If you’ve ever blamed coffee for the ringing in your ears, here’s a surprising update: new research suggests that drinking more caffeine may actually reduce the risk of developing tinnitus. The persistent buzzing or ringing in the ear.
Consuming more than one and a half cups of coffee a day prevents tinnitus, says a new study from the Brigham and Women’s Hospital. The study, published in the American Journal of Medicine, concludes that people who consume higher amounts of caffeine have a decreased risk of developing tinnitus, a steady ringing or buzzing in the ear.
The study polled more than 65,000 American women aged 30 to 44 and followed them over the course of 18 years. During the entire length of the study, the group developed nearly 5300 cases of tinnitus. The women who were consuming less than 150 mg of caffeine a day (the equivalent of about 1.5 cups of coffee) were found to be 15% more likely to develop tinnitus than those participants who consumed 450 mg to 599 mg a day. The majority of the caffeine intake in all participants was from coffee.
“We know that caffeine stimulates the central nervous system,” says Dr Cary Curhan, senior study author, “and previous research has demonstrated that caffeine has a direct effect on the inner ear in both bench science and animal studies,” but the team is uncertain the exact method behind the connection between caffeine intake and tinnitus.
Nonetheless, the re-searchers emphasize that more research is needed before making any treatment recommendations
Important Things to Know
- This study looked at prevention, not treatment—benefits were seen in people without tinnitus at baseline
- Other studies have found no benefit of caffeine on people already suffering from tinnitus
- Users should avoid drinking excessive caffeine if they experience side effects like jitters, insomnia, or digestive issues .
How to Enjoy Coffee Without Overdoing It
- Aim for 3–4 cups a day if you’re looking for preventative benefits
- Stick to caffeinated coffee, decaf didn’t show the same effect
- Adjust number of cups based on how caffeine affects your sleep, anxiety, or digestion
Final Takeaway
long-term, large-scale study suggests that regular caffeine intake (especially coffee) may lower the risk of developing tinnitus by up to 21%.
Still, evidence is strongest for prevention among women—not for treating existing symptoms. If you already drink coffee, this is one more reason to keep enjoying your morning brew. ️
Suggested Reads
More from Healthy Living Magazine:
- Coffee and Longevity: What a 30-Year Harvard Study Found About Aging Well (Especially for Women)
- Adaptogens vs Stimulants: What Your Body Actually Wants
- Intermittent Fasting: Your Body’s Secret Superpower for Rebooting Health and Energy
- Boost Your Morning Energy: Simple Habits for Success
- The Carnivore Diet: Stripping It Back to Basics (Really Basic!) for Health?
External Sources:
- American Journal of Medicine Study (2014)
- Harvard Gazette: Caffeine May Reduce Women’s Tinnitus Risk
- Reuters Summary: Caffeine Lowers Tinnitus Risk
Benjamin Spencer
Benjamin Spencer is the co-founder of Healthy Living Magazine. With a focus on health tech, fitness trends, and real-world longevity tools, he’s passionate about breaking down complex wellness ideas into practical, everyday habits that actually work.
