Everything you want to know about tinnitus part 3: Diet

We commonly talk about noise exposure and hearing loss in relation to tinnitus. While these are the most significant factors, diet can also play a role in tinnitus. While there is no evidence that our diet directly causes tinnitus, there is some evidence that it can have an effect on its severity.

Certain substances in our diet can constrict blood vessels and increase blood pressure. The inner ear is supplied by tiny blood vessels and is very sensitive to changes in blood flow. Common food and drink that have this effect include caffeine, salt, and alcohol. Again, these substances do not cause tinnitus, but they can aggravate it in some people.

On the other hand, a few people report that small amounts of caffeine and alcohol sometimes lessens the severity of their tinnitus. The best thing to do if you have tinnitus is try cutting these substances out for a little while and see if there is an improvement in the frequency an or severity of your tinnitus.

Smoking is another activity that can impede blood flow. Studies show that there is at least some relation to smoking and tinnitus severity, so it’s best to minimize or stop smoking altogether if possible.

Some people report certain foods aggravate their tinnitus. However, the foods implicated are highly varied and studies are unclear if certain foods affect tinnitus. Again, the best thing to do if you think a specific food is contributing to your tinnitus is to cut it out for a while and see if it leads to a change in your tinnitus.

For more information or to book a tinnitus or hearing evaluation contact Accurate Hearing at one of our locations below:

Lower Sackville: 902-252-3004

Cole Harbour: 902-406-4327