Pyridoxine and Tinnitus: What You Need to Know

If you’ve ever heard a persistent ring in your ears, you know how annoying tinnitus can be. One supplement that pops up often is pyridoxine, also called vitamin B6. People wonder if this simple pill can quiet the noise.

Why Vitamin B6 Gets Mentioned

Pyridoxine helps your body make neurotransmitters like serotonin and GABA, which keep nerves firing correctly. Since tinnitus is thought to involve over‑active nerve signals in the ear, some think more B6 could calm those signals down.

Another reason people try it is that low B6 levels have been linked to nerve problems in a few small studies. The logic sounds solid: fix a deficiency, maybe the ringing eases.

What the Research Actually Says

The evidence is mixed. A handful of short trials gave participants 50–100 mg of pyridoxine daily and reported modest improvements in ringing intensity. However, larger studies have failed to show a clear benefit compared with placebo.

One review pointed out that many of the positive reports didn’t control for other factors like caffeine intake or stress levels. So while some individuals swear by B6, the scientific community can’t say it works for everyone.

If you decide to try pyridoxine, keep these safety tips in mind:

• Start low – 25 mg per day is enough to test tolerance.
• Don’t exceed 100 mg daily unless a doctor says it’s safe; higher doses can cause nerve damage over time.
• Take the supplement with food to improve absorption and reduce stomach upset.
• Track your tinnitus rating each day so you can see if anything changes.

Always talk to a healthcare provider before adding any new supplement, especially if you’re on medication or have medical conditions. They can check your current B6 levels and advise the right dose.

Even if pyridoxine helps a little, it’s usually not a stand‑alone cure. Pairing it with proven tinnitus strategies—like limiting loud noise exposure, managing stress, and reducing caffeine—gives you the best shot at relief.

Bottom line: vitamin B6 might calm ringing for some people, but results vary. Try it safely, monitor your symptoms, and stay in touch with a professional to find the most effective plan for your ears.