 60 years old.
Other common symptoms that might indicate a Vitamin B12 deficiency are chronic fatigue, dizziness, faint feeling, palpitations, unexplained loss of appetite or irritability or memory problems.
Even if you have all the above symptoms, it is recommended that you get your blood work done and also talk to your doctor before jumping on a supplement. Please also know that Vitamin B12 is not a miracle cure. In many cases, it will only allow for a small improvement in the way you experience Tinnitus symptoms. But, it can prevent a further deterioration or intensification of your Tinnitus in the long run.
Besides Vitamin B12, vitamin D, Magnesium and folate levels have also all been linked to Tinnitus or ringing in the ears. If you are in the habit of taking routine precautionary blood work, you can show such reports to your Doctor to try to correlate deficiencies with your Tinnitus. A good doctor should be able to make at least a plausible connection between your blood work and your Tinnitus.