Zinc to Treat Tinnitus in the Elderly

Zinc to Treat Tinnitus in the Elderly: A Randomized Placebo Controlled Crossover Trial.

There is widespread belief and some evidence to indicate that zinc can successfully treat tinnitus. Zinc deficiency is more likely to occur in the elderly . The primary objective of this study is to establish the effectiveness of zinc for the treatment of tinnitus in individuals 60 years of age and older. Subjects will be randomly assigned to either receive zinc daily or a placebo. After 4 months and a 1-month wash-out, the subjects will be crossed over to the other group.

There is widespread belief and some evidence to indicate that zinc can successfully treat tinnitus. Zinc deficiency is more likely to occur in the elderly . The primary objective of this study is to establish the effectiveness of zinc for the treatment of tinnitus in individuals 60 years of age and older. Subjects will be randomly assigned to either receive zinc daily or a placebo. After 4 months and a 1-month wash-out, the subjects will be crossed over to the other group. 116 patients were tested. Tinnitus loudness and the Tinnitus Handicap Questionnaire are the outcome measures.

Inclusion Criteria:

• 60 years of age or older
• Tinnitus for 6 months or more
• Normal copper levels
• Be generally healthy

Exclusion Criteria:

• Have a treatable otological disorder
• Involved in litigation
• Have or are suspected of having a serious psychiatric problem
• Involved in other treatments for tinnitus
• Are taking drugs which might interact with zinc and result in tinnitus
• Have copper deficiency
• Have Zinc levels above normal
• Are cognitively impaired.