By Barry Keate
Barry Keate, has lived with tinnitus over 40 years and has published 150+ research articles on numerous aspects of tinnitus. He is an expert on the condition and a well-known advocate for those with tinnitus.
(master1305/Freepik)
Tinnitus can be frustrating to deal with on a daily basis. It can affect relationships, sleep, work, and hobbies. It is natural for those who struggle with tinnitus to want to relieve symptoms, and thankfully, it may be possible to do so with a few lifestyle changes.
Many people report that their tinnitus flares up after consuming alcohol, leading to the question: Does drinking actually make tinnitus worse? We’ll help you understand how alcohol affects the auditory, circulatory, and nervous systems and how it impacts your tinnitus.
Why Tinnitus Feels Worse After Drinking
Many people with tinnitus find that their symptoms become more noticeable after drinking. This can happen for several reasons, including:
- Increased Blood Flow to the Ears – Alcohol dilates blood vessels, creating a sensation of fullness or pulsing in the ears. This can make existing tinnitus symptoms more pronounced.
- Changes in Neurotransmitter Activity – Drinking affects the central nervous system, changing how the brain processes sound. This disruption can intensify tinnitus symptoms and make them harder to ignore.
- Dehydration – Alcohol depletes hydration levels, which can affect the fragile structure of the inner ear. This may result in temporary increases in tinnitus severity.
- Reduced External Noise Awareness – Alcohol can dull overall hearing perception, making internal sounds like tinnitus seem louder in comparison.
For individuals who already struggle with tinnitus loss of hearing, alcohol can make distinguishing between external sounds and internal ringing even more difficult. The temporary shift in auditory processing may cause frustration, stress, and increased focus on tinnitus symptoms.
How Alcohol Affects the Auditory System
Alcohol is a known vasodilator, meaning it expands blood vessels and increases blood flow. While this might seem beneficial in some cases, excessive vasodilation can contribute to inner ear issues. The inner ear is a delicate system that relies on stable circulation and blood flow. When alcohol causes blood flow to change, it can disrupt inner ear health, change hearing, and potentially intensify tinnitus symptoms.
Alcohol also affects how the brain interprets sound signals, making existing tinnitus more noticeable or triggering new episodes of ear ringing. Since the brain and auditory nerves work together to process sound, alcohol’s impact on brain activity may contribute to an increase in tinnitus symptoms.
Drinking may cause further harm by interfering with neurotransmitter activity. Neurotransmitters are chemical messengers that help deliver signals between nerves. When they don’t work as well, it can be harder to hear external sounds clearly and the internal ringing may seem to get louder. For those with tinnitus, drinking alcohol can be like turning up the volume on those annoying sounds you hear.
The Connection Between Alcohol and Temporary Hearing Loss
One of the immediate effects of alcohol consumption is a temporary shift in hearing perception. Research has shown that alcohol can affect a person’s ability to hear certain frequencies1, especially those important for understanding conversations. This is often why conversations in loud environments become more challenging after a few drinks. While this effect typically fades once alcohol leaves the body, frequent drinking can cause long-term hearing issues.
Chronic alcohol consumption can lead to tinnitus, particularly when combined with other risk factors such as noise exposure or aging. Over time, it may contribute to damage to the auditory nerve, making it more difficult for sound signals to reach the brain effectively. This gradual decline in auditory function can make tinnitus more persistent and challenging to manage.
Additionally, alcohol’s diuretic properties cause dehydration, which can harm the fluid balance within the ear. The inner ear contains tiny hair cells designed to pick up sound waves and begin transmitting them to the brain. When these cells lose out on proper hydration and nutrients, they become more vulnerable to damage, potentially leading to tinnitus and hearing loss.
Long-Term Effects of Alcohol on Tinnitus and Hearing Loss
While an occasional drink is unlikely to cause permanent damage, long-term hearing issues are linked to heavy alcohol consumption. Prolonged alcohol consumption may lead to conditions such as:
- Peripheral Neuropathy – Nerve damage affects various body parts, including the auditory nerve.
- Increased Risk of Noise-Induced Hearing Loss – Alcohol can reduce the body’s ability to recover from loud noise exposure, increasing vulnerability to permanent hearing damage.
- Worsening of Pre-Existing Tinnitus – Individuals with chronic tinnitus may find that regular alcohol use makes their symptoms progressively more intrusive.
Limiting alcohol intake can be an effective way of managing tinnitus symptoms. Reducing consumption, especially in the evenings when tinnitus tends to be most noticeable, may help minimize flare-ups and improve overall hearing health.
