Alcohol and Tinnitus: The Reason for the Ringing

If you've experienced it, you know how unsettling it can be. You're relaxing on the couch, scrolling through social media, when suddenly you hear a ringing. Is it your phone? A low-battery alarm? You check everything, but there's no external source. The sound is coming from inside your ears.

This persistent noise is called tinnitus, and it's both common and frustrating. Did you know that alcohol and tinnitus are connected? If you've ever noticed ringing in your ears after drinking, it's time to explore the science behind it. How does alcohol affect your ears? Can it cause hearing loss? Let's find out.

Understanding Tinnitus

As Irish playwright Richard Steele once noted, "I have often lamented that we cannot close our ears with as much ease as we close our eyes." Anyone with tinnitus would agree.

Symptoms of Tinnitus

Tinnitus is the medical term for hearing sounds—usually ringing—that aren't actually present. Symptoms vary: some people hear noise in one ear, others in both, and some perceive it inside their head. For some, moving their head or body can trigger the sound, a phenomenon known as somatosensory tinnitus.

According to the NIH, most people describe tinnitus as ringing, but other sounds include:

• Roaring
• Buzzing
• Whistling
• Humming
• Hissing
• Clicking
• Squealing
• Wooshing
• Shrieking

Thankfully, people usually experience only one sound at a time. Tinnitus is fairly common, affecting nearly 15% of people, including children. It may improve or disappear over time, but it can also worsen. When the noise lasts for three months or longer, it's considered chronic.

Types of Tinnitus

There are two main types:

• Subjective: Noises only you can hear. This is the most common type.
• Objective: Sounds caused by internal bodily functions, which can be heard through a stethoscope.

Both types can be equally bothersome.

Tinnitus Causes

The exact cause of tinnitus is often unclear, but several factors may contribute:

• Noise exposure: Loud events like concerts or work environments can trigger it.
• Stress or trauma: Head or neck injuries can damage ear-related nerves.
• Ear problems: Blockages from earwax or fluid, or conditions like Ménière’s disease.
• Other illnesses: Jaw issues from teeth grinding or blood pressure changes.
• Medications: Certain drugs, including NSAIDs, antibiotics, and antidepressants.
• Alcohol: Drinking can cause or worsen tinnitus.

How Alcohol Impacts Tinnitus

Research on alcohol and tinnitus has been mixed, but several mechanisms explain the link:

• Ototoxic compounds: Alcohol contains substances that can damage delicate ear structures.
• Neurological interference: Alcohol disrupts brain pathways involved in hearing.
• Blood pressure changes: Alcohol causes blood vessels to widen and then constrict, affecting inner ear fluid and pressure.

If you're prone to tinnitus, it's wise to limit alcohol consumption.

How Long Does Alcohol-Induced Tinnitus Last?

If tinnitus starts after heavy drinking, it usually subsides within hours to days. Recovery may take longer if you smoke, take certain medications, or are under stress. If it persists beyond 48 hours, consult a doctor.

If I Stop Drinking, Will My Tinnitus Go Away?

Possibly. Quitting or reducing alcohol can improve overall health and lower the risk of tinnitus. Since stress and poor sleep are linked to tinnitus, cutting back on alcohol—which affects both—may help. Always consult a doctor for personalized advice.

Can Alcohol Cause Hearing Loss?

Yes. Over time, alcohol can damage inner ear hair cells and affect brain pathways that process sound, potentially leading to hearing loss.

How to Treat and Prevent Tinnitus After Drinking

While there's no definitive cure, these strategies may help:

• Reduce alcohol intake: Cutting back or quitting can make a difference. Quitemate can support you in this journey.
• Protect your hearing: Use earplugs in loud environments and monitor noise levels.
• Manage stress: Practice meditation or deep breathing to reduce stress, which can worsen tinnitus.
• Improve sleep: Alcohol disrupts restorative sleep, so prioritizing good sleep habits is key.
• Mask the sound: Use background noise from appliances, sound machines, or sound libraries to distract from ringing.

If symptoms continue, seek medical help. Professional treatments may include sound therapy, behavioral therapy, medication, or advanced techniques like bimodal or deep brain stimulation.

Ringing in Change

Tinnitus can be frustrating, but it can also serve as a wake-up call. If it's linked to habits like excessive drinking, stress, or poor sleep, it's an opportunity to make positive changes. Taking steps to improve your lifestyle is challenging but worthwhile.