A pilot clinical trial of the effects of coenzyme Q10 on chronic tinnitus aurium

Khan M, Gross J, Haupt H, Jainz A, Niklowitz P, Scherer H, Schmidt FP, Klapp BF, Reisshauer A, Mazurek B.

Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Charité-University Medicine Berlin, Berlin, Germany.
Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg. 2007 Jan;136(1):72-7.

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: To determine the short-term effects of coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) on the antioxidative status and tinnitus expression in patients with chronic tinnitus aurium.

STUDY DESIGN: A 16-week prospective nonrandomized clinical trial (n = 20). Tinnitus and Short Form-36 Questionnaires (TQ/SF-36) were evaluated together with the plasma concentrations of CoQ10, malondialdehyde, and the total antioxidant status.

RESULTS: The mean plasma CoQ10 concentration rose under external CoQ10 supply and remained elevated after medication stopped without overall effects on the tinnitus score. However, in a subgroup of 7 patients with low initial plasma CoQ10 concentration and significant increase in the plasma CoQ10 level, a clear decrease in the TQ score was observed.

CONCLUSION: In patients with a low plasma CoQ10 concentration, CoQ10 supply may decrease the tinnitus expression.

SIGNIFICANCE: This is the first study to examine the effect of CoQ10 in chronic tinnitus aurium.

PMID: 17210337 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]