Unexpected cause of tinnitus revealed

Scientists have discovered: excess weight can cause persistent ringing in the ears

As reported by TUT.AZ with reference to the scientific journal Cureus, researchers from the Lahore General Hospital (Pakistan) have identified an alarming connection between obesity and tinnitus. In their work, they analyzed a large dataset from the US National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey for 2015-2018. The scientists closely examined 5,452 American adults, with more than 17% of them suffering from ringing in the ears.

The statistics were telling: tinnitus significantly more often affects older people, men, as well as individuals with depression and excess weight. The difference between people with normal body mass and those suffering from obesity is particularly impressive. Among overweight people, one in five (20.3%) reported ringing in the ears, whereas among those with normal weight, only 15% of those examined experienced it.

Researchers offer a scientific explanation for this connection. With obesity, chronic inflammation often develops in the body and normal blood vessel function is disrupted. This can significantly impair blood circulation in the inner ear and negatively affect the cochlea — the most important organ where special hair cells convert sound waves into electrical signals for the brain.

Scientists also note the special role of abdominal (visceral) obesity, which is accompanied by increased production of pro-inflammatory substances. Metabolic syndrome and insulin resistance, often associated with excess weight, can seriously disrupt the balance of the inner ear.

The study revealed another important aspect: people with obesity much more frequently suffer from sleep problems. This factor can lead to increased levels of stress hormones and intensify the subjective perception of noise in the ears, which significantly worsens the overall well-being of patients.