The Levels of Serum Chromium and Manganese in Patients with Idiopathic Tinnitus Compared with Healthy Individuals

Background: Tinnitus is one of the most common and distressing otological problems. Oxidative processes are one of the mechanisms involved in tinnitus. Therefore, in the present study, the concentrations of antioxidant micronutrients (Cr and Mn) were determined in the serum of the patients with tinnitus in comparison with healthy subjects. Methods: In this case-control study, 55 patients with tinnitus and 47 healthy volunteers were enrolled, after matching age and sex. The concentrations of Cr and Mn were measured via flameless atomic absorption spectroscopy. Comparisons were made using Student’s t test. Findings: There was a significant decrease in mean Cr level of serum in patients with tinnitus comparing to the controls (P < 0.001). Moreover, there were no statistically significant differences between the mean serum levels of Mn in patients with tinnitus and controls (P = 0.770). Conclusion: In the present study, a relationship was seen between the serum level of trace element, Cr, and the occurrence of tinnitus. Trace elements are related to nutrition; so; investigation trace elements can be cost-effective and must be evaluated and considered in designing the treatment regimen for patients complaining of tinnitus. However, defining such a cause-and-effect relationship needs several prospective studies to be done.