Do dietary supplements help with tinnitus?

Some supplements are specifically marketed to help with tinnitus and circulatory problems. It is not certain whether they are actually effective. We recommend consulting a doctor, nutritionist, or naturopath before taking them to identify any individual deficiencies.

What is the difference between dietary supplements and medications?

Legally speaking, dietary supplements are considered food, not medicines. They are not subject to mandatory testing for safety and efficacy, there are no maximum limits for their production, and overdoses are possible. However, an EU directive regulates which ingredients may be used.

How do I find the right dietary supplement for my hearing?

There is a wide variety of options available—from pharmacies to drugstores to discount stores. Before making a purchase, you should do your research and, ideally, consult a doctor, nutritionist, or alternative practitioner to identify any specific nutritional deficiencies.

What to Do About Hearing Problems—Are Dietary Supplements Enough?

Dietary supplements are a supplement, not a substitute. If you have hearing difficulties, we recommend first and foremost that you have your hearing professionally evaluated—for example, by taking a hearing test at a hearing care professional near you.

Dietary Supplements for the Ear

Q: Which vitamins are good for your ears?

Vitamins A, C, and E, as well as beta-carotene, support hearing. They are found primarily in animal products such as liver and eggs, as well as in spinach, broccoli, lamb's lettuce, and carrots.

The Most Important Points at a Glance

Vitamins such as A, C, and E, as well as beta-carotene, can support hearing—dietary supplements help make up for any deficiencies when diet alone is not enough.
Unlike medications, dietary supplements are not required to undergo safety and efficacy testing, which is why overdoses are possible and it is essential to follow the dosage instructions.
Dietary supplements are meant to complement, not replace—anyone who notices hearing problems should first consult a hearing care professional or doctor and use supplements only after receiving personalized professional advice.

In our previous article,“What You Eat Affects Your Hearing,” we took a closer look at which foods are good for our hearing. These include, among others, foods high in vitamins B3, C, and E, as well as minerals such as iron, potassium, and sodium.

Now there are more and more dietary supplements on the market designed to help us make up for deficiencies in vitamins and minerals—after all, who can eat an enormous amount of fish, meat, vegetables, and fruit in a single day?

Which vitamins are good for your ears?

These include vitamins A, C, and E, as well as beta-carotene, which are found primarily in animal products such as liver and eggs, as well as in spinach, broccoli, lamb's lettuce, and carrots. These foods are ideal for supporting our ears.

But what's worth it, and what's better to skip?

These days, dietary supplements are available at pharmacies, drugstores, and even discount stores. There are numerous manufacturers—both large and small—that advertise countless products, such as Hörfit or Hörkraft capsules. In addition, there are at least as many advice websites and online stores.

True to the saying “Too much choice is a curse,” it becomes difficult to find the right product for yourself.

Of course, you could simply buy everypossible supplement for every potential deficiency on a trial basis, figuring that something among them is bound to help. But who would have guessed: not only is this expensive, it also makes very little sense.

In the “Bärbel Drexel” online store, we came across the following product: “Ohr Relax & Vital.” These are tablets made from various herbal blends, magnesium, zinc, and vitamins A, D, and E—all natural ingredients designed to strengthen hearing and reduce ringing in the ears. Incidentally, the product is advertised as having a positive effect on microcirculation and the nervous system. The whole thing costs around 20 euros and lasts just under a month at a dose of four tablets a day.

Slightly more expensive, however, are the 60 ginkgo hearing tablets called “Hör-Kraft Pro” by Dr. Hittich. According to the manufacturer, they’re used to treat hearing disorders, particularly tinnitus and circulatory problems, and cost around 50 euros. The product is marketed for its special natural ingredients, such as ginkgo phospholipid complex, alpha-lipoic acid, and acetyl-L-carnitine, which promote healthy blood flow. The improved supply of nutrients and oxygen is thus intended to provide powerful support for hearing. This package also lasts for one month.

Sanct Bernhard’s “Hörfit Capsules” also contain the natural ingredient ginkgo. They also include vitamin B12, niacin, and biotin, as well as vitamin C, zinc, and selenium. In addition to promoting blood circulation, these capsules are designed to strengthen the nerve cells in the ear that are responsible for transmitting signals to the relevant areas of the brain. The price for a two-month supply of 120 capsules is around 15 euros.

Whether the examples mentioned are truly effective remains to be seen. Very important: Before you decide on a specific supplement, it’s advisable to do your research thoroughly. Ideally, consult a doctor, nutritionist, or naturopath to determine your individual deficiencies, if any.

Dietary supplements are foods, not medicines

“Dietary supplements are like medications.” That’s clearly a misconception! But what’s the difference? Dietary supplements aren’t necessarily tested for safety and effectiveness. This means, for example, that there are no maximum limits for their production. As a result, overdoses can occur, which in turn can increase the risk of illness. It’s quite ironic when you consider that the original intention was actually to do yourself some good.

Fortunately, there is an EU directive that at least regulates which ingredients may be used. So it’s important to be cautious and follow the dosage instructions on the packaging. In addition, the Federal Association of Consumer Centers offers comprehensive guidance on its website.

Our Conclusion

Ultimately, everyone must decide for themselves whether dietary supplements are appropriate. Ideally, always consult a specialist to receive a personalized regimen. However, it’s important to remember: These supplements are meant to be just that—supplements—and not a substitute! If you notice hearing loss in yourself or a loved one, we recommend first and foremost getting a professional hearing evaluation—for example, by taking a hearing test at a hearing care professional near you.