By Kris Silvey
Tinnitus is a common condition characterized by the perception of sound in one or both ears when no external sound source is present.
It can manifest in various forms, such as ringing, buzzing, or whistling noises, and can range from barely noticeable to highly disruptive in an individual's daily life. Affecting approximately 15 to 20 percent of the population, tinnitus is particularly prevalent among older adults.
Coffee (that is, caffeine) could help—or hurt. Credit: @pawel_czerwinski/Unsplash
Coffee and Beyond
Although the exact cause of tinnitus is not always clear, there are several known triggers that can contribute to the development or exacerbation of this condition. (Full disclosure: I sell coffee.)
1. Caffeine Sensitivity
A South Korean study involving 13,448 participants ages 19 and above unveiled a significant correlation between coffee consumption and bilateral (in both ears) hearing loss in the 40–64 age group.
In the study, daily coffee consumers experienced 50 to 70 percent reduced hearing loss than their rarely coffee-consuming counterparts. In addition, drinking coffee was linked to a lower incidence of tinnitus in people ages 19 to 64, but this was related to hearing ability.
2. Dose-Dependent Relationship
Beyond hearing loss, the study highlighted an inverse correlation between the frequency of coffee consumption and tinnitus in the 19–64 age group. The protective effect of coffee appeared to strengthen with higher intake, emphasizing the importance of understanding the dose-dependent nature of this relationship.
Notably, brewed coffee demonstrated a more pronounced association than instant or canned coffee in the 40–64 age group.
3. Insights from Database Searches
A comprehensive review of 142 studies in the International Archives of Otorhinolarngology, conducted across databases including PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar, provided additional insights. While one study found no association between caffeine consumption and the incidence of tinnitus, two population-based studies reported an inverse relationship, underlining the complexity of the relationship between caffeine and tinnitus.
4. Caffeine Reduction in Preexisting Tinnitus
The review highlighted that among individuals with preexisting tinnitus, reducing caffeine intake had positive outcomes. A subset of individuals consuming 150 to 300 milliliters of daily coffee experienced an improvement in tinnitus severity with reduced caffeine intake. However, those with higher doses were less likely to see improvement in the severity of tinnitus.
5. Noise Exposure
Exposure to loud sounds is a well-established trigger for tinnitus, whether a one-time incident or over time. Whether through the workplace, recreational activities, or loud events such as concerts, safeguarding against excessive noise is crucial for preventing tinnitus. Creating a soundproof space in the home can also help.
6. Earwax Accumulation
Earwax buildup can lead to blockages in the ear canal, impacting hearing and potentially triggering tinnitus. While earwax is the ear’s way to self-clean, regular ear hygiene by a professional (such as an ENT, or ear, nose, and throat doctor) help can mitigate the risk of tinnitus from earwax buildup. (Individuals should never try to clean out the ears themselves.)
7. Medication Side Effects
Certain medications, such as some antibiotics, anti-inflammatory drugs, and diuretics, have been associated with tinnitus as a side effect. Individuals should be aware of potential side effects and consult your healthcare providers if they experience tinnitus.
8. Hypertension
High blood pressure can contribute to tinnitus. However, high blood pressure medications, like diuretics, ACE inhibitors, and calcium channel blockers, might also play a role in causing tinnitus. Monitoring blood pressure levels and adopting a healthy lifestyle can help manage this risk factor.
9. Stress and Anxiety
Emotional well-being plays a role in tinnitus. Stress and anxiety can exacerbate symptoms, emphasizing the importance of stress management techniques and mental health support.
10. Dietary Factors
Beyond caffeine, certain dietary factors may contribute to tinnitus. A U.K. study of over 34,500 participants who self-reported their symptoms and diet found that a higher fat intake was associated with tinnitus. Although the research connecting diet to tinnitus remains inconclusive, keeping a food diary to track personal tinnitus triggers can be helpful, to monitor sensitivity to caffeine, salt, alcohol, or other foods. At the very least, adopting a balanced diet can positively impact overall health.
Holistic Approach
Understanding tinnitus triggers is important for individuals seeking to manage their symptoms effectively. As research advances, a holistic approach can bring together lifestyle, environmental factors, and individual responses.
Whether it’s adjusting coffee intake, protecting against noise exposure, tracking dietary triggers, or addressing stress levels, a personalized strategy tailored to the unique needs of each individual can help mitigate the impact of tinnitus and promote overall well-being.
Kris Silvey is a software engineer and founder of Elevated Coffee Brew.
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I currently work with a mouse model with hearing fluctuation and have a clinical protocol that is performing deep phenotyping of patients with hearing instability, including patients with Ménière’s disease.