Obesity may increase the risk of developing tinnitus due to higher levels of inflammation in the body, according to a study by researchers from Lahore General Hospital in Pakistan. The findings were published in the journal Cureus.

The researchers used data from the U.S. National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) for 2015–2016 and 2017–2018. The final analysis included data from 5,452 adult participants. Tinnitus was identified in 17.2% of those examined. The analysis showed that this condition was more common among older individuals, men, as well as participants with depression and obesity.

The difference between people with normal body weight and those with obesity was particularly pronounced. Among participants with obesity, tinnitus was reported by 20.3%, compared with 15% among those without obesity.

The authors note that this association may be explained by several biological mechanisms. Obesity is often accompanied by chronic inflammation and impaired vascular function, which can worsen microcirculation in the inner ear and affect the function of the cochlea. Inside the cochlea are specialized hair cells that act as sensory receptors. This organ converts sound waves into electrical signals, which are then transmitted to the brain for processing and sound perception.

Abdominal obesity may play an additional role, as it is associated with increased production of pro-inflammatory cytokines, as well as metabolic syndrome and insulin resistance, all of which can disrupt inner ear homeostasis.

The study also found that people with obesity are more likely to experience sleep disturbances. This factor may lead to elevated stress hormone levels and intensify the subjective perception of tinnitus, further worsening overall well-being.