Caffeine and Tinnitus: Can Too Much Caffeine Cause Tinnitus?
- thewudyway
- Nov 12, 2025
- 6 min read
Updated: Jan 20
If you've ever sat down with a cuppa and then wondered whether your tinnitus spiked after, you're not alone. I have had this thought (and feeling) many times.
The relationship between caffeine and tinnitus is one that continues to puzzle both researchers and sufferers alike. Whether you’re newly experiencing ringing in your ears or you’ve been managing tinnitus for years, it’s natural to want to know if something as common as caffeine could be making things worse, or possibly better.
So, let’s look at what the research says, what experts in the UK advise, and how to make decisions that support your health without giving up your morning brew entirely (unless you really want to!).
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What Is Tinnitus?
First things first, tinnitus is usually described as the perception of sound when no external noise is present. It’s often a ringing, buzzing, humming, or whooshing noise that may come and go or be constant. From my perspective its a giant pain in the ass.
According to the British Tinnitus Association (BTA), about one in seven adults in the UK experience persistent tinnitus.
It’s not a disease in itself, but a symptom of an underlying condition which can include hearing loss, ear infections, or exposure to loud noise. But lifestyle factors, including stress, sleep, and yes, caffeine intake are frequently discussed as potential influences. In my case the cause is Meniere's Disease.
So, Can Caffeine Cause Tinnitus?
Here’s where things get tricky. Caffeine is a stimulant found in tea, coffee, cola, energy drinks, and even chocolate. It stimulates the central nervous system, which is why so many of us reach for it in the morning or when we’re feeling sluggish. But could that stimulation impact tinnitus?
Older advice often recommended that people with tinnitus reduce or eliminate caffeine. The thinking was simple: since caffeine stimulates the nervous system, it might exacerbate the overactive auditory signals that contribute to tinnitus. But that theory is far from settled science.
A landmark study from the University of Bristol in 2010, found no clear link between caffeine consumption and tinnitus worsening.
In fact, their review suggested that cutting caffeine might even have negative effects, especially in those who were regular consumers and went “cold turkey.” The withdrawal symptoms, like irritability, headaches, and fatigue could themselves increase the perception of tinnitus, making things feel worse rather than better.
Similarly, a 2014 study published in the American Journal of Medicine, which followed over 65,000 women, found that higher caffeine intake was actually associated with a lower risk of developing tinnitus. Although this was a US-based study, it has been referenced and discussed widely by British hearing specialists due to its large sample size and long-term nature.
The British Tinnitus Association’s Advice
The BTA has taken a pragmatic and balanced approach to the issue of caffeine and tinnitus. Rather than advising everyone to cut it out, they suggest paying close attention to your own symptoms.
In a factsheet published on their website, the BTA explains that there is no strong scientific evidence to prove that caffeine makes tinnitus worse for everyone. However, they do acknowledge that for some individuals, caffeine might trigger a spike in symptoms.
Their advice? If you suspect caffeine is affecting your tinnitus, try reducing your intake gradually over a few weeks and keep a tinnitus diary to track any changes. This allows you to understand your own body’s response rather than relying solely on generalised advice.
From my Nutritional Therapy point of view, reducing caffeine slowly is really important to avoid headaches that you may get from your body withdrawing from it.
Why It Might Help Some People
You might be surprised to hear that for some people, a small dose of caffeine might actually help. Caffeine is known to improve alertness and concentration. If you feel tired and foggy, you may become more aware of your tinnitus because you’re more inwardly focused. A little caffeine could lift that fog, making the tinnitus feel less intrusive by comparison.
It’s also worth noting that stress and poor sleep are two of the most common tinnitus triggers, and moderate caffeine (especially in the morning) can help reduce daytime fatigue. As such, completely removing caffeine might not help if it makes you feel sluggish and irritable, which could worsen your experience of tinnitus rather than improve it.
