Does Alcohol Affect Tinnitus?

The UK government advises that people drink no more than 3 – 4 units of alcohol a day. Many recommend that folk with Tinnitus should abstain from alcohol, especially red wine.

Alcohol and tinnitus

Can alcohol cause ringing in the ears?

Increased blood pressure and dehydration may increase the level of tinnitus, according to many tinnitus sufferers. Severe tinnitus can make it difficult to sleep or even to think clearly. This is a common condition that affects about one in five people over the ages of 65. 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.


Is alcohol ototoxic?

Alcohol researchers believe that drinking can result in brain damage, while the quantity of alcohol and the length of time needed to accomplish this remain unknown. So even though the ears may still be functioning perfectly, the brain is no longer able to process the sounds, resulting in hearing loss because of alcohol. People who suffer from alcoholism may also have damage within their ears. The high levels of alcohol in the bloodstream can create a toxic environment which can damage the delicate hair cells in the cochlea. This condition is known as ototoxicity.

Can drinking water help tinnitus?

Drinking plenty of water is excellent for the body in general. Drinking excessive alcohol or caffeine-based drinks dehydrate the body and may very well compound the effects of tinnitus. 


Does alcohol affect your hearing?

There are tiny hair cells in your inner ears that translate the sounds in your environment into nerve impulses. Excessive alcohol consumption can damage those inner ear hair cells, so the sounds don’t get to your brain, causing hearing loss. Once those hair cells are damaged they cannot regenerate. Any hearing loss resulting from damage to those inner ear hair cells is permanent.

What is cocktail deafness?

Health professionals have coined the term “Cocktail Deafness” to describe the noise-induced hearing loss that can happen when drinking alcohol in a loud bar or nightclub. Loud music or loud voices talking over the music, the consumption of excessive amounts of alcohol, and inhaling cigarette smoke can lead to hearing loss and tinnitus. The effects of “cocktail deafness” are often temporary, and will resolve themselves within a day or so but exposure to these conditions for long periods of time can permanently damage your hearing.


Heartbeat in the ear after drinking alcohol?

Blood vessel problems, such as high blood pressure, an aneurysm or a tumour, and blockage of the ear canal or eustachian tube can amplify the sound of your heartbeat in your ears – this is called pulsatile tinnitus.

Does alcohol withdrawal affect tinnitus?

It is accepted that alcohol can cause tinnitus type noises in the ear, but it is less clear if it leads to chronic tinnitus. Some individuals experience audible hallucinations and tinnitus during alcohol withdrawals. There is a debate as to whether or not alcohol worsens tinnitus symptoms. It is suggested that drinking alcohol may temporarily relieve the symptoms, but that tinnitus will worsen later. There is the concern that individuals may begin to self-medicate with alcohol and that this could lead to dependency.





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