Can magnesium cure tinnitus?
Probably not. In a dummy-pill trial, tinnitus eased just as much on the fake pill. So why do people say magnesium cured theirs? One NHS line helps explain it.
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Can magnesium cure tinnitus?
Probably not. The fairest test we could find is a small trial at the Mayo Clinic in the US. People took 532 mg of magnesium a day for 25 days, and a dummy pill for 25 days, in random order.
Neither they nor the researchers knew which pill was which. On a distress score out of 10, tinnitus eased by about a third of a point on both. The results are posted on the US trial register.
| Pill | Score before (out of 10) | Score after 25 days |
|---|---|---|
| Magnesium, 532 mg a day | 5.71 | 5.36 |
| Dummy pill | 5.82 | 5.46 |
A second score, out of 100, rates how much tinnitus gets in the way of daily life. It fell slightly on both pills.
The trial was small and short: 38 people started and 28 were counted in the results. But it gives no sign that magnesium beats a dummy pill. Tinnitus UK rates the evidence for magnesium as limited.
Your next step: if you still want to try it, keep under the NHS limit further down.
Why did magnesium seem to cure my tinnitus?
Here’s that NHS line: tinnitus “may get better by itself”. Start magnesium the week it begins to fade, and magnesium gets the credit.
It’s like pressing the lift button again just as the doors open. The doors were opening anyway.
So feeling better on magnesium can’t tell you whether magnesium did it. Only a fair test against a dummy pill can.
The first magnesium study had no dummy pill. Of 26 people who took 532 mg a day for 3 months, 19 finished. Their scores fell, but nobody could say how much would have fallen anyway.
Still hearing it most days, whatever you take? The NHS says to see a GP if you have tinnitus regularly or all the time.
Is it safe to try magnesium for tinnitus?
Usually, at the right amount. The NHS says 400mg or less a day from supplements is unlikely to cause any harm. More than 400mg for a short time can cause diarrhoea.
- 400 mg a day or belowNHS: unlikely to cause any harm.
- Above 400 mg a dayMore than 400mg can cause diarrhoea.
Source: NHS: magnesium
The trial amount of 532 mg is above that line. In the trial, 3 of 38 people had diarrhoea on magnesium, and none on the dummy pill.
Men aged 19 to 64 need 300mg a day and women 270mg. The NHS says a varied diet should give you all you need. Spinach, nuts and wholemeal bread are good sources.
Magnesium supplements can interact with some medicines. Tinnitus UK suggests talking to your GP before you start any new supplement. Never stop or change a prescribed medicine without your prescriber.
More on doses: can you take too much magnesium? and which magnesium to take.
Could low magnesium cause tinnitus?
It’s not proven. Tinnitus UK says blood magnesium levels are lower in people with tinnitus than in the general population. That’s a link, not proof of a cause.
Although the evidence is limited, it says some people at risk of low magnesium may wish to take a supplement, after talking to their GP.
The NHS links tinnitus to other causes too. These include some form of hearing loss and Ménière’s disease, a condition of the inner ear. Diabetes, thyroid problems, multiple sclerosis (a condition that affects the brain and nerves), anxiety and depression are on the list too.
So are some medicines. The NHS names some cancer medicines (chemotherapy), antibiotics, anti-inflammatory painkillers (NSAIDs) and aspirin. Never stop or change a prescribed medicine without your prescriber.
Wondering about your level? See signs of low magnesium and the magnesium blood test.
What does help tinnitus?
Six NHS ways to cope with tinnitus
- Try to relax. Deep breathing or yoga may help.
- Stick to a bedtime routine and cut down on caffeine to help you sleep.
- Avoid things that can make it worse, such as stress or loud background noises.
- Avoid total silence. Soft music or sounds (sound therapy) may distract you.
- Take your mind off it with hobbies, as focusing on it can make it worse.
- Join a support group. The Tinnitus UK free helpline is 0800 018 0527.
Source: NHS: tinnitus
What usually happens at the GP
- 1
Ear check
Looks for things they can treat, like an ear infection or earwax.
- 2
Hearing check
May check for hearing loss. If you have it, hearing aids may be recommended.
- 3
Specialist
You may be referred for more tests and treatment.
- 4
Talking therapy
Usually digital CBT first, if the cause is unknown or can’t be treated.
Sources: NHS: tinnitus; NICE NG155
CBT (cognitive behavioural therapy) is a talking therapy. It aims to change the way you think about your tinnitus and cut anxiety. Digital CBT runs through an app or website.
Have hearing loss as well? See what hearing aids can do. Your next step tonight: pick one change from the list.
When to speak to a GP
The NHS says to see a GP if:
- You have tinnitus regularly or all the time.
- Your tinnitus is getting worse.
- It’s bothering you. For example, it affects your sleep or concentration, or makes you feel anxious and depressed.
- Your tinnitus beats in time with your pulse. Ask for an urgent appointment.
Tinnitus after a head injury, or with sudden hearing loss, weak face muscles or a spinning feeling (vertigo): go to A&E or call 999. Don’t drive yourself.
Tinnitus making you think about ending your life? Tell a doctor now. NICE says you should be referred straight away to a mental health crisis team.