Vitamin d causing tinnitus

[Hookie01]

Hi all,

Bit of a long story but here it goes.

I started suffering with tinnitus after I had radio active iodine therapy to ablate my thyroid due to graves disease. I eventually linked it to taking vitamin d, stopped taking it and the tinnitus stopped. I unfortunately have low vitamin D so struggle to get my levels up without taking supplements. I take a small dose once a week to keep the tinnitus low as it gets really loud and unbearable but the dr has told me today my vitaminD is on the low side. It's only in the left ear. However my tinnitus now seems to start acting up when I get to a certain level on my meds and my ear sometimes feels blocked to the point I try to keep opening my mouth to clear it, but it doesn't really help. I also have a clicky jaw on my left side which probably doesn't help. Can anyone advise of any way I can up my vitamin D levels without having to eat a truck load of mushrooms lol. Im in the UK so sun is very limited. Or does anyone have any advice on how to get rid of the tinnitus as it drives me mad. I have seen an ENT specialist who says there isn't anything wrong with my ear or hearing. Oh and it gets worse when I lay down. I hope that all makes sense!!!

Thank you for reading.

[ks1966]

Hello. There are a few types of food that have vitamin d. Egg is one of them I think. Can you please tell us more about the link you feel you had between your tinnitus and vitamin d intake. Thank you

[Hookie01 in reply to ks1966]

Hi ks1966,Thank you for your reply.

Whever I take a vitamin d supplement daily or eat food fortified with vitamin D my left ear starts making an awful noise like a fog horn. It changes pitch and the volume goes up and down but it gets really loud. If I'm on the phone my left ear vibrates, it's really weird. I have tried all different types of vit d, different strengths but the result is always the same. They say its due to magnesium deficiency but my magnesium levels are high. Most likely due to the meds I take. I was kinda hoping that someone on here had the same issue and had some kind of resolution.

[ks1966 in reply to Hookie01]

I hope you get better soon. Sunshine is the best source of vit d but as you know here in barmy Britain it’s a scarce resource

[TinnitusUKPat Partner]

If there's one thing which we can be certain of regarding tinnitus, Hookie01, it's that it is uncertain. Two people can have more or less the same symptoms and have a completely different experience of tinnitus - which is what makes diagnosis, treatment and resolution such a big challenge for our healthcare professionals.

I think I'm correct in reading your responses when I say that you attribute unsettled tinnitus to vitamin D interactions. From reading your message, the thing which jumps out at me are your mentions of a clicking jaw and a thyroid issue. I'd say both may have some role to play in the tinnitus you are experiencing.

This link refers specifically to hyperthyroidism research - frontiersin.org/articles/10... - and illustrates how common thyroid issues and related tinnitus are.

[Hookie01 in reply to TinnitusUKPat]

Hi BTAPat,Thank-you for your reply. Though I did start off with hyperthyroidism, since having radio active iodine therapy I am now classed as having hypothyroidism as I no longer have a thyroid. When I was over active I didn't have any issues with tinnitus at all, I also used to take vitamin d with no issues at all. Its all very strange. My clicky jaw I believe is due to being overactive as where my body was in overdrive I used to clench my jaw. I do still sometimes now when I am over medicated or anxious, so I so think this does contribute some what. I am currently get dentist treatment for a mouth guard etc. Its just the vitamin D I can't solve at the moment, its so frustrating.

[Hidden]

07/12/2012 · Sun beds increase vitamin D levels. Sun beds had increased blood serum vitamin D levels by around 40% after six weeks FROM Thyroid UK

[Hookie01 in reply to Hidden]

Oh really? I have tried to look this up but could never find a solid answer. Thank you.

[NF2K]

I started taking 25μg vitamin D daily over autumn and winter since I get inexplicably quite down most cold seasons (SAD?) and also my tinnitus has been the least intrusive during that time. Not sure if it's directly related, indirectly related (I've been a lot more active exercising and socialising, possibly because of a mood boost from the vitamin D?), or just coincidence.I'm wondering if it would make a difference sourcing your vitamin D from natural sources rather than supplements, but it's worth a try.

Like BTAPat said, tinnitus is uncertain. I'm still experimenting with different behaviours and foods each month to try and identify trends and triggers; I think that's the best general advice I can give. Wishing you good luck

[Don_Alejandro]

I've never heard of vitamin D causing tinnitus. Are you absolutely sure Hookie?

I'm in my 60s, I have a long term vitamin D deficiency, as low as 30 in the past. Even taking a 1000iu tablet a day, I'm still only 68 on the scale - still "insufficient".

I have osteoporosis and 6 years of taking vitamin D in various forms, but I've only just developed tinnitus last year after a wisdom tooth extraction. Along with the ringing came the clicking in the jaw - the latter is usually a sign of poor bones. Both my dentist and doctor pointed that out.

Natural vitamin D is found in most dairy products, also in oily fish - salmon, tuna, sardines, etc etc. A recent article in the Guardian spoke about the recent phenomenon of vegans discovering their vitamin deficiencies as they age into their 50s and 60s.

I had a large goitre removed about 5 years ago and because I still have a little thyroid left I'm just very slightly under, but I don't take thyroxine. Having an overactive thyroid is a different thing of course.

[Hookie01 in reply to Don_Alejandro]

Yep, I'm absolutely sure. I have tested it so much. If you research it there are other people out there with the same issue. Because I get it when I increase my meds as well I wonder if it is to do with an increase in blood flow and its the blood flow I can hear. I really have no idea though

[Doxiemom1 in reply to Don_Alejandro]

If you take too big of dose of vitamin D it will cause tinnitus

[Hookie01 in reply to Doxiemom1]

I've tried small doses aswell.

[Seetje]

Hello,with me it's just the opposite,my Tinitus increases in sound when I don't take my vit D.I've tested this several times by not taking it,and then starting again.The sound of my Tinitus changes when I yawn or clench my teeth.I also have clicking,and recently started having jaw tightness and toothache.I saw several doctors,NET and dentist,TMJ specialist..etc...My Tinitus is related to muscular tightness of shoulders,neck&jaw....What's proved most usefull for me,in understanding what the problem is,is reading up on "trigger points".I am starting treatment by doing selfmassage,and going to phsyio.Maybe have a browse for info on Trigger Points too,and see if the symptoms sound familiar🤗Good luck.

[Doxiemom1 in reply to Seetje]

Where do you find trigger points cause I have same thing

[Seetje in reply to Doxiemom1]

You find trigger points by pressing the muscles for painfull places....but it's not a good idea to start working on this,without educating yourself beforehand🤗...please read up on trigger points,plenty of info to be found when you google it,and I highly recommend the Curalistic programme by Gustav Grundsoe.there is a free downloadable book on his website too.good luck