A recent study published in Scientific Reports has discovered a connection between higher body fat, especially around the trunk, and tinnitus in men, challenging established beliefs about the risk factors for this condition.
Tinnitus, characterized by hearing non-existent noises, impacts approximately 15 percent of the global population.
Tinnitus and Body Fat
The research utilized data from 2,257 individuals participating in the ninth Korea National Health and Nutritional Examination Survey. This survey collects data on health, nutrition, and body composition nationwide.
The findings indicated that male participants with tinnitus, both acute and chronic, had a higher percentage of body fat across the arms, trunk, and legs, alongside larger waist circumferences. Men with chronic tinnitus specifically showed significant increases in trunk fat and waist size while having reduced leg muscle mass. These correlations were not observed in female participants.
Researchers applied WHO guidelines, defining obesity as having 25 percent body fat in men and 35 percent in women. The study suggested that tinnitus in males significantly correlates with their body composition, linking central obesity to chronic tinnitus and suggesting that monitoring central obesity might help early identification and management of cardiovascular risks in these individuals.
Additional Observations
The study also noted that tinnitus was more prevalent in men (12 percent) compared to women (7 percent), and those with tinnitus often had higher blood pressure and were more likely to experience dizziness. However, diabetes rates did not differ significantly between those with and without tinnitus. Individuals with tinnitus also scored higher on depression and anxiety tests, linking the condition to various health and lifestyle factors.
Understanding Tinnitus
Tinnitus can manifest as ringing, buzzing, or other sounds in one or both ears, with causes ranging from excessive caffeine or salt intake to more severe conditions like brain tumors, according to Suzanne Finkel, an audiologist and professor at Sacred Heart University.
There are three types of tinnitus:
- Subjective: Only the affected individual can hear the sounds.
- Objective: Sounds that can be detected during ear examinations.
- Pulsatile: A rhythmic noise that syncs with the heartbeat.
Common causes include age-related and noise-induced hearing loss, ear infections, earwax buildup, and certain medications.
Managing Tinnitus
Although tinnitus typically cannot be completely eliminated, management strategies are available. Suzanne Finkel advises consulting a physician for a proper diagnosis and hearing test. She mentions that while there are no pharmacological treatments for tinnitus approved by the FDA, other methods like sound therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), and the Veterans Affairs’ Progressive Tinnitus Management program can provide significant relief by masking symptoms and managing associated negative emotions.
