Caffeine abstinence: an ineffective and potentially distressing tinnitus therapy

Abstract

The effect of phased caffeine withdrawal and abstention on tinnitus severity was assessed using a pseudo-randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled crossover trial of 30 days duration. Sixty-six volunteers who experienced tinnitus and who usually consumed at least 150 mg/day of caffeine participated. The intervention was a direct replacement of usual caffeinated tea/coffee with double-blinded supplies, under one of two conditions. Condition 1: Maintenance followed by phased withdrawal. Condition 2: Phased withdrawal followed by reintroduction and maintenance. Tinnitus severity was measured by the total score of the Tinnitus Questionnaire on Days 1, 15, and 30. Secondary measures included twice daily self-rated symptoms relevant to tinnitus and caffeine withdrawal. Caffeine had no effect on tinnitus severity, the mean difference between caffeinated and decaffeinated days being -0.04 (95% confidence interval -1.99 to 1.93), p=0.97. Significant acute adverse symptoms of caffeine withdrawal were observed. No evidence was found to justify caffeine abstinence as a therapy to alleviate tinnitus, but acute effects of caffeine withdrawal might add to the burden of tinnitus.

Tinnitus among Serbian secondary school students in relation to their behavior and habits

“…However, in an observational study in UK a withdrawal of usual caffeinated tea/coffee was not helpful in patients with tinnitus. [47] Although it is common among ear nose and throat practitioners to advise reduction of coffee consumption to patients with tinnitus, it seems that there is no scientific support for this attitude. On the contrary, coffee may have a protective effect on auditory neuropathy.…”

Caffeine and Meniere’s Disease

“…It is believed that there is an association between the use or cafeine abstention with complaints of vertigo and tinnitus. However, the evidence supporting this claim is conlicting and sparse [5,6].…”

“…In clinical practice, discontinuation of cafeine intake is a common recommendation for patients with these symptoms. However, some professionals report that despite well meaning this is a painful recommendation and may aggravate the discomfort reported by the patient as it can add the efects of cafeine withdrawal syndrome [5,25].…”

“…The groups, study, and placebo were matched. Authors concluded that cafeine content had no efect on tinnitus severity and increase headaches and nausea [5].…”

“…In otorhinolaryngology (ENT)/audiology, it has been linked to several symptoms and diseases, such as tinnitus, hydrops, dizziness, laryngopharynx acid relux disease (LPRD), and as a risk factor for head and neck cancer [5,6].…”