Effects of Caffeine in Tinnitus

Effects of Caffeine Consumption on Tinnitus Perception

Caffeine intake is reported by many authors to enhance the perception of tinnitus. The aim of this study is to determine the effects of 1 month caffeine intake reduction in the scores of validated questionnaire Tinnitus Handicap Inventory (THI) and in a visual-analog scale (VAS).

A group of 50 patients who takes more than 3 small cups (50 ml) of caffeine daily and have tinnitus will be asked to reduce caffeine intake for 1 month. Scores of THI and VAS will be taken before and after this period.

Inclusion Criteria:

• tinnitus for more than 6 months
• THI > 38
• no central acting drugs in the last 6 months
• tympanogram type A-n
• daily intake of caffeine greater than 150 ml

Exclusion Criteria:

• vascular and muscular tinnitus
• concomitant TMJ disorders
• abnormal otoscopy
• mixed and conductive hearing losses
• Ménière disease