You’re in a quiet room… but your head isn’t.
A steady ringing, hissing, or buzzing that no one else can hear can make everyday life harder than it needs to be. You look it up on the internet and find literally thousands of "cures". One of them, Ginkgo Biloba, is often marketed as a natural fix — but does it actually work? Here’s what the research says, from someone who’s helped thousands of people in Utah County, from American Fork to Spanish Fork.
Table of Contents
- What Is Tinnitus? And What Is Ginkgo Biloba?
- Why High-Quality Research Matters
- What Major Studies Reveal
- The Nuance: What About EGb 761?
- Clinical Guidelines & Safety
- Conclusion
- FAQ
What Is Tinnitus? And What Is Ginkgo Biloba?
Before I get into the research, let’s set the stage. Tinnitus isn’t a disease — it’s a symptom. It often connects to hearing loss, loud noise exposure, circulation issues, or even something simple like earwax.
Ginkgo Biloba comes from one of the oldest tree species on earth. It contains antioxidant compounds and has long been used in traditional medicine. The theory is that better blood flow to the inner ear might reduce tinnitus symptoms.
But does that theory hold up?
Why High-Quality Research Matters
When evaluating information, especially health information, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled studies are the gold standard. In a legitimate scientific study, neither the researcher nor the patient knows who gets the real supplement. That matters because tinnitus is subjective, and the placebo effect can be powerful.
A 2024 meta-analysis confirmed that tinnitus patients often report improvement even when receiving an inactive (placebo) treatment — simply because they believe something might help (NIH). This is why we rely on high-quality trials, not marketing claims.
What Major Studies Reveal
Across rigorous studies, Ginkgo Biloba performs no better than a placebo.
One of the largest trials, published in the BMJ, included 1,121 adults. Half received a standardized Ginkgo extract (LI 1370) and half received a placebo for 12 weeks. Results? No meaningful difference. Thirty-four people in the Ginkgo group felt better… and so did thirty-five in the placebo group.
Cochrane Reviews — one of the most trusted evidence groups — concluded in 2022 that Ginkgo likely has “little to no effect” on tinnitus severity or quality of life.
The Nuance: What About EGb 761?
Not all supplements labeled “Ginkgo” are the same. Many store-bought products are not standardized.
One specific extract — EGb 761 — has shown some potential in smaller studies. A 2011 systematic review found early signs that EGb 761 may reduce tinnitus severity.
But the keyword is may.
The positive studies were small, sometimes low-quality, and results haven’t been consistently reproduced. This is why large guideline groups still recommend against using Ginkgo for tinnitus.
Clinical Guidelines & Safety
Major medical organizations — including the American Academy of Otolaryngology (AAO-HNS) and European tinnitus guidelines — advise against using Ginkgo for tinnitus.
Why?
- Benefits are uncertain.
- Side effects can include headaches and stomach upset.
- Ginkgo can interfere with blood clotting, especially for people on aspirin or blood thinners (NIH).
Bottom line: The risk outweighs the evidence.
If you want proven options, our Tinnitus Treatment page covers therapies actually supported by research.
Conclusion
The good news: you don’t have to chase unproven supplements. There are treatments backed by real science — CBT, sound therapy, and newer tools like bimodal neuromodulation.
At Timpanogos Hearing & Tinnitus, we’ve spent over 20 years helping people turn down the volume using research-backed care. As one of the first Modern Tinnitus Specialty Centers in the U.S., we’ve seen how life-changing a personalized plan can be.
If you’re in Utah and ready for answers, schedule a visit or explore the Learning Center.
If you prefer to start at home, check out our free books & guides.
Tinnitus might be loud — but with the right plan, you get to be louder.
FAQ {#faq}
Does Ginkgo Biloba help with tinnitus?
Current research shows Ginkgo performs no better than a placebo for most people.
Is EGb 761 different from regular Ginkgo Biloba?
Yes. EGb 761 is a standardized extract that has shown mixed but slightly more promising results. Evidence is still inconsistent.
Is Ginkgo safe to take for tinnitus?
It can cause headaches, stomach upset, and increased bleeding risk. Always talk with your doctor before trying it.
Should I take Ginkgo if my tinnitus gets worse?
No. Medical guidelines recommend against using Ginkgo for tinnitus because benefits are unproven.
What treatments actually help tinnitus?
Options include sound therapy, CBT, hearing technology, and in some cases newer tools like bimodal neuromodulation. A tinnitus specialist can help you choose the right approach.
