Supplements for Tinnitus and Hearing: What the Evidence Says
No supplement has been proven to cure tinnitus or restore hearing. See what was tested (ginkgo, zinc, melatonin, magnesium) and treatments that do help.
By the editorial team · Updated Oct 14, 2026 · 3 sources cited
Supplements for tinnitus are widely sold, but no supplement has been shown to cure tinnitus or reverse hearing loss. Ginkgo, zinc and magnesium have been tested with disappointing or inconsistent results. Melatonin may help some people sleep despite tinnitus. Products promising to 'end tinnitus' are not supported by evidence. Hearing aids, sound therapy and cognitive behavioral therapy do help.
Evidence-ranked options
| Supplement | Evidence | Typical dose | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Melatonin (for sleep with tinnitus) | C | 1–3 mg at bedtime | May improve sleep; little effect on the tinnitus itself. |
| Zinc (if deficient) | C | 15–25 mg a day | Trials in people without deficiency showed no clear benefit. |
| Magnesium | C | Up to 350 mg a day | Small, early studies only. |
| Ginkgo biloba | D | Not recommended | Reviews found no meaningful benefit for tinnitus. |
A: strong · B: moderate · C: limited or mixed · D: good evidence of no benefit. See the evidence database.
See a professional first
Tinnitus can come from noise exposure, age-related hearing loss, earwax, ear infections, medications and, rarely, other conditions. Tinnitus in one ear, pulsing with your heartbeat, or with sudden hearing loss needs prompt medical attention.
What helps
- Hearing aids when hearing loss is present
- Sound therapy and masking devices
- Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) to reduce distress
- Protecting your ears from loud noise
Be skeptical of products promising to cure tinnitus. Paste their claims into our snake oil detector.
Ingredient guides
Frequently asked questions
What actually helps tinnitus?
Treating hearing loss with hearing aids, sound therapy, and cognitive behavioral therapy to reduce distress. Some causes, such as earwax or medication side effects, can be fixed.
Are tinnitus supplements a scam?
Many make claims that aren't supported by evidence. Check marketing claims with our snake oil detector before buying.
Sources
Educational content, not medical advice. Read our medical disclaimer.