According to statistics from the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association statistics, one in ten adults struggle with tinnitus. If untreated, tinnitus can impair work performance and quality of life. Magnesium is one nutrient that may play a role in reducing tinnitus' burden on your life. As with all dietary supplements, take supplemental magnesium only after checking in with your doctor.
Tinnitus
The most common symptom of tinnitus is hearing sounds that aren't actually there. According to the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association, one in three people have experienced tinnitus at some point in their life. Risk factors for tinnitus include chronic exposure to loud noises, fibromyalgia, wax build-up, old age, hearing loss, heart disease, brain damage and the use of certain medications, reports the American Tinnitus Association.
Magnesium
Magnesium is an essential mineral -- meaning that it must be obtained from the diet. Magnesium is important for the production of bone mass, nervous system functioning, immunity and the regulation of blood pressure levels. According to the Office of Dietary Supplements, adult men should aim for 400 mg of daily magnesium while women should consume 310 mg per day. Healthy sources of magnesium include shellfish, fortified grains, dairy products, nuts, legumes and fruits.
Causes
According to the National Institutes of Health, exposure to loud noises can deplete levels of magnesium. Low levels of magnesium can contribute to premature hearing loss. Your ears need a specific balance of calcium and magnesium levels to function properly. National Institutes of Health states that inadequate magnesium levels can cause an imbalance of these two key elements in the ear. Low levels of magnesium can cause an influx of calcium into hearing cells, which can activate them even when no sounds are actually present.
Considerations
While promising, no study to date has investigated the effects of magnesium on tinnitus. Tinnitus is a real medical condition that should be treated by a doctor. Although rare, side effects of excess magnesium intake include diarrhea, upset stomach, change in heart rhythm and low blood pressure levels, according to the Office of Dietary Supplements.
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