The connection between caffeine, hearing loss, and tinnitus

Last update on Sep 24th, 2023

Caffeine, commonly found in coffee but also present in tea, cocoa, and guarana, is a natural chemical that has significant effects on our daily lives. It wakes up our nervous system, helping us fight off drowsiness, and boosting our heart and metabolism. While these effects can be positive in moderation, too much caffeine can lead to overstimulation, making us irritable and increasing the risk of developing tinnitus.

How much caffeine do we consume?

According to studies, the average daily intake of caffeine in adults is appoximately 320 mg. However, the recommended dose is a maximum of 200 mg. Consuming more than the suggested amount can have harmful effects, including:

  • anxiety;
  • sleep disorders;
  • stress increased blood pressure;
  • malabsorption of iron and calcium;
  •  tremors.
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By choosing Amplifon as your hearing care provider, you’re choosing to be cared and looked after by qualified and experienced Audiologists who can help change the way you listen to the world around you.

Does caffeine affect hearing loss and tinnitus?

Recently, scholars have begun to take a closer look at the possible connection between caffeine, hearing loss and tinnitus . In this article, we will explore the latest scientific research on the matter.

Study on the effect of caffeine on tinnitus

In 2021, a study with 80 tinnitus patients looked into how caffeine might impact their condition. They split the participants into two groups: one got 300 mg of caffeine, while the other received a placebo. After the study, they filled out questionnaires and had their hearing tested. Surprisingly, there weren't any notable improvements in tinnitus or the discomfort associated with it.

Study on the relationship between coffee and hearing

In a second study called the Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2009-2012, researchers aimed to analise the relationship between coffee consumption and hearing abilities in the Korean population. The study focused on 13,448 people who were 19 years old and older. What they found was quite interesting: people between 40 and 64 who regularly enjoy their coffee had 50-70% less hearing loss compared to those who only drink coffee occasionally. The same positive effect was seen for tinnitus, suggesting that caffeine might actually help protect your hearing.

Study on caffeine and noise-induced hearing loss

An experiment conducted by McGill University's Hearing Sciences Laboratory looked into how caffeine affects recovery from temporary hearing loss caused by loud noise. The study was carried out using guinea pigs divided into three groups: one group had caffeine daily for 15 days, another was exposed to 110 dB noise, and the third group experienced both. Surprisingly, the guinea pigs in the third group took longer to recover their hearing.
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Meniere's disease and caffeine

It is commonly accepted that a caffeine-free diet helps alleviate the symptoms of Meniere's disease, an inner ear disorder that causes vertigo, nausea, fluctuating sensorineural hearing loss and tinnitus. However, it's important to note that there is currently no scientific evidence supporting this.

Other questions? Come and visit us in an Amplifon clinic

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Is caffeine good or bad for hearing?

As of now, based on the scientific research conducted thus far, we cannot state for certain whether coffee has a positive or negative impact on hearing problems, including tinnitus.

This uncertainty arises from the fact that these studies rely on statistics and observations, and in the case of the McGill University experiment, were conducted on guinea pigs.

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