A new study looked at whether certain gene variants might link chronic tinnitus to mild cognitive impairment (MCI). Researchers analyzed the DNA of 294 adults with chronic tinnitus from five European clinics. They focused on rare loss-of-function variants in the PRKRA gene.
The study found that 15% of participants with both tinnitus and MCI had these rare variants. Among those with the variants, cognitive performance was linked to tinnitus severity, but not to other hearing issues like hyperacusis or high-frequency hearing loss.
This is an early finding. The study was small and has not been repeated. The results show an association, not proof that the gene variants cause tinnitus or MCI. No safety concerns were reported because this was a genetic analysis, not a treatment trial.
For now, this research offers a clue for future studies. It does not change current care for tinnitus or MCI. If you have tinnitus or memory concerns, talk to your doctor about proven management strategies.