From the Journals

What Links GERD to Hearing and Balance Issues?

GERD links to tinnitus and balance disorders, while Barrett’s esophagus shows no ties.

Share

A large genetic study utilizing Mendelian randomization has established a causal link between genetic liability to gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and increased risk for various ear and balance disorders, including Ménière’s disease, sensorineural hearing loss, vestibular dysfunction, and tinnitus. The research involved over 600,000 participants and highlighted nuanced associations, with effect sizes for tinnitus being small. Notably, Barrett’s esophagus showed no significant associations with these outcomes. Wen Zhao and colleagues emphasize the broader pathological implications of GERD on auditory health.

Original Source(s)

What Links GERD to Hearing and Balance Issues?

GERD links to tinnitus and balance disorders, while Barrett’s esophagus shows no ties.

  • by Stanley Gajete

  • September 12, 2025

  • 3 min

Related Content

New Tool Clarifies CI Eligibility

“Ongoing refinement and prospective validation will be important for successful integration into clinical practice,” the researchers wrote.

Drug for Dizziness May Increase Falls

Researchers find elevated risk across adult age groups, not just in older adults.

Sound Can Directly Affect Balance and Lead to Risk of Falling

What people hear and do not hear can have a direct effect on their balance, according to new research from the New York Eye and Ear Infirmary of Mount Sinai (NYEE).

  • by

  • April 3, 2021

  • 1 min