A study published this week in the journal Scientific Reports has uncovered significant associations between tinnitus and body composition, particularly among men. Conducted by researchers from Hanyang University and Seoul National University in South Korea, this cross-sectional study utilized data from the ninth Korea National Health and Nutritional Examination Survey (KNHANES) to explore the relationship between tinnitus and specific body composition metrics.
Key Findings
The study found that men with tinnitus exhibited higher body fat percentages in various regions, including the arms, legs, trunk, and whole body. Additionally, these individuals had greater waist circumferences and lower percentages of leg muscle mass, total body fluid, and intracellular fluid compared to men without tinnitus.
Interestingly, these associations were not observed in the female population, highlighting differences in the relationship between body composition and tinnitus.
The research team, led by Dr. Moo Kyun Park from the Department of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery at Seoul National University Hospital, emphasized that the findings underscore the complex interplay between auditory health and physical health. They pointed out that body composition, particularly fat distribution and muscle mass, may play a significant role in the development or exacerbation of tinnitus in men.
Methodology
The researchers analyzed data from 2,257 individuals, out of which 204 were classified as having tinnitus, based on a self-reported survey. Tinnitus was further categorized into acute (lasting less than six months) and chronic (lasting six months or more). The study specifically excluded individuals with hearing loss above a 40 dB threshold to isolate the impact of body composition on tinnitus.
Body composition measurements were performed using bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA), which provided detailed data on body fat, muscle, and fluid percentages. The analysis revealed that men with tinnitus had significantly higher body fat percentages and waist circumferences, coupled with lower muscle and fluid percentages.
Implications and Future Research
These findings suggest that obesity and reduced muscle mass, particularly in the lower body, may be risk factors for tinnitus in men. The study also indicated that chronic tinnitus is more strongly associated with trunk fat percentage and waist circumference, which are markers of visceral fat. Visceral fat is known to be linked to systemic inflammation and various metabolic disorders, potentially exacerbating tinnitus symptoms.
The researchers emphasized the need for further studies to explore the underlying mechanisms linking body composition and tinnitus. Dr. Sang-Yoon Han, a co-author of the study, mentioned, “Understanding the biological pathways connecting obesity and tinnitus could open new avenues for treatment and prevention strategies. It is crucial to investigate whether lifestyle interventions, such as weight management and muscle-strengthening exercises, can alleviate tinnitus symptoms.”
Additionally, the study pointed out that psychological factors, such as depression and anxiety, which were more prevalent in the tinnitus group, might also contribute to the condition. These factors need to be considered in a comprehensive approach to managing tinnitus.
Conclusion
The study revealed that body composition, particularly fat distribution and muscle mass, is significantly associated with tinnitus in men, but not in women. This finding underscores the necessity for personalized approaches in the treatment and prevention of tinnitus, as the condition’s etiologies and risk factors may vary between men and women.
As global obesity rates continue to climb, understanding its impact on auditory health becomes increasingly critical. The study’s findings highlight the importance of maintaining a healthy body composition for both general health and potentially in the management of tinnitus. Further research is needed to explore the underlying mechanisms connecting body composition to tinnitus and to develop effective interventions that address these factors.
Citation:
- Han, SY., Lee, SY., Suh, MW. et al. Associations between tinnitus and body composition: a cross-sectional study. Sci Rep 14, 16373 (2024). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-024-67574-w
Source: Scientific Reports
