Can Supplements Cause Tinnitus? A Review of Potential Links

October 5, 2025 •

4 min read

Affecting over 50 million American adults, tinnitus is the perception of sound with no external source [1.4.1]. While many factors contribute to this condition, a key question for many is: can supplements cause tinnitus?

Quick Summary

Certain dietary supplements, particularly at high dosages, may induce or worsen tinnitus by affecting the inner ear. Key culprits include salicylates, quinine, and excessive amounts of certain vitamins, though individual sensitivity varies greatly.

Key Points

Ototoxicity is Key: Certain supplements can be 'ototoxic,' meaning they can damage the delicate structures of the inner ear and potentially cause tinnitus [1.3.3].
Dosage Matters Greatly: The risk of developing tinnitus from a supplement is often linked to high doses, not standard recommended amounts [1.5.2].
Known Culprits: Quinine and high levels of salicylates (aspirin-like compounds) are well-documented ototoxic substances that can be found in supplements and induce tinnitus [1.10.4, 1.11.4].
Vitamins Can Be Risky: While vitamin deficiencies (like B12) are linked to tinnitus, excessively high doses of vitamins A, D, and B3 (Niacin) can also trigger it [1.2.2, 1.5.2].
Herbal Irony: Ginkgo Biloba is often promoted for tinnitus relief, but it can paradoxically worsen symptoms in some individuals [1.6.3].
Individual Sensitivity Varies: Not everyone who takes a potentially ototoxic supplement will experience tinnitus; personal sensitivity plays a large role [1.2.1].
Consult a Professional: If you suspect a supplement is causing your tinnitus, consult a doctor or audiologist before stopping or starting any new regimen [1.7.3].

The Unexpected Link: Supplements and Auditory Health

Tinnitus, often described as a ringing, buzzing, or hissing in the ears, is a complex condition with numerous potential causes, including hearing loss and noise exposure [1.4.1, 1.4.5]. While many people turn to supplements to enhance their health, it's crucial to understand that these products are not without potential side effects. The relationship between supplements and tinnitus is multifaceted; some may offer protective benefits, while others can trigger or exacerbate the condition [1.2.1, 1.8.1]. This is often related to a principle known as ototoxicity, where a substance can cause damage to the inner ear or auditory nerve [1.3.3]. The risk is frequently tied to high doses, highlighting the importance of moderation and medical guidance [1.5.2].

Understanding Ototoxicity and its Mechanisms

Ototoxicity is damage to the ear caused by a toxin [1.3.3]. While typically associated with prescription medications like certain antibiotics and chemotherapy drugs, some components found in supplements can have similar effects [1.5.5]. These substances can harm the delicate hair cells in the cochlea, which are responsible for translating sound vibrations into nerve signals for the brain to interpret [1.3.1]. Damage to these cells can lead to hearing loss and tinnitus. The mechanisms by which supplements might cause tinnitus include altering blood flow to the inner ear, directly affecting auditory nerve function, or interacting with neurotransmitters involved in hearing [1.2.1].

Vitamins and Minerals: A Double-Edged Sword

The role of vitamins and minerals in tinnitus is complex, as both deficiencies and excessive intake have been implicated. For instance, deficiencies in Vitamin B12 and Vitamin D have been linked to a higher risk of tinnitus [1.2.3, 1.5.2]. Conversely, taking excessively high doses of certain vitamins can be ototoxic.

High-Dose Vitamins: Excessive supplementation with Vitamin A (over 10,000 IU daily), Vitamin D (over 4,000 IU daily), and even Vitamin B12 in sensitive individuals may trigger or worsen tinnitus symptoms [1.5.2].
Niacin (Vitamin B3): Doses above 500 mg can cause temporary flushing and tinnitus due to vasodilation (widening of blood vessels) [1.2.2].
Salicylates: These aspirin-like compounds are found naturally in many plants and can be concentrated in herbal supplements. High doses of salicylates are well-known to be ototoxic, inducing temporary tinnitus and hearing loss by affecting the function of outer hair cells in the cochlea and altering neural activity in the brain's auditory centers [1.10.4].
Calcium and Iron: One large-scale study found that higher dietary intakes of calcium and iron were associated with increased odds of having tinnitus [1.2.4].

Herbal Supplements and Other Compounds

Herbal remedies and other common supplements also carry a potential risk of inducing tinnitus.

Ginkgo Biloba: Ironically, Ginkgo Biloba is often marketed as a treatment for tinnitus. While some studies suggest it may help, others indicate it can worsen the condition for some individuals [1.6.3].
Quinine: This compound, found in Cinchona bark and sometimes in supplements or tonic water, is a known ototoxin and has been shown to induce tinnitus in both humans and animal models [1.2.1, 1.11.4].
Caffeine: While not a traditional supplement, caffeine is a common ingredient in energy-boosting products like guarana and green tea extract. In sensitive individuals, it may exacerbate tinnitus symptoms [1.6.3].
St. John's Wort and Goldenseal: These herbs can cause significant drug interactions and should be used with caution, especially by those on other medications [1.6.3].

