Potential protective role of soluble fiber in mitigating tinnitus symptoms: A case-control study

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Tinnitus, the perception of sound without any external source, affects millions of people worldwide and tends to increase with age. Evidence suggested that dietary fiber may play a critical role in mitigating the risk of tinnitus. This study aims to investigate the potential association between dietary fiber intake and the risk of tinnitus. METHODS: This cross-sectional study included a total of 300 Iranian women, with 150 stable tinnitus and 150 controls. Dietary intake was assessed using a validated questionnaire and analyzed using Nutritionist IV software. The association of dietary fiber intake and tinnitus was evaluated employing logistic regression analysis. RESULTS: Patients with tinnitus had significantly lower levels of daily soluble fiber intake compared to controls (P < 0.05). The analysis demonstrated a negative association between tinnitus and the daily soluble fiber intake, with an adjusted odds ratio (OR) of 0.71 (95 CI: 0.51-0.97, P = 0.03). This association remained significant after further adjustment for calorie intake (OR: 0.71, 95 CI: 0.52-0.98, P = 0.04). No significant association was observed between tinnitus and the intake of total, crude, or insoluble fiber. CONCLUSION: Our findings indicated that a diet rich in soluble fiber, such as fruits and grains, may help mitigate tinnitus symptoms. Further, longitudinal studies are needed to confirm these findings and explore the potential mechanisms by which dietary fiber impacts tinnitus risk.