A little more than a year ago, we addressed the condition of tinnitus, the ringing in the ears experienced by as many as 25 million US adults with no known cure. Tinnitus is the #1 disability for service members returning from active duty, and it’s estimated that 16 million people seek medical help each year for the condition. Tinnitus can occur in one ear or both ears, and while there are no cures, there are treatments that do help some people, including sound masking and cognitive behavioral therapy. The experience of dealing with tinnitus can be short term or longer, and it may be a constant presence or come on only occasionally. It’s often more present during quiet times and appears to be linked with feelings of stress. For a good overview of the condition, take off your headphones and look here, and for one person’s story of coping with an almost life-long battle with tinnitus, click here.

It’s thought that there are several possible causes of tinnitus, including hearing loss, high blood pressure, thyroid conditions, and diabetes. Several medications are also thought to bring it on, including aspirin, antibiotics, and chemotherapy. While some “natural remedies” may provide some relief, the ultimate resolution of the condition is very dependent on the cause, which is not always known. One interesting cause has recently been studied by researchers. Published in Frontiers, this study found an association between the Moderna and Pfizer COVID-19 vaccines and the onset or worsening of tinnitus. Apparently, with the rise in cases of COVID internationally, there has also been a rise in reports of tinnitus, and this association has been most prevalent in older age groups, including those aged 51 and older. Further research needs to be done to discern whether these COVID-19 vaccines could be triggering the appearance or worsening symptoms of tinnitus. Another recent study has also found a high association between tinnitus and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).

But perhaps the most interesting new research comes from a study just published in BMJ Open. The study is the most comprehensive study of the connection between food and tinnitus ever undertaken, and the results may surprise you. According to this research, several food categories may convey protective benefits for lowering the risk of being afflicted with tinnitus. The most important foods to consume to lower your risk of tinnitus are fruit (associated with a 35% lower risk), dairy (a 17% lower risk), fiber (a 9% lower risk), and caffeine (a 10% lower risk). While this study is no guarantee, and further research needs to be undertaken to better understand the link between diet and tinnitus, it does appear that these good groups convey certain benefits, including anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. So slice up an apple, pour a glass of milk, and read more here.