Does Alcohol Impact Your Tinnitus?

Yes, drinking can cause your tinnitus to sound different — it might be louder or quieter.

According to Dr. Julie Prutsman at Sound Relief Hearing Center, "drinking alcohol of any kind, whether it’s wine, beer, or liquor, can worsen tinnitus.

This is because "drinking alcohol causes your blood vessels to relax and expand," she explains. "When this occurs, blood flow increases throughout the body, including your ears, which can make your tinnitus worse. While alcohol-induced tinnitus is generally short-lived, excessive drinking over a long period of time can result in a permanent form of this hearing condition."

Audiologist Ben Thompson puts it this way: "Alcohol is known to raise blood pressure which may temporarily increase perception of tinnitus. While this is usually temporary with light to moderate alcohol consumption, increased blood pressure can lead to changes to circulation in the inner ear."

According to American Addiction Centers, "there is debate about whether or not alcohol directly causes tinnitus, but it almost certainly can exacerbate the problem. Many of those who abuse alcohol will need to deal with the symptoms of this condition. Some individuals attempt to self-medicate with alcohol, to deal with tinnitus, and this can lead to hazardous drinking."

People who are going through alcohol withdrawal may also experience tinnitus, so self-medicating with alcohol — while understandable when the noise in your head is unbearable — is certainly not encouraged.

There are even types of alcohol that are known to trigger or worsen tinnitus symptoms. These include "red wine, grain-based spirits such as rum and beer, cider, sherry and brandy." This is because they "all contain high to very high levels of salicylates," according to South Valley Ear, Nose & Throat, which are naturally occurring chemicals present in many fruits and vegetables.

Like everything with tinnitus, the impact alcohol has on it varies with the individual. Some people find moderate drinking helps them cope with their tinnitus, while others find that just one drink can increase the noise.

Theories abound as to why drinking helps or doesn't.

For those who can have a glass or two without problem, it's possible that they relax to such an extent they can get their mind off the noise.

For those who notice their tinnitus worsens, it may be because drinking causes your blood vessels to constrict, which increases your blood pressure, making the sounds in your head more noticeable. It should be noted that prolonged drinking over time causes sustained high blood pressure.

Try Eargasm Earplus

Comments

3 Highly Effective Stress Management Methods Every Tinnitus Sufferer Can Master

The constant noise of tinnitus can make it difficult to concentrate, sleep, or relax, which in turn, amplifies stress and anxiety. Stress management, then, plays a key role in mitigating the impact of tinnitus. Here are three highly effective methods that every tinnitus sufferer can master to manage stress and improve overall well-being. Mindfulness Meditation Mindfulness meditation is a simple yet powerful tool for reducing stress and anxiety, especially for those with tinnitus. The goal is to train your mind to stay in the present moment rather than fixating on the internal noise or the stress it causes. Research has shown that regular mindfulness practice can lower stress levels, increase focus, and reduce the perceived intensity of tinnitus sounds. How to Get Started Begin by setting aside 10-15 minutes each day to sit in a quiet space. Close your eyes and focus on your breath, paying attention to the sensation of air entering and leaving your body. If your mind dr...

What Is Excessive or Extreme Tinnitus?

Tinnitus is a common condition where individuals experience a persistent ringing, buzzing, or humming sound in their ears. However, for some people, the symptoms can be more severe and can interfere with their daily lives. Excessive tinnitus (or extreme tinnitus) are terms used to describe tinnitus that is more severe and persistent than normal tinnitus. It can be a frustrating and distressing condition, but there are ways to manage and reduce its symptoms. Who Gets Excessive Tinnitus? Excessive tinnitus can affect people of all ages, but it's more common in older adults. According to research, up to 20% of people over the age of 60 experience excessive tinnitus. However, it can also affect younger individuals who have been exposed to loud noise or have a history of ear infections or hearing loss. What Causes Excessive Tinnitus? Excessive tinnitus, like regular tinnitus, can be caused by a variety of factors, including: Exposure to loud noise. Exposure to loud noise, such a...

Can Melatonin Help Reduce My Tinnitus?

One technique that can help control your tinnitus is melatonin, a hormone that regulates sleep-wake cycles. Melatonin is a hormone produced by the pineal gland in the brain. It is often used as a supplement to improve sleep quality and duration, especially in cases of insomnia. In recent years, melatonin has also been investigated for its potential benefits in managing tinnitus symptoms. Melatonin has been found to have antioxidant properties, which means it can help protect the delicate hair cells in the inner ear from damage caused by free radicals. Free radicals are unstable molecules that can damage healthy cells and contribute to various health problems. The delicate hair cells in the inner ear are responsible for converting sound waves into electrical signals that are transmitted to the brain. When these hair cells become damaged, they can no longer function properly, leading to tinnitus. In addition to its antioxidant properties, melatonin has also been found to have anti-inflam...

Tinnitus Help - Stop the Ringing in Your Ears

Search This Blog