Tinnitus and your stomach - Gut Brain Connection

Tinnitus has a strong, documented link to stomach health, particularly through Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD), which can cause acid to irritate the ear, increasing tinnitus risk by over 6 times. An unhealthy gut with inflammation can cause neural over-excitement via the vagus nerve, triggering tinnitus. 

Key Connections Between Stomach and Tinnitus:

• GERD and Acid Reflux: Acid from the stomach can flow back up and affect the middle ear, leading to inflammation and Eustachian tube dysfunction, which can cause buzzing or ringing in the ears.

• Significantly Higher Risk: Research indicates that patients with GERD are up to 6.65 times more likely to develop tinnitus.

• Inflammation and the "Gut-Brain" Axis: A "leaky gut" or gut inflammation can release molecules that cause neuroinflammation in the auditory cortex, contributing to tinnitus.

• Vagus Nerve Signaling: The vagus nerve acts as a direct connection, transmitting signals from an inflamed gut (or dysbiosis) to the brain, which can drive the auditory nerve excitement that causes tinnitus.

• Dietary Factors: High sugar intake, which can cause hyperinsulinemia, is associated with louder or more severe tinnitus. 

Management Strategies:

• Treating GERD: While some studies suggest treating GERD, others suggest that standard PPI medications may not significantly reduce the risk of developing tinnitus.

• Dietary Changes: Reducing inflammation in the gut through diet may help manage symptoms. 

If you suffer from chronic digestive issues, such as severe acid reflux, addressing these with a doctor might help manage associated hearing symptoms. 

• Why Your Gut May Be Behind Your Tinnitus (New Research)

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  Dec 11, 2024 — A new study conducted in South Korea revealed a strong link between gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and tinnitus (ringing i...

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  National Institutes of Health (NIH) | (.gov)