Association between gastroesophageal reflux disease and tinnitus in a nationwide population-based cohort study

Abstract

Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) is characterized by the regurgitation of stomach contents. Recent research indicates that acid reflux may disrupt the homeostasis of the middle and inner ear through the Eustachian tube. Given this context, we hypothesized that an association between GERD and tinnitus may exist due to the imbalance of the middle and inner ear caused by acid reflux. To explore this connection, we conducted a retrospective cohort study involving 669,159 patients registered in the National Health Insurance Service-National Sample Cohort (2012–2019) in South Korea. Our data showed that GERD and tinnitus are highly associated. Nevertheless, the use of proton pump inhibitor medication in GERD patients did not show a significant decrease in the onset of tinnitus.