Name of treatment |
Vitamin B12 (cobolamin, methylcobalamin, cyanocobalamin) |
|
Type of treatment |
Dietary supplement |
|
Claims for treatment |
Reduces/eliminates the tinnitus percept Shortage of this nutrient has been linked with chronic tinnitus and noise induced hearing loss [1] [2] [3] |
|
How treatment is delivered |
Orally; Intramuscular therapy[3] |
|
Potential negative consequences |
Generally regarded as safe Cost |
Evidence offered: |
|
|
Papers available |
<30 (1964-2022) |
|
Conclusions drawn |
Vitamin B12 deficiency is more common in people with tinnitus than the general population [1] [2] [3] A higher intake of vitamin B12 is associated with reduced odds of tinnitus. [4] Although tinnitus severity improves in some people following Vitamin B12 therapy, the results are not significant.[3] |
|
Quality of evidence[5] |
C/D |
|
Does the BTA recommend this treatment? |
No |
|
BTA opinion on this treatment: |
Although independent evidence is limited and of poor quality, what there is does not show that Vitamin B12 is effective for tinnitus. We would suggest you talk to your GP before taking any new medication or supplement. |
|
Would the BTA support further studies into this treatment? |
Unlikely |
|
Verdict: Safety – is this treatment harmful? |
|
|
Verdict: Efficacy – does this treatment work? |
|
Regarded as safeFor further information
The BTA Tinnitus Support Team can answer your questions on any tinnitus related topics:
Telephone: 0800 018 0527
Web chat: – click on the icon
Email: [email protected]
Text/SMS: 07537 416841
We also offer a free tinnitus e-learning programme, Take on Tinnitus.
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Email: [email protected]
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References
[1] Shemesh Z, Attias J, Ornan M, Shapira N, Shahar A. Vitamin B12 deficiency in patients with chronic tinnitus and noise-induced hearing loss. American Journal of Otolaryngology, 1993: 14(2)m 94-9
[2] Berkiten G, Yildirim G, Topaloglu I, Ugras H. Vitamin B12 levels in patients with tinnitus and effectiveness of vitamin B12 treatment on hearing threshold and tinnitus. B-ENT, 2013: 9(2), 111-6
[3] Singh C, Kawatra R, Gupta J, Awasthi V, Dungana H. Therapeutic role of Vitamin B12 in patients of chronic tinnitus: A pilot study. Noise Health, 2016: 18(81), 93-7
[4] Dawes P, Cruickshanks KJ, Marsden A, Moore DR, Munro KJ. Relationship Between Diet, Tinnitus, and Hearing Difficulties. Ear and Hearing. 2020 Mar/Apr;41(2):289-299. doi: 10.1097/AUD.0000000000000765. PMID: 31356390; PMCID: PMC7664714.
[5] A = Systematic review/meta analysis. B = Randomised control studies. C = Cohort studies. D = Case control studies. E = case studies/reports. +/- to be used to indicate quality within bands
Author: Nic Wray
Version 2.0
Updated: 11 July 2022
To be reviewed: July 2025
