The effect of Q10 on tinnitus and related sleep disturbances in the elderly

The ageing process is often associated with hearing loss, and many people develop tinnitus – a condition characterised by unpleasant sounds of varying types and intensities. However, evidence suggests that patients suffering from age-related tinnitus may experience relief and improved sleep quality by taking Q10 supplements. This is supported by a randomised placebo-controlled trial (RCT) published in the Iranian Journal of Otorhinolaryngology. In the study, the authors also highlight the role of Q10 in cellular energy metabolism and its function as an important antioxidant that protects cells from damage. The natural production of Q10 declines with age and is further reduced by the use of cholesterol-lowering statins, which is problematic since a Q10 deficiency may also increase the risk of other age-related degenerative diseases.

Age-related hearing loss, also known as presbycusis, is caused by damage to the inner ear or auditory nerves. Many people with presbycusis struggle particularly with hearing high frequencies – such as the sound of crickets – and may find it difficult to understand speech in noisy environments. Tinnitus is often associated with presbycusis. It is an unpleasant condition where the person hears ringing, buzzing, hissing or pulsating sounds that do not originate from any external source. Tinnitus may affect one or both ears, and the severity can vary significantly. According to some studies, around 50 percent of people over the age of 55 suffer from tinnitus, and the risk increases with age.
Tinnitus is also linked to hearing loss, depression, anxiety, restlessness, dizziness, insomnia, reduced work capacity and other conditions that impair quality of life.
Common treatments include sound therapy, hearing aids, stress management and, in some cases, surgery or medication such as corticosteroids, benzodiazepines, and other drugs. However, these treatments are often ineffective and may carry the risk of serious side effects.
Although tinnitus may have several causes, the researchers behind the new study wanted to investigate whether Q10 supplementation could have a positive effect on tinnitus in older adults. The rationale is that the body’s Q10 production decreases with age and can be compensated for by supplementation.
The new double-blind, randomised clinical trial (RCT) included 50 elderly patients with tinnitus due to presbycusis. The participants were divided into two groups (A and B) of 25 patients each. In addition to standard treatment, group A received a daily supplement of 100 mg Q10, while group B received a placebo. The study lasted six weeks, and being double-blind, neither the patients nor the researchers knew who received what until the study ended.
Before and after the treatment period, both groups were assessed for tinnitus severity, tinnitus loudness, quality of life, and sleep disturbances.
The study revealed that patients who received Q10 supplements experienced significant relief from their tinnitus, including reduced pitch, and a notable improvement in sleep quality. The researchers therefore conclude that Q10 could be a useful adjunct to conventional treatment of tinnitus associated with presbycusis.

Q10’s therapeutic effects on tinnitus and other age-related diseases

In the introduction to the study, the researchers further explain the mechanisms and therapeutic benefits of Q10.
Q10 is a fat-soluble and essential molecule that the body produces naturally. It plays a crucial role in cellular energy production and is particularly abundant in the mitochondria – the cells’ energy-producing units – and in energy-demanding organs and tissues such as the heart, liver, kidneys, pancreas and the immune system’s white blood cells. Q10 also functions as an important antioxidant, protecting cells and tissues from oxidative damage caused by free radicals.
However, the body’s Q10 production decreases gradually with age, while oxidative stress increases due to declining oxygen metabolism. Certain chronic diseases and the use of statins may also impair the body’s Q10 synthesis.
Q10 is found in liver and other organ meats, meat, fish, and some vegetables, but the typical diet only provides modest amounts.
The study authors refer to other research showing that Q10 deficiency is implicated in the development of various age-related diseases. They also cite studies in which Q10 supplementation has been used therapeutically for chronic heart failure, high blood pressure, muscular dystrophy, and neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson’s.
The link between psychological stress and tinnitus has also been documented in earlier research. It is possible that Q10 supplementation has a preventive effect on tinnitus as well, although more studies are needed. In any case, it is important to choose a Q10 supplement with documented high bioavailability.

Reference:

Rohollah Abbasi et al. The Effect og Coenzyme Q10 on Tinnitus Severity and Sleep Quality in Patients with Presbycusis. Iranian Journal of Otorhinolaryngology. 2025

Khoula Ahmad et al. Effectiveness of Coenzyme Q10 Supplementation in Statin-Induced Myopathy: A Systematic Review. 2024