Zinc is involved in a wide array of functions, including helping to maintain healthy cell membranes and protecting cells from oxygen-related damage. Dr. Shambaugh estimates that about 25 percent of the people he sees with severe tinnitus are zinc-deficient. Sometimes they also have poor appetite, hair loss, diminished taste or smell or skin problems. All of these symptoms are related to zinc deficiency. Although Dr. Shambaugh and other ear, nose and throat specialists may initially give large doses of zinc, up to 150 milligrams a day, it's important to take no more than about 15 milligrams a day without medical supervision.
Doctors monitor blood levels of zinc when they prescribe higher amounts.
That's because zinc can be toxic in large doses. Copper, too, can be toxic, so follow your doctor's advice on this. The Daily Value for zinc is 15 milligrams. According to Dr. Shambaugh, few people get 10 to 15 milligrams a day in their diets, while people over age 75 rarely get as much as 7 milligrams a day. May Aid Hearing Like zinc, vitamin A is found in high concentrations in the cochlea.