Zinc to Treat Tinnitus in the Elderly

There is widespread belief and some evidence to indicate that zinc can successfully treat
tinnitus. Zinc deficiency is more likely to occur in the elderly . The primary objective of
this study is to establish the effectiveness of zinc for the treatment of tinnitus in
individuals 60 years of age and older. Subjects will be randomly assigned to either receive
zinc daily or a placebo. After 4 months and a 1-month wash-out, the subjects will be crossed
over to the other group. 116 patients were tested. Tinnitus loudness and the Tinnitus
Handicap Questionnaire are the outcome measures.

Inclusion Criteria:

- 60 years of age or older

- Tinnitus for 6 months or more

- Normal copper levels

- Be generally healthy

Exclusion Criteria:

- Have a treatable otological disorder

- Involved in litigation

- Have or are suspected of having a serious psychiatric problem

- Involved in other treatments for tinnitus

- Are taking drugs which might interact with zinc and result in tinnitus

- Have copper deficiency

- Have Zinc levels above normal

- Are cognitively impaired.