Association of 15 common dietary factors with tinnitus: a systematic review and meta-analysis of observational studies.

OBJECTIVE

A systematic analysis was conducted to investigate the association between tinnitus incidence and daily dietary patterns.

DESIGN

We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of observational studies.

DATA SOURCES

The PubMed, Embase, Web of Science and Cochrane Library databases were searched from their inception to 25 May 2024.

ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA FOR SELECTING STUDIES

We included observational studies from peer-reviewed English-language journals that examined tinnitus presence or severity in adults aged 18 years or older, including associated prevalence estimates.

DATA EXTRACTION AND SYNTHESIS

Data extraction was independently conducted by two evaluators, who assessed research bias using the Agency for Newcastle-Ottawa Scale and applied evidence classification criteria for aggregate grade strength assessment. This study adhered to the guidelines of the Preferred Reporting Project (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) and Meta-Analysis of Epidemiological Observational Studies, as well as the PROSPERO Registry protocols. A mixed-effect model combined maximum adjusted estimates, with heterogeneity measured using the I statistic. Sensitivity analysis validated the robustness of the analysis, and publication bias was assessed qualitatively and quantitatively.

RESULTS

A total of 10 retrospective studies were identified and included in this analysis, with the last eight studies incorporated into the meta-analysis. Fifteen dietary factors were examined. Fruit intake, dietary fibre, caffeine and dairy product consumption were negatively correlated with tinnitus incidence (OR=0.649 (95% CI 0.532, 0.793), p<0.0001), (OR=0.918 (95% CI 0.851, 0.990), p=0.03), (OR=0.898 (95% CI 0.862, 0.935), p<0.00001), (OR=0.827 (95% CI 0.766, 0.892), p<0.00001), respectively. A sensitivity analysis confirmed the robustness of the findings.

CONCLUSIONS

This systematic review and meta-analysis suggest a link between particular dietary elements and a lower incidence of tinnitus.

PROSPERO REGISTRATION NUMBER

CRD42023493856.

© Author(s) (or their employer(s)) 2025. Re-use permitted under CC BY-NC. No commercial re-use. See rights and permissions. Published by BMJ Group.