Comparison Table: Potential Tinnitus Triggers vs. Potentially Helpful Supplements

It's important to note that while some supplements may pose a risk, others are being studied for their potential benefits in supporting auditory health or managing tinnitus, often by addressing deficiencies [1.7.3, 1.8.1].


Supplement/Compound	Potential Risk for Tinnitus (Often at High Doses)	Potential Benefit for Tinnitus (Often for Deficiencies)
Salicylates	Well-documented ototoxicity, causing temporary tinnitus [1.10.4].	N/A
Quinine	Known to be ototoxic and can induce tinnitus [1.11.4].	N/A
Ginkgo Biloba	Can worsen tinnitus in some individuals [1.6.3].	Some studies suggest it may improve symptoms [1.6.2, 1.6.4].
High-Dose Vitamins (A, D, B12)	Can contribute to or worsen tinnitus symptoms [1.5.2].	Correcting a deficiency in B12 or D may help reduce tinnitus [1.2.5, 1.7.3].
Magnesium	Excessive doses may contribute to symptoms [1.2.1].	Some studies indicate it may lessen tinnitus severity by protecting inner ear hair cells [1.3.1].
Zinc	Excessive doses may contribute to symptoms [1.2.1].	Correcting a zinc deficiency may improve tinnitus symptoms [1.5.3, 1.6.4].
Caffeine	Can exacerbate symptoms in sensitive individuals [1.6.3].	N/A

What to Do If You Suspect a Supplement is Causing Tinnitus

If you develop new or worsening tinnitus after starting a supplement, it is crucial to act methodically and consult a professional.

Do not stop abruptly: Before making any changes, especially with multiple supplements, it's best to seek medical advice.
Consult a healthcare provider: Speak with your doctor or an audiologist. They can help you evaluate potential causes and rule out other medical issues.
Keep a detailed log: Note all the supplements you take, their dosages, and the timeline of your tinnitus symptoms. This information is invaluable for identifying a potential trigger.
Discuss a supervised 'washout' period: Your doctor may recommend stopping a specific, non-essential supplement under their supervision to see if the tinnitus resolves [1.2.1]. Tinnitus induced by supplements is often temporary and can resolve once the substance is discontinued [1.2.1].

Conclusion

The evidence clearly shows that the answer to 'Can supplements cause tinnitus?' is yes. While many supplements are safe when taken at recommended doses, high concentrations of certain vitamins, minerals, and herbal compounds can be ototoxic. Salicylates and quinine are prominent examples of supplement ingredients with a known link to tinnitus. The effect is often dose-dependent and varies between individuals. Given that some supplements like zinc, magnesium, and B12 may actually be beneficial for those with deficiencies, it is essential to approach supplementation with caution and knowledge. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting or stopping any supplement, especially if you have or are at risk for tinnitus. For more information, you can visit the American Tinnitus Association [1.9.1].

Frequently Asked Questions

In many cases, tinnitus induced by a supplement is temporary and may resolve after the supplement is discontinued under a doctor's guidance [1.2.1]. However, this is not guaranteed and depends on the substance and individual.

Excessively high doses of Vitamin A, Vitamin D, and Niacin (Vitamin B3) have been reported to cause or worsen tinnitus. Ironically, deficiencies in other vitamins, like B12, can also be a factor [1.5.2].

The best way is to work with a healthcare provider. They may suggest a supervised 'washout' period, where you stop one supplement at a time to see if symptoms improve. Keeping a detailed log of your intake and symptoms is also helpful [1.2.1].

The evidence for most 'tinnitus relief' supplements is limited and often anecdotal. While some users report improvement, a 2016 guideline from the American Academy of Otolaryngology recommended against using most dietary supplements to treat tinnitus due to a lack of strong evidence [1.8.3, 1.8.4].

While high doses might contribute to symptoms in some cases, both magnesium and zinc deficiencies have also been linked to tinnitus. These minerals are often studied for their potential protective effects on hearing, so their role is complex [1.3.1, 1.5.3].

Yes, caffeine, often found in supplements like guarana or green tea extract, can exacerbate tinnitus symptoms in people who are sensitive to its effects [1.6.3].

Ototoxic medications are prescription or over-the-counter drugs known to have a risk of ear damage [1.5.5]. Ototoxic supplements contain high concentrations of natural compounds (like salicylates or quinine) that can cause similar harm to the auditory system [1.10.4, 1.11.4].