Antioxidant Therapy in Idiopathic Tinnitus: Preliminary Outcomes

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17416295

Antioxidant therapy in idiopathic tinnitus: preliminary outcomes.

Abstract

BACKGROUND:
Reactive oxygen species (ROS) play an important role in several pathogenic processes, damaging various structural and functional cellular components. The endothelium is at major risk of radical-induced lesions and this damage is most manifest in microcirculation. It has been recently observed that ROS are implicated in the pathology of the inner ear and the peripheral and central pathways. In a previous study we detected high serum values of ROS in subjects with idiopathic tinnitus. The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the validity of antioxidant treatment in tinnitus sufferers with high ROS values.

METHODS:
The study considered 31 consecutive patients with unilateral idiopathic tinnitus. The mean pure tone audiometric threshold (PTA), tinnitus loudness, subjective disturbance level [visual analogue scale (VAS) determination], and the indirect ROS dosage 48 h before and after medical treatment were evaluated. Patients underwent an 18-week oral treatment with a mix of phospholipids and vitamins (glycerophosphorylcholine, glycerophosphorylethanolamine, beta-carotene, vitamin C, vitamin E).

RESULTS:
ROS levels were significantly reduced following antioxidant treatment (malonaldehyde: 2.10 vs. 1.98 mumol/dL, p = 0.003; 4-hydroxynonenal: 2.36 vs. 2.16 mumol/dL, p = 0.002) In addition, great improvement was observed in the reduction of tinnitus (VAS and tinnitus loudness evaluations). No significant changes in audiometric threshold occurred.

CONCLUSIONS:
Oral antioxidant therapy in patients with idiopathic tinnitus seems to reduce the subjective discomfort and tinnitus intensity and may be considered as an additional treatment modality.

 

Thanks for all the great information. I have read much of this information since giving myself noise induced tinnitus. I think my good progression after almost 120 days with tinnitus can be attributed to the the antioxidants and supplements I started to take within three days of onset. I started NAC within three days of onset, and took for almost three months everyday. I have stopped taking daily, but take when pressure builds in my ears. Within an hour or so, it relieves the pressure.

I have good days and bad days as most of us do. But I believe I am still healing and getting better as a result of posts like this one. Newbies, pay attention and start the antioxidants as soon as possible. Acetyl-L-Carnitine and B12 made my ears buzz, but Melatonin, Magnesium, Fish Oil with DHA, red wine, dark chocolate, I have consumed with no problems.

Thanks for continuing the search for such valuable information. Maybe one day we will find the magical concoction that will cure this infernal racquet! And by the way Calin, I am still wearing my far infrared cap as I type! Keep up the great work!

 

I found this about antioxidants.
Can apelin play a role in the etiology of tinnitus?

 

For those who are interested in antioxidants, here is a summary.