Salicylates and Tinnitus
- franceswalker@thefoodinto
- 6 hours ago
- 4 min read
Tinnitus is the perception of ringing or buzzing in the ears without an external sound source.
Many sufferers seek to understand what triggers or worsens their symptoms.
One area of interest is the role of salicylates, compounds found naturally in some foods and used in medications like aspirin.
This article explores how salicylates may influence tinnitus, and practical steps for managing symptoms if salicylates might be part of your tinnitus puzzle.
What Are Salicylates?
Salicylates are a group of chemicals related to salicylic acid. They occur naturally in many fruits, vegetables, herbs, and spices. Salicylates are also the active ingredient in aspirin and some other pain-relief medications.
Common sources of salicylates include:
Aspirin and other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
Fruits such as berries, apples, and oranges
Fruit juices
Vegetables like tomatoes and capsicum
Spices including cinnamon, turmeric, and paprika
Fruit flavoured foods and drinks
Aspirin (salicylic acid) in high levels induces tinnitus. However, some people are sensitive to much lower doses of salicylic acid (or salicylates) that can be found naturally in foods, in smells and in some products such as toothpaste and mouth freshener.
How Salicylates Can Affect Hearing and Tinnitus
Currently, it is widely believed that the pathophysiological mechanisms of tinnitus are different for acute versus chronic tinnitus, and are as follows:
Acute tinnitus is usually caused by peripheral damage, such as damage to cochlear hair cells by noise or drugs. This leads to abnormal activity of the NMDA Receptors which results in extra excitability or extra firing of the auditory nerves leading to the brain. This in turn causes an increased activity in the hypothalamus (at the base of the brain) and the auditory cortex changes to adapt to this increased activity.
In chronic tinnitus, there is long-term reorganization of the central nervous system and complex interactions among multiple networks.
Research shows that high doses of salicylates, especially from aspirin, can cause temporary hearing changes and tinnitus. This effect is usually reversible once aspirin is stopped.
Salicylates are a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) that inhibits Cyclooxygenase-2 (cox2) and consequently increases a chemical called arachidonic acid. Arachidonic acid causes inflammation and damages the inner hair cells. The NMDA receptors more overly sensitive and results in the auditory neurons (nerves) to become very excited and fire more than they normally would leading to tinnitus and hearing loss.
The tinnitus caused by salicylates is often described as a high-pitched ringing or buzzing sound.
Who Is Most at Risk?
Not everyone who consumes salicylates will experience tinnitus. Certain groups may be more vulnerable:
People taking high doses of aspirin or NSAIDs: Those using these medications for pain or cardiovascular protection may notice tinnitus as a side effect.
People sensitive to salicylates: Some individuals have a sensitivity or intolerance to salicylates, leading to various symptoms including tinnitus.
Children and older adults: These groups may be more susceptible to side effects from salicylates.
Not all people with tinnitis are sensitive to the lower dose of salicylates in foods. However, there are a subset of people who have an underlying salicylate sensitivity thatrmay be cuaisng or exacerbating the tinnitus.
If you notice tinnitus symptoms after taking aspirin or eating salicylate-rich foods, it is worth discussing with a Dietitian who specialises in SALICYLATE intolerance.
Note: it is imperative to always check symptoms with your Doctor, and Specialists as required, to determine if there are other medical reasons for your tinnitus.
Managing Tinnitus Related to Salicylates
Currently, there is no consensus internationally on these therapies, and pharmacotherapy for tinnitus is not recognized or considered to play only an adjunctive role in most countries' guidelines.
However, With the increasing understanding of the pathophysiological mechanisms of tinnitus, drugs have potential efficacy for tinnitus in the future.
If salicylates contribute to your tinnitus, then the following options are worth considering:
Monitor medication use: Avoid high doses of aspirin or NSAIDs unless prescribed. Discuss alternatives with your doctor if tinnitus worsens.
Track dietary intake: Keep a food diary to identify if certain salicylate-rich foods trigger tinnitus flare-ups.
Limit salicylate-rich foods: Reducing intake of foods like berries, tomatoes, and spices may help some people.
Get help with a Specialist Dietitian well versed in dealing with salicylates to make sure you can make changes in your diet without over eliminating, and ensure you optimise your nutritional intake though appropriate lower salicyalte foods and drinks.
Understanding Individual Differences
Tinnitus is a complex condition with many causes. Salicylates represent just one potential factor. Individual responses vary widely, so what triggers tinnitus in one person may not affect another.
Factors influencing tinnitus include:
Noise exposure history
Age-related hearing changes
Stress and anxiety levels
Other medical conditions and medications
Always check with your doctor. A personalized approach is essential for managing tinnitus effectively.
Summary of Key Points
Salicylates are chemicals found in aspirin, and a variety foods and drinks in different doses.
High doses of salicylates can cause temporary tinnitus and hearing changes.
Some people may be sensitive to the lower doses of salicylates naturally found in a variety foods and drinks.
If you suspect salicylates worsen your tinnitus, consider tracking your symptoms and consulting a Food Intolerance Dietitian specialising in salicylates for tailored advice.
Professional medical guidance is important for diagnosis and treatment.
Understanding the connection between salicylates and tinnitus can empower those affected to make informed choices about their health.
Salicylate & Tinnitus References
Bas MJ Olthof, Dominika Lyzwa, Sarah E Gartside, Adrian Rees,
Nitric oxide signalling underlies salicylate-induced increases in neuronal firing in the inferior colliculus: A central mechanism of tinnitus? Hearing Research,V 424, 2022, 108585, ISSN 0378-5955.
Chenhao Che, Yongzhen Wu, Shan Sun,NMDA Receptors: Next therapeutic targets for Tinnitus? Biochemistry and Biophysics Reports, V 42, 2025, 102029, ISSN 2405-5808,
Pavlidis, P., Papadopoulou, K., Tseriotis, V.S. et al. Salicylate- and Noise-induced Tinnitus. Different Mechanisms Producing the same Result? An Experimental Model. Indian J Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg 75, 3535–3544 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12070-023-04049-w
Stolzberg D, Salvi RJ., Allman B, L. B. Salicylate toxicity model of tinnitus. Frontiers in Systems Neuroscience. V 6, 2012. URL=https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/systems-neuroscience/articles/10.3389/fnsys.2012.00028. DOI=10.3389/fnsys.2012.00028
ISSN=1662-5137