Research suggests that diet may play a significant role in the risk of developing tinnitus among women. A study published on December 17, 2025, in the American Journal of Epidemiology by Dr. Sharon G. Curhan and her team at Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston analyzed dietary patterns in two large cohorts comprising a total of 113,554 women.
The investigation utilized data from the Nurses’ Health Study (NHS), which spanned from 1984 to 2022 with 42,504 participants, and its subsequent study, NHS2, conducted from 1991 to 2021, involving 71,050 women. The researchers aimed to explore the long-term associations between dietary habits and the risk of developing persistent tinnitus, a condition characterized by a constant ringing or buzzing in the ears.
Findings indicated that while overall healthy diet adherence did not consistently lower the risk of tinnitus, certain dietary factors did show notable associations. Specifically, higher consumption of fruits was linked to a reduced risk of developing tinnitus across both cohorts. In contrast, increased intake of whole grains, legumes, and sugar-sweetened beverages (SSBs) correlated with a higher risk for the onset of tinnitus.
When examining the highest and lowest quintiles of dietary intake, the adjusted hazard ratios revealed significant differences:
– For fruit, the hazard ratio was 0.81, indicating a lower risk.
– For whole grains, it was 1.26, suggesting an increased risk.
– The ratios for legumes and SSBs were 1.13 and 1.12, respectively, also indicating a greater risk associated with higher intake.
The study’s results were consistent when considering a subcohort of women who had reported lifetime exposure to noise, reinforcing the association between diet and tinnitus risk.
Dr. Curhan and her colleagues emphasized the implications of their findings, stating, “This study provides compelling evidence that dietary intake can influence the development of persistent tinnitus.” Despite identifying certain foods that may contribute to an increased risk, the researchers advised against avoiding these items entirely, as they are typically part of a balanced diet.
As the research underscores the potential impact of dietary choices on health, it adds a new dimension to understanding tinnitus, a condition affecting millions. Further studies may be necessary to explore the mechanisms behind these associations and to determine specific dietary recommendations for women at risk of tinnitus.
In conclusion, this significant research highlights the importance of nutrition in health outcomes and invites further examination into how dietary habits can shape the risk of developing conditions such as tinnitus.