When Caffeine Might Make Things Worse
That said, some people are sensitive to caffeine. If you find yourself jittery, anxious, or wired after a coffee, there’s a chance that caffeine may be increasing your awareness of tinnitus too. Especially if you’re drinking caffeine later in the day, it can interfere with sleep, which then leads to a worsening of symptoms the following day.
It’s a cycle that many people don’t realise they’re caught in, afternoon caffeine causes poor sleep, poor sleep heightens tinnitus, and more caffeine is consumed the next day to deal with tiredness.
This is where cutting back, rather than cutting out entirely, can make a big difference.
Try switching to decaffeinated tea or coffee after lunchtime and see how your body responds.
Tips for Managing Caffeine and Tinnitus Together
Whether caffeine plays a role in your tinnitus or not, here are some gentle ways to explore the relationship and decide what works best for you:
1. Keep a Symptom Tracker
Note what you eat and drink (including caffeine), how much sleep you get, your stress levels, and your tinnitus severity each day. This will help you spot any patterns.
2. Don’t Quit Cold Turkey
If you do decide to reduce caffeine, do it gradually. Cutting it out suddenly can lead to withdrawal symptoms that may spike your tinnitus temporarily.
3. Experiment With Timing
For many, having caffeine in the morning doesn’t affect their tinnitus, but caffeine after 2pm might. Try moving your intake earlier and limiting it to one or two cups.
4. Consider Caffeine Content in Foods
It’s not just tea and coffee — energy drinks, fizzy drinks, green tea, dark chocolate and some painkillers all contain caffeine.
5. Focus on Sleep Hygiene
If you’re cutting back on caffeine, improve your sleep in other ways: stick to a bedtime routine, avoid screens before bed, and try relaxation techniques.
What About Decaf?
Decaffeinated drinks are a great option for those who love the ritual of coffee or tea but want to avoid the stimulant effects. However, keep in mind that decaf still contains small amounts of caffeine - just significantly less. It’s not caffeine-free, but it’s often a good compromise if you suspect sensitivity.
If you're switching to decaf, try different brands - some use gentler processing methods and retain more of the natural flavour.
The relationship between caffeine and tinnitus is complex and highly individual.
There's no clear-cut answer that applies to everyone, which is why the most effective approach is a personalised one. The current UK guidance, including that from the British Tinnitus Association, does not recommend universal caffeine avoidance for people with tinnitus.
Instead, you’re encouraged to observe your own symptoms, test what works for you, and aim for a healthy balance. Whether that means switching to decaf, limiting caffeine to mornings, or continuing with your daily cup of strong builder’s brew, it’s your choice.
After all, managing tinnitus is about creating a lifestyle that supports your wellbeing, not removing every little joy in the name of caution. And if your daily coffee gives you a bit of calm or comfort, that’s a powerful thing in itself.
What about if you have tinnitus with Meniere's Disease?
Well if you are living with Meniere's Disease, you may still want to avoid caffeine. I was recommended to avoid it and have learned over the years that it is one of my triggers. So my personal advice would be to stick to decaffeinated drinks at all times and monitor your symptoms.
So, ultimately, can too much caffeine cause tinnitus?
It seems from this research that no, in general it probably doesn't, in fact in some people it helps improve their symptoms. But obviously everyone is different and as in my case, it definitely contributes to tinnitus increasing so may be worth monitoring in your case.
Does too much caffeine cause tinnitus for me with Meniere's Disease?
Simply, yes. If I have just one cup of coffee that is fully caffeinated I can tell that I've had it. My tinnitus gets worse and my ear fullness increases. I try when possible to stick to decaffeinated drinks when available.
References:
University of Bristol: Research into caffeine and hearing health
McCormack, A. et al. (2014). American Journal of Medicine – Caffeine and Risk of Tinnitus in Women
Tags: caffeine and tinnitus | can caffeine cause tinnitus | can too much caffeine cause tinnitus | is caffeine bad for tinnitus
Hi, I’m Sally. I share simple ways to calm the nervous system and live more gently, shaped by my own experience living with menieres and TMJ disorder. I hope my journey helps you feel supported on yours.