Serum iron, copper, zinc, chromium, manganese levels in idiopathic tinnitus patients in comparison with healthy individuals

Objective: Tinnitus is multi factorial and involves many etiologic loci that are vulnerable to Oxidative damage. Oxidative processes occur most intensively on the background of an imbalance of trace elements incorporated into the structure of enzymes responsible for antioxidant protection. Therefore in the present study the concentration of Fe, Cu, Zn, Mn, and Cr were determined in the serum of patients with tinnitus in comparison with healthy subjects. Methods and materials: This case control study was conducted on 55 patients with tinnitus and 47 healthy volunteers after age, sex matching. After a written consent sample was collected and the concentrations of Zn, Cu, Fe, Cr, and Mn was measured. Comparisons were made using student t-test. Results: There was a significant decrease in mean Cr and Cu serum levels in patients with tinnitus compared to the control group (p < 0.001). In contrast serum Zn level in patients having tinnitus were significantly higher than those of the control group (p < 0.001). More over, there were no statistically significant differences between mean serum Fe and Mn in patients with tinnitus and control groups. Conclusions: In the present study, a relationship was seen between levels of trace elements and the occurrence of tinnitus. Trace elements are related to nutrition, so investigation of trace elements can be cost-effective and must be evaluated and considered when designing the treatment regimen for patients complaining of tinnitus. However, defining such a cause-and-effect relationship needs several prospective studies to be done, which may provide rational expansion of treatment options for tinnitus.