Story at-a-glance
- People with recent-onset tinnitus scored significantly lower on cognitive tests measuring memory, focus, and processing speed, even after accounting for age, stroke, diabetes, and other risk factors
- Tinnitus hijacks your brain's attention system, draining cognitive resources and making it harder to concentrate, switch tasks, or remember details
- Women and those with lower education levels face a higher risk of cognitive impairment when tinnitus is present, suggesting certain groups need earlier intervention
- Brain imaging studies show that hearing loss causes shrinkage in areas tied to memory and decision-making, especially the hippocampus — a key region also affected by tinnitus
- You can lower your risk by avoiding loud noise exposure, improving sleep, boosting magnesium, supporting gut health with fruit and fiber, and calming your nervous system with daily relaxation practices
