Zinc is an essential mineral required for the functioning of many cellular processes including maintenance of a healthy immune system, wound healing, cell division, growth, and smell and taste. In addition, zinc is heavily distributed in the auditory pathways of the brain and the cochlea in the ear, and is an essential component of the enzymes involved in the normal functioning of those areas.

A number of studies have reported that zinc has a beneficial effect on tinnitus, although these trials have been quite small[[i]].  

An interesting study in 2003 has found that tinnitus sufferers who had normal hearing had significantly lower zinc levels in the blood than normal healthy patients. This supports the idea that zinc deficiency may be involved in tinnitus generation [[ii]].

However, larger studies are needed to provide conclusive evidence whether zinc supplements are of significant and long-term therapeutic value to tinnitus sufferers.  Also be aware that elevation of zinc beyond the recommended daily allowance for an extended period can actually weaken your immune system and lead to side effects such as nausea, copper imbalance leading to anaemia, lethargy and disruption of co-ordination.

When using zinc it is best to take it separately from other minerals such as copper, iron, calcium as they can interfere with the absorption mechanism of zinc.