New publications
Study finds link between tinnitus, obesity and body composition in men
Last reviewed: 02.07.2025
All iLive content is medically reviewed or fact checked to ensure as much factual accuracy as possible.
We have strict sourcing guidelines and only link to reputable media sites, academic research institutions and, whenever possible, medically peer reviewed studies. Note that the numbers in parentheses ([1], [2], etc.) are clickable links to these studies.
If you feel that any of our content is inaccurate, out-of-date, or otherwise questionable, please select it and press Ctrl + Enter.
A study published in the journal Scientific Reports finds a possible link between tinnitus and body composition in men.
Tinnitus is the perception of sound in one or both ears that can be distressing to sufferers. The condition is usually described as a ringing or buzzing sound in the ears that can be temporary or persistent.
Tinnitus has two forms: subjective tinnitus and objective tinnitus. While subjective tinnitus is only perceived by the person, objective tinnitus can be detected by doctors. Both forms are often associated with hearing loss.
Subjective tinnitus can also occur in people with normal hearing. In such cases, tinnitus has been linked to a variety of physical conditions, including pain, infection, sleep quality, anxiety, and depression. Subjective tinnitus can also be associated with diseases that cause structural or functional changes in the brain through chronic inflammation.
Some studies have found significant associations of tinnitus with body mass index (BMI) and percentage of fat mass in obese individuals. These associations may be related to the increased inflammatory responses associated with obesity.
In this study, the researchers examined the relationship between tinnitus and body composition in people with normal hearing.
The study analyzed physical, otological (related to the ears and ear diseases) and body composition data of people who participated in the ninth Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey.
A total of 2257 participants were included in the analysis. Of these, 204 were classified into the tinnitus group and 2125 into the no tinnitus group. Among the participants with tinnitus, 152 had chronic tinnitus and 47 had acute tinnitus.
Important observations
A significantly higher prevalence of tinnitus was noted in men compared to women. The percentage of people with hypertension and a history of dizziness was higher in the tinnitus group compared to the no-tinnitus group. In addition, the tinnitus group showed higher levels of depression and anxiety and worse hearing scores compared to the no-tinnitus group.
Analysis adjusted for age and average hearing level revealed significantly higher percentages of body fat in the arms, trunk, and legs, and significantly larger waist circumference among men in the tinnitus group compared with the no-tinnitus group.
Men with tinnitus also had lower percentages of leg muscle mass, total body water volume, and intracellular fluid compared to those without tinnitus. However, there were no significant differences in these body composition parameters between women with and without tinnitus.
Men with chronic tinnitus had significantly higher percentages of trunk fat and waist circumference, and lower percentages of intracellular fluid, compared with those without tinnitus.
There was a significant difference in the percentage of leg muscles between the groups of women with chronic and acute tinnitus. However, this association disappeared after controlling for various factors, including age and average hearing level.
Prevalence of tinnitus in obese and non-obese participants
A significantly higher percentage of tinnitus was noted in obese men compared to those who were not obese. However, no such difference was observed among women.
A significant positive association was also noted between tinnitus and central obesity in men only.
Prevalence of acute and chronic tinnitus in obese and non-obese participants
A significantly higher prevalence of both acute and chronic tinnitus was observed among obese men compared with non-obese men.
A significantly higher prevalence of chronic tinnitus and a lower prevalence of acute tinnitus was observed in men with central obesity compared with those without central obesity.
Among women, no significant association was found between tinnitus and obesity or central obesity.
Further statistical analysis revealed a significant association between chronic tinnitus and obesity in men.
The study found significant associations of tinnitus with percentage fat mass, percentage leg muscle mass, percentage body water, and percentage intracellular water, particularly in men.
The study also found significant associations between chronic tinnitus and obesity or central obesity in the male population.
Given the strong correlation between tinnitus and systemic inflammation, the researchers suggest that tinnitus may be a side effect of upper body obesity, and that the chronic nature of tinnitus may be more affected by visceral obesity.
Available literature suggests that obesity may affect frontotemporal brain regions involved in the noise suppression pathway. Structural changes in brain regions due to obesity may also contribute to the onset and persistence of tinnitus.