Tinnitus has multiple potential causes and no reliable supplement cure. Some ingredients may modestly reduce symptom severity or support auditory health, particularly for noise-induced or age-related changes.
- Ginkgo biloba (120–240 mg EGb 761/day): Mixed evidence. Meta-analyses show small benefit for some tinnitus subtypes; no benefit in others. Safe to trial for 12 weeks.
- Zinc (15–30 mg/day): Correcting deficiency may improve cochlear function in some users.
- Magnesium (200–400 mg glycinate): Protects against noise-induced hearing loss in occupational studies.
- N-acetyl cysteine (NAC, 600 mg 2x/day): Antioxidant, may protect against noise damage and age-related hearing loss.
- Alpha-lipoic acid (300–600 mg/day): Antioxidant support for cochlear cells.
- B12 (methylcobalamin, 1000 mcg/day): Important in tinnitus patients with subclinical B12 deficiency.
- Products claiming to cure tinnitus — none are proven
- "Hearing restoration" supplements implying reversal of sensorineural loss
- Proprietary tinnitus blends with hidden doses
- Products suggesting audiologist care isn't needed
Ingredient specificity (EGb 761 Ginkgo vs generic ginkgo), dose adequacy, safety for combination with medications, and clear framing that supplements may ease symptoms but don't reverse hearing loss. Audiologist referral language is a plus.