Does Drinking Coffee Caused Tinnitus?
Coffee, the beloved energizing drink of choice around the world, is popular for its ability to help people focus, stay alert, and, of course, its delicious taste. But all that caffeine comes with a dark side. Increasingly, people have reported experiencing ringing in the ears, known as tinnitus, after drinking coffee. So does coffee actually cause tinnitus?
What is tinnitus?
Tinnitus is a phantom sound created internally within the ear. The majority of suffering people describe it as a rattling, sizzling, or whistling sound, although others have described it as a droning, crunching, even musical type of noise. There are two methods of tinnitus classification: subjective and objective tinnitus. Subjective tinnitus is experienced only by the patient, while objective tinnitus can be heard by other people as well.
Can Coffee Lead to Tinnitus?
Coffee has been linked to tinnitus in several studies. A study done in 2003 found that nearly half of the participants showed signs of tinnitus. Another study done in 2008 found that other sugary and caffeinated beverages can increase the risk of tinnitus.
Caffeine is known to cause increased heart rate and blood pressure, which can contribute to tinnitus. Other potential factors include zinc and iron deficiencies, commonly caused by excessive caffeine consumption. High amounts of caffeine can also lead to disturbed sleep, which can also contribute to tinnitus.
Preventing Tinnitus
There are several possible methods of preventing tinnitus due to coffee consumption:
- Limit Caffeine Intake: Drinking too much coffee can lead to excessive caffeine intake, which can in turn lead to tinnitus. Try to limit your coffee consumption to one or two cups per day to avoid this problem.
- Stay Hydrated: Staying hydrated is important since dehydration can contribute to tinnitus. It’s especially important to drink water if you’re drinking coffee.
- Avoid Alcohol: Alcohol can be an additional contributing factor to tinnitus, so it’s best to avoid it completely.
- Meditate: Meditating regularly can help to reduce stress and anxiety levels, which can in turn reduce the risk of tinnitus.
Final Thoughts
Coffee is a delicious and refreshing way to start your day. However, drinking too much of it can cause tinnitus, so it’s important to monitor your caffeine intake and be mindful of its potential side effects. If you experience ringing in the ears, it’s best to consult a doctor for further diagnosis.
