Many people with tinnitus have found that excessive caffeine may trigger or even aggravate their symptoms of tinnitus. Tinnitus, usually defined as a “ringing of the ears,” is when a person hears phantom noises that may sound like humming, hissing, buzzing or clicking.
Sometimes, the cause of the tinnitus may be an underlying medical condition, such as an ear infection, TMJ (temporomandibular joint) disorders or hearing damage. Tinnitus may also be brought on by drugs, such as ibuprofen, aspirin, birth control pills, chemotherapy, and products that contain caffeine.
Products that contain caffeine include different types of colas, coffees, teas and chocolate. It is also found in seemingly innocuous medications, such as Excedrin Migraine.
Cigarettes and other tobacco-related products contain nicotine, which is similar to caffeine with regard to triggering tinnitus in certain individuals.
Someone who is experiencing tinnitus may choose to cut back on caffeinated products and medications – in addition to restricting tobacco usage – before attempting other remedies to deal with the tinnitus.
If you have cut back on all of the possible products mentioned above and your tinnitus still persists, it is recommended that you visit an Ear, Nose & Throat specialist (a.k.a. ENT).
Where does one find a tinnitus cure that eliminates the annoying sounds in the ear?
There are many answers to this question, because every person responds to a different tinnitus cure, and some respond to multiple types.
1. Ginkgo Biloba – It has been found that 240 mg of Gingko Biloba per day alleviates tinnitus in many people. It does this by increasing the flow of blood to one of the cranial nerves that oversee the conversion of sound waves into sound.
2. Time – A perforated eardrum can cause tinnitus. However, the eardrum can heal itself over time.
3. Surgery – If the tinnitus is caused by fused ear bones (otosclerosis), surgery can resolve it. (Surgery is also necessary for some perforated eardrums.)
4. Avoidance of certain medications – Tinnitus is known to be caused by aspirin, steroids, anti-seizure medications, painkillers, antidepressants and anti-anxiety drugs. If the onset of the tinnitus coincides with the start of a new medication, a doctor can suggest an alternative.
5. Diet – Caffeine and nicotine may cause tinnitus. Therefore, cutting back on these ingredients from one’s diet may eliminate the problem.
6. B12 Supplement – Intramuscular injections of this all-encompassing vitamin may cure the tinnitus.
7. Zinc Supplement – Taking 100 mg of zinc daily has been shown to eliminate tinnitus in some people.
8. Vitamin A Supplement – High doses of vitamin A can also remediate tinnitus. The recommended dosage is 50,000 IUs.
9. Masking – This involves utilizing a noise generator that plays soft, soothing sounds, such as those of an ocean or rainfall. In effect, it distracts a person from the irritating noise of his/her tinnitus.
10. Acupuncture – When acupuncture is properly performed, some people find relief from their tinnitus.
