Research suggests that dietary choices may impact the risk of developing tinnitus in women. A study published online on December 17, 2025, in the *American Journal of Epidemiology* examined this association using data from two large cohorts comprising a total of 113,554 women. The research, led by Sharon G. Curhan, M.D. from Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston, focused on the longitudinal effects of dietary patterns on the development of persistent tinnitus.
The study utilized data from the Nurses’ Health Study (NHS) conducted from 1984 to 2022, which included 42,504 participants, and the NHS2, carried out from 1991 to 2021 with 71,050 participants. Researchers found that a higher intake of fruits was linked to a reduced risk of developing tinnitus across both cohorts. Conversely, increased consumption of whole grains, legumes, and sugar-sweetened beverages (SSBs) was associated with a greater risk of incident tinnitus.
Key Findings on Dietary Impact
The study’s findings revealed significant associations between specific food groups and tinnitus risk. For participants in the highest quintile of fruit intake, the pooled adjusted hazard ratio was 0.81, indicating a protective effect against tinnitus. In contrast, the ratios for those consuming high amounts of whole grains, legumes, and SSBs were 1.26, 1.13, and 1.12, respectively, suggesting an increased risk associated with these dietary choices.
The researchers also examined a subcohort of women for whom lifetime noise exposure data was available, and the results were consistent with the overall findings. In the words of the authors, “This study provides compelling evidence that dietary intake can influence the development of persistent tinnitus.”
Recommendations and Dietary Guidance
Despite the implications of this research, the authors caution against the blanket avoidance of certain foods that are generally considered part of a healthy diet. They emphasize that while some foods were identified as contributing to increased risk, these items are typically recommended for overall health.
The study underscores the importance of a balanced approach to diet and highlights the need for further research to understand the complex relationship between nutrition and health outcomes. As dietary patterns continue to be scrutinized for their long-term effects, this investigation adds a valuable perspective to the discussion surrounding tinnitus, a condition affecting millions worldwide.
This research is a significant step in understanding the dietary factors that may influence tinnitus risk, paving the way for future studies to explore interventions that could mitigate this common auditory condition.
