Levels of 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 in individuals with primary subjective tinnitus and their associations with tinnitus occurrence and severity
András Molnár, Panayiota Mavrogeni, Aphrodite Mavrogenis, Stefani Maihoub
Abstract
Objective This study aimed to analyze vitamin D 3 levels in both a tinnitus group and a control group. Materials and methods A total of 350 patients with primary subjective tinnitus and 347 participants serving as a control group were examined. All patients underwent an otorhinolaryngological examination, audiological testing, and laboratory testing, including measurements of 25-hydroxyvitamin D 3 levels. Results The prevalence of low 25-hydroxyvitamin D 3 levels was significantly ( p < 0.00001) higher in the tinnitus group (53.2%) compared to the control group (31.7%). Furthermore, when comparing the specific levels of 25-hydroxyvitamin D 3 between the tinnitus and control groups, a statistically significant difference was observed ( p < 0.00001), with lower levels found in the tinnitus group. Additionally, according to a logistic regression model, lower levels of 25-hydroxyvitamin D 3 significantly predicted the occurrence of tinnitus ( p = 0.000; OR: 0.132, 95% CI = 0.066–0.264). Additionally, it was found to be associated with moderately severe and severe tinnitus ( p = 0.021; OR: 1.800, 95% CI = 0.806–4.022) and the development of chronic tinnitus ( p = 0.001; OR: 0.717, 95% CI = 0.384–1.340). Moreover, ROC analysis indicated that lower levels of 25-hydroxyvitamin D 3 are significant predictors of tinnitus ( p = 0.000, 95% CI = 0.702–0.815), showing a sensitivity of 75.8%. Conclusion The notably lower levels of 25-hydroxyvitamin D 3 suggest its potential role in the development of tinnitus. Additionally, proper supplementation of vitamin D 3 could lead to new therapeutic approaches for managing tinnitus.