Caffeine and Hearing Loss: Does Your Daily Coffee Make a Difference?
Everyone needs a little pick me up, especially in the morning before a long day of work, school, or other activities that take up your time. According to the National Coffee Association, 67% of adults in the United States drink coffee every single day. While regular caffeine consumption may help with energy and concentration in the moment, can it impact other areas of your health?
What is Caffeine?
Caffeine is a natural stimulant found in coffee, tea, and chocolate. It’s also added to energy drinks and some non-prescription medications. Caffeine stimulates the central nervous system, improving circulation and focus, which keeps us from feeling tired.
Can Caffeine Affect Hearing Ability?
Research has indicated that moderate caffeine consumption does not adversely affect hearing. But because caffeine can restrict blood flow and increase blood pressure – and since blood flow is crucial for healthy hearing – there could be a relationship.
Because caffeine is a stimulant, it can have an impact on tinnitus (ringing in the ears). Increased blood pressure and heart rate can exacerbate the symptoms of tinnitus. While there is no definitive evidence that caffeine worsens tinnitus, some patients who cut back on their coffee intake have seen improvement in their perception of tinnitus.
Taking Care of Your Hearing Means Taking Care of Your Health
Your hearing plays an important role in your overall health and well-being. If you are experiencing difficulty hearing or you hear phantom sounds in your ears that won’t go away, the experts at Gateway Hearing Solutions can help you. Like any aspect of your health, it’s crucial to have a good diet and exercise. While your daily cup of coffee may not cause hearing problems, if you do notice a decline in hearing ability, you should seek help right away.
Be proactive of your health by taking care of your hearing! We offer comprehensive hearing services for the people of East Providence, Warwick, and the surrounding communities. Contact us today to schedule your appointment or if you have any questions about how your lifestyle could be affecting your hearing.