Tinnitus Supplements That Work: Supporting Auditory Health
If you want to manage their symptoms naturally, certain tinnitus supplements that work may help support hearing health and reduce symptom severity. While no supplement is a guaranteed cure, specific vitamins and minerals support auditory nerve function and circulation. Nutrients such as magnesium, zinc, and vitamin B12 have all shown promising benefits for those struggling with tinnitus.
While a balanced diet contains many of these nutrients, an easy way to increase intake is to take vitamin supplements for tinnitus. Products like Arches Tinnitus Formula combine a variety of minerals into a proprietary formula that supports hearing health.
Combining a healthy lifestyle with tinnitus supplements that work may provide relief for those seeking non-invasive ways to manage their symptoms. While supplements cannot reverse tinnitus entirely, they may help reduce inflammation, support nerve function, and improve overall ear function.
Finding a Healthy Balance
Alcohol’s impact on tinnitus varies from person to person, but research and anecdotal evidence suggest that it can worsen symptoms in several ways. From increasing blood flow to altering auditory nerve function, alcohol may contribute to the intensity and duration of tinnitus episodes.
For those already managing tinnitus hearing loss, monitoring alcohol intake and focusing on overall ear health can make a significant difference. Hydration, stress management, and proper nutrition all play a role in reducing tinnitus severity. Additionally, incorporating tinnitus supplements that work into a daily routine may support auditory function and help alleviate some symptoms.
While the occasional drink can be relatively harmless, individuals with tinnitus should be mindful of how alcohol affects their symptoms. By making informed choices and prioritizing ear health, minimizing tinnitus flare-ups and maintaining better auditory well-being is possible.
1https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC2031886/
FAQs
1. Can alcohol permanently worsen tinnitus?
While occasional drinking typically causes temporary tinnitus flare-ups, chronic alcohol consumption may contribute to long-term auditory issues. Drinking in moderation is the best way to support your efforts to maintain auditory health and mitigate your tinnitus symptoms.
2. Why does my tinnitus get louder after drinking?
Alcohol dilated blood vessels, increasing blood flow to the ears. It also affects the action of neurotransmitters, which can heighten tinnitus perception. Alcohol can also lead to dehydration which also plays a role.
3. Can quitting alcohol improve tinnitus?
It depends. Some individuals experience reduced tinnitus symptoms after cutting back on alcohol, especially if alcohol was a consistent trigger. If you drink infrequently already, quitting altogether may have less effect on your symptoms.
4. Are certain alcoholic drinks worse for tinnitus?
Drinks with high sugar or caffeine content, such as cocktails or energy drink mixers, may worsen tinnitus more than others. However, any drink that contains alcohol has the potential to affect your tinnitus symptoms.
5. Can tinnitus supplements reduce alcohol-related symptoms?
Supplements like magnesium, Ginkgo biloba, and B12 may support auditory health and help manage tinnitus symptoms. However, it may take time to experience the full benefit of these supplements. They are not a substitute for managing your drinking habits.
6. Does alcohol cause hearing loss?
Excessive or long-term alcohol use can have adverse effects on many organs and body systems. It can damage the auditory nerve, leading to hearing impairment. Drinking in moderation is better for your auditory and overall health.
7. Is red wine better for tinnitus than other alcoholic beverages?
Red wine does contain antioxidants. However, they do not counteract the adverse effects of the alcohol in the wine. Alcohol in any form can affect tinnitus.
8. How long does alcohol-induced tinnitus last?
Temporary tinnitus from alcohol typically fades within 24-48 hours, depending on hydration and individual sensitivity. If your tinnitus symptoms persist or prevent you from participating in daily activities, consult a medical professional to rule out other underlying conditions.
9. Can alcohol withdrawal cause tinnitus?
Yes, some people experience temporary tinnitus as a withdrawal symptom when quitting alcohol. If you experience tinnitus as a withdrawal symptom, consider other ways you can support your auditory health and manage your symptoms. Some options include reducing stress, eating a diet rich in vitamins and minerals, and taking a tinnitus supplement.
10. What lifestyle changes help tinnitus?
Many learn to live a fulfilling life with tinnitus symptoms by making a few lifestyle changes. Reducing your alcohol intake, eating a healthy diet, managing your stress, getting enough sleep, and taking tinnitus supplements can all help alleviate tinnitus symptoms.
Infographic
Tinnitus, the perception of ringing or buzzing in the ears, can disrupt daily life, affecting sleep and social interactions. Many individuals notice their symptoms worsen after consuming alcohol, prompting questions about its effects on hearing health. Explore the facts in this infographic.
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