What is Caffeine?

Caffeine is a natural stimulant found in coffee, tea, chocolate, and several energy drinks. It works by stimulating the central nervous system, improving circulation and focus, increasing alertness, and reducing fatigue.

In moderation, caffeine is safe, but it’s important to be mindful of your intake. Excessive caffeine intake has been associated with adverse health effects, including high blood pressure, heart problems, and insulin resistance.1 Speak to your healthcare professional if you're concerned about these health effects.
 

Does Caffeine Affect Hearing Loss?

Too much caffeine can raise blood pressure and restrict your blood vessels. This potentially limits blood flow to the ears, leading researchers to question its effect on hearing. 

An observational study found no connection between average caffeine intake (up to two cups of coffee per day) and hearing loss. However, the same study found that daily coffee consumers between the ages of 40 and 64 experienced 50-70% less hearing loss than non-coffee drinkers.2

So, what does this mean for your caffeine intake? While there might not be enough evidence to suggest coffee can reduce your risk of hearing loss, you certainly don’t need to skip that morning coffee. 


Is There a Link Between Caffeine and Tinnitus?

The research on caffeine and tinnitus is mainly anecdotal. Some people may experience worsened tinnitus symptoms with caffeine intake. This is because factors that increase the severity of tinnitus, like anxiety or sleep, can be made worse by caffeine. 

However, research in this field is limited. Some studies have found no evidence to suggest that caffeine consumption can increase tinnitus symptoms. There is also little evidence to support cutting out caffeine as an effective strategy to alleviate tinnitus.3

If you have tinnitus, pay attention to your symptoms when drinking coffee or consuming other caffeine. If your symptoms worsen, consider reducing your intake to see if it improves your condition. If you don’t notice any changes, you can continue with your current caffeine consumption.


Meniere’s Disease and Caffeine

Meniere’s disease is an inner ear problem that can cause vertigo, a feeling of fullness in the ear, and hearing loss. Several treatment options can help ease the symptoms of Meniere’s disease. 

Some people are told to cut back on alcohol, salt, and caffeine to help alleviate symptoms. Caffeine and alcohol can result in constriction of blood vessels that may reduce blood supply to the inner ear, making a person’s symptoms worse. 

Unfortunately, the evidence remains largely anecdotal. Some people report that low-salt diets work particularly well in managing symptoms, but there’s little on the effect of caffeine.4
 

Caffeine and Hearing Loss: Debunking the Myths

With so much information circulating the web, it can feel challenging to discern fact from fiction. So, when it comes to the truth about caffeine and hearing loss, let’s debunk the myths. 

  • Caffeine causes hearing loss - Myth! Current research shows no evidence that regular caffeine intake directly causes hearing loss. 
  • Caffeine makes tinnitus worse - Myth! Caffeine doesn’t appear to affect tinnitus, though individual experiences may vary depending on underlying conditions. 
  • Caffeine can trigger Meniere’s disease - Myth! No studies suggest caffeine causes Meniere’s disease. While some people are advised to cut back, no evidence suggests caffeine can help alleviate symptoms. 

When consumed in moderation, no evidence suggests caffeine impacts your hearing health. Even so, working with a hearing care professional is always best if you have specific concerns like Meniere’s disease or tinnitus. 
 

Book an appointment at your local Connect Hearing clinic today. Our friendly team will listen to your concerns and advise on the best management options! 

 

References:

  1. Medical Principles and Practice (24 March 2021), Coffee Consumption and Cancer Risk: An Assessment of the Health Implications Based on Recent Knowledge, National Library of Medicine, accessed 3 November 2024. 
  2. Nutrients (4 October 2018), Association of Coffee Consumption with Hearing and Tinnitus Based on a National Population-Based Survey, National Library of Medicine, accessed 3 November 2024. 
  3. The American Journal of Medicine, A Prospective Study of Caffeine Intake and Risk of Incident Tinnitus, The American Journal of Medicine, accessed 3 November 2024.
  4. Cochrane Database Systematic Review (31 December 2018), Restriction of salt, caffeine and alcohol intake for treatment of Meniere’s disease or syndrome, National Library of Medicine, accessed 3 November 2024.