GERD and Its Potential Link to Ear Disorders Including Tinnitus and Meniere Disease

Recent research suggests that Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) may be associated with several ear-related conditions such as tinnitus, Meniere disease, vestibular dysfunction, and sensorineural hearing loss. A study published in the Journal of Multidisciplinary Healthcare analyzed genetic data from individuals of European descent to explore these connections. The researchers employed genome-wide association studies and Mendelian randomization methods to assess causal relationships.

The findings revealed that genetically predicted GERD was linked to a higher risk of developing Meniere disease, sensorineural hearing loss, vestibular issues, and various forms of tinnitus, including constant, most-of-the-time, and occasional tinnitus. Specifically, increased GERD levels correlated with a greater likelihood of experiencing these ear disorders. Conversely, higher GERD levels appeared to slightly reduce the chance of never experiencing tinnitus among those who had not previously suffered from it. Importantly, the study found no causal link between GERD and otitis media or Barrett's esophagus regarding ear disorder risk.

The authors concluded that GERD might play a role in elevating the risk for certain inner ear conditions, which could have implications for prevention strategies. These insights highlight the importance of managing GERD not only for gastrointestinal health but also for potential benefits in reducing ear-related health issues.

For more detailed information, see the original research by Wen Zhao et al. in the Journal of Multidisciplinary Healthcare.

[source: https://medicalxpress.com/news/2025-09-gerd-linked-ear-disorders-tinnitus.html]