Does R- Alpha Lipoic Acid Help Support Tinnitus? Science- Backed Antioxidant for Auditory Health

Tinnitus is the perception of sound in the absence of external audio, affecting millions of adults and often linked to oxidative stress and inner ear cellular damage. While no prescription medication has been approved by the FDA specifically for tinnitus, research published in peer‑reviewed scientific journals has explored the role of antioxidants like R‑alpha lipoic acid (R‑ALA) in supporting auditory health and subjective symptom relief. One clinical study evaluated the effects of alpha‑lipoic acid (600 mg daily) over two months on adults with chronic subjective tinnitus and found statistically significant improvements in tinnitus loudness and Tinnitus Handicap Inventory (THI) scores for certain subgroups, suggesting that antioxidant support may help reduce perceived intensity and discomfort in some individuals.

In addition to human studies, broader scientific literature highlights how antioxidant supplementation—often including alpha‑lipoic acid alongside vitamins and phytochemicals—can reduce oxidative stress, a key factor implicated in auditory cell health and tinnitus perception. In randomized, placebo‑controlled trials, antioxidant regimens containing ALA showed meaningful reductions in subjective tinnitus severity and loudness compared to placebo groups, underscoring a potential benefit of R‑ALA as part of a holistic auditory support strategy. Although more research is needed to fully confirm efficacy and mechanisms, current evidence supports R‑alpha lipoic acid’s antioxidant profile in relation to tinnitus outcomes.

Sources of Information:

 The Effect of Alpha‑Lipoic Acid in the Treatment of Chronic Subjective Tinnitus – Audiology Research (Peer‑Reviewed): https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10366923/ 

Alpha‑Lipoic Acid and Antioxidant Supplementation in Tinnitus Patients – Nutrients Journal: https://www.mdpi.com/2072-6643/11/12/3037