Hearing HarborMedical note: This page is educational and is not medical advice. Tinnitus and hearing changes can have medical causes. Sudden hearing loss, tinnitus with neurologic symptoms, or other urgent symptoms should be evaluated promptly by a healthcare professional.
Clinical-guideline position
The AAO-HNSF guideline recommends that clinicians not recommend ginkgo biloba, melatonin, zinc or other dietary supplements for persistent, bothersome tinnitus. A German chronic-tinnitus guideline likewise gives a strong recommendation to omit food supplements because proven efficacy has not been established.
Why testimonials are not enough
Tinnitus can fluctuate, differ by cause and vary in how much it bothers a person. A testimonial cannot establish whether improvement resulted from a supplement, natural variation, another intervention or expectation effects.
What has stronger guideline support?
For persistent bothersome tinnitus, the AAO-HNSF guideline recommends education and counseling, hearing-aid evaluation when hearing loss is documented, and cognitive behavioral therapy. Sound therapy may be offered.