Levels of 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 in individuals with primary subjective tinnitus and their associations with tinnitus occurrence and severity

Objective This study aimed to analyze vitamin D 3 levels in both a tinnitus group and a control group. Materials and methods A total of 350 patients with primary subjective tinnitus and 347 participants serving as a control group were examined. All patients underwent an otorhinolaryngological examination, audiological testing, and laboratory testing, including measurements of 25-hydroxyvitamin D 3 levels. Results The prevalence of low 25-hydroxyvitamin D 3 levels was significantly ( p < 0.00001) higher in the tinnitus group (53.2%) compared to the control group (31.7%). Furthermore, when comparing the specific levels of 25-hydroxyvitamin D 3 between the tinnitus and control groups, a statistically significant difference was observed ( p < 0.00001), with lower levels found in the tinnitus group. Additionally, according to a logistic regression model, lower levels of 25-hydroxyvitamin D 3 significantly predicted the occurrence of tinnitus ( p = 0.000; OR: 0.132, 95% CI = 0.066–0.264). Additionally, it was found to be associated with moderately severe and severe tinnitus ( p = 0.021; OR: 1.800, 95% CI = 0.806–4.022) and the development of chronic tinnitus ( p = 0.001; OR: 0.717, 95% CI = 0.384–1.340). Moreover, ROC analysis indicated that lower levels of 25-hydroxyvitamin D 3 are significant predictors of tinnitus ( p = 0.000, 95% CI = 0.702–0.815), showing a sensitivity of 75.8%. Conclusion The notably lower levels of 25-hydroxyvitamin D 3 suggest its potential role in the development of tinnitus. Additionally, proper supplementation of vitamin D 3 could lead to new therapeutic approaches for managing tinnitus.