The connection between caffeine, hearing loss, and tinnitus

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.

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.

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.

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.