One Possible Ill-Effect of Coffee Found Not-Guilty

Tinnitus, or ringing in the ears, is common, especially as we get older.  Actually it can be a ringing, buzzing, roaring, clicking, whistling, or hissing; it’s irritating effect is variable, but it’s not usually dangerous.  There are numerous possible causes, and some sources have blamed excessive coffee-drinking.  This has led to advice to victims to stop drinking coffee, but this may be a useless approach, according to a study done at Bristol University, UK, and published in the International Journal of Audiology.

66 volunteers were enrolled who experienced tinnitus and who usually drank at least 150 mg daily of caffeine (1 to 2 cups, depending on strength).  Their usual caffeinated tea and coffee was replaced with double-blinded supplies, under one of two conditions: usual caffeine consumption followed by gradual withdrawal, or gradual withdrawal followed by reintroduction to their usual levels.  The severity of tinnitus was scored using a standard Tinnitus Questionnaire on days 1, 15, and 30.  The participants also self-rated symptoms relative to caffeine withdrawal.

The amount of caffeine consumed had no effect on the severity of tinnitus.  However, significant acute adverse effects of caffeine withdrawal were reported.  (These include headache, irritability, nervousness, and occasionally nausea, dizziness, and vomiting.)

So, tinnitus sufferers, don’t be misled by friendly advice to stop your daily caffeine dose.  You’ll only feel worse – in addition to keeping your tinnitus.  Ask your doctor for help.  It may be as simple as removing wax from your ears.