For many people, the morning ritual is only complete after a steaming cup of coffee. Or two. Or three. Caffeine is found in coffee, but also in tea, cola, energy drinks and even chocolate. We all know it keeps you awake, improves your concentration and – admittedly – can save your mood on a sluggish Monday morning. But what does caffeine actually do to your hearing?
In this blog, we dive into the world of caffeine and your ears. Is that daily cup of comfort a silent killer for your hearing? Or is it not all that bad?
Caffeine: what does it do in your body?
Caffeine is a stimulant that activates your central nervous system. It makes you more alert, temporarily increases your heart rate and makes you feel less tired. It is quickly absorbed into your blood and reaches its peak in your body within 30 to 60 minutes.
It acts on all sorts of processes – from your blood pressure to your digestion – but thus also on your brain and nerves. And since your hearing is not only in your ears, but is processed primarily in your brain, caffeine can affect that, too.
What does science say about caffeine and hearing?
The tricky thing is: science isn’t quite out there yet. Different studies have yielded different results, but there are some interesting clues.
1. Caffeine may worsen tinnitus
Tinnitus – that annoying ringing or noise in your ears – seems to be more pronounced in some people after drinking caffeinated beverages. This is because caffeine stimulates the nervous system, and if you already have hypersensitive auditory nerves (as is often the case with tinnitus), it can cause additional stimulation.
Yet it’s not black and white. Other people with tinnitus notice no difference at all, or feel better with a little caffeine because it improves their concentration. So it seems very person-dependent.
2. Caffeine may delay recovery from hearing damage
There is a well-known study in which rats suffered temporary hearing loss (due to exposure to loud noises), then one half was given caffeine and the other was not. The rats that had been given caffeine recovered more slowly from their hearing loss.
Now, of course, humans are not rats – fortunately – but it does give food for thought. Especially after a festival, concert or other noisy situation, it might be smart to put off that coffee for a while. Your ears especially need rest then.
3. Caffeine raises your blood pressure – and that affects your ears
Caffeine can temporarily increase blood pressure. That’s not a problem for most people, but if you already have high blood pressure, or are sensitive to changes in blood flow to your ears (as in dizziness or sudden hearing loss), it can affect you. In fact, poor blood flow in the inner ear is one of the causes of hearing problems.
How much caffeine is “safe” for your hearing?
There is no set limit at which caffeine is harmful to your ears, but moderation is the key word. For healthy adults, the general advice is to consume no more than 400 mg of caffeine per day. That’s about four cups of coffee.
Do you drink more structurally, and notice that your ears become more sensitive, that you hear a squeak more often or feel dizzy? If so, it’s worth trying to reduce your intake and see if that makes a difference.
Can you get hearing problems from too much caffeine?
In principle, caffeine does not cause permanent hearing damage. But it can exacerbate existing problems such as tinnitus, dizziness or hyperacusis. And in situations where your ears are vulnerable – after a night out, in a noisy work environment, or during illness – it’s smart to choose your caffeine intake deliberately.
Sleep also plays a role in this. Poor sleep due to too much caffeine makes your nervous system more tired, and then your ears tend to be extra sensitive. More chance of tinnitus, poorer processing of sound, and faster overstimulation.
What about decaffeinated coffee?
Good question. Decaffeinated coffee still contains a small amount of caffeine, but much less than regular coffee. If you find that your hearing is reacting to caffeine, it can’t hurt to switch to decaf and see what that does. For some people, even that small amount is enough to cause symptoms, but for most, decaf is a great alternative.
What can you do yourself?
1. Listen to your body (and ears)
Do you notice that your ears react faster to loud noises after a few cups of coffee? Or that your tinnitus is worse after an energy drink? Then your body is talking – listen to that.
2. Try a week without caffeine
A short “caffeine break” can provide insight. Leave the coffee, cola and energy drinks for a week and see if your hearing feels different. You won’t be the first to notice that beeps or hypersensitivity diminish.
3. Protect your ears anyway
Whether you drink caffeine or not, hearing protection is always a good idea in noisy situations. Festivals, chores, motorcycle riding or the gym with loud music? Use good earplugs – that’s still the best way to keep your hearing healthy.
4. Also consider rest
Your ears process ALL the sounds you receive – 24/7. Give them regular rest, just like your head. Especially if you use caffeine, as it increases your overall sensitivity to stimuli. Just a half-hour of silence or a walk in nature works wonders.
In conclusion
Caffeine is not necessarily bad for your ears, but it can make them extra sensitive – especially if you already suffer from tinnitus, hyperacusis or dizziness. Everyone reacts differently, so feel free to experiment and see what suits you.
Want to learn more about protecting your hearing or are you looking for tips on hearing protection for overstimulation? We’d be happy to help. With or without a cup of coffee.
