Tinnitus symptoms coffee, tea, chocolate, cigarettes and alcohol

While frustration with tinnitus may make many people reach out for that extra cup of coffee, tea, glass of wine, or cigarette, research suggests that these stimulants may actually heighten awareness of symptoms of the condition.

In some ways, this is not actually news, since when have we been told that any of life's little indulgences were good for us? But it is not uncommon for tinnitus sufferers, especially those who have only recently developed the condition, to seek comfort in familiar legal recreational drugs, whether caffeine, alcohol or nicotine.

Yet as all these substances can be classified as stimulants (those which excite the central nervous system), and contrary to the hopes of many, they actually serve to augment perception of symptoms regardless of their manifestation, ringing, humming, buzzing, banging, whirring, droning or static.

Chocolate lovers, too, should be aware, particularly those with a predilection for darker varieties. Although levels of caffeine in chocolate rarely exceed 10 milligrams per ounce, there is anecdotal evidence that even a bar or two can effect a heightening of tinnitus symptoms.

It is not only stimulants that can heighten awareness of symptoms. Medications such as antibiotics, aspirin and anti-inflammatories may also have a similar effect. There are even suggestions that sedatives and soporifics, far from relaxing symptoms, actually compound problems.

Some estimates put the number of tinnitus sufferers in Britain at around 5 million, or roughly 20% of the population. For the over 65s some estimates are as high as one in every three.

While there are many causes of tinnitus, from recreational music listening to medical conditions such as diabetes, there are, unfortunately, avoidable cases caused by employers flouting the Noise at Work Regulations. In these latter cases, employees have a right to claim personal injury compensation.

Cost-free solicitors with a reputation for making a difference
As anyone with the condition will attest, tinnitus is no trivial matter. In fact, it can lead to all kinds of problems, from difficulty sleeping, inability to listen to music or watch television, to impaired ability to socialise.

The industrial deafness solicitors on YouClaim's panel firms understand the needs of tinnitus sufferers and have an understanding of tinnitus claims that is second-to-none, having successfully secured compensation for many people who have developed the condition as a direct result of workplace noise.

Win or lose, when representing this kind of claim, they never charge a single penny in legal costs or fees, protect the claimant from all the opposing side's costs, and though their no-cut commitment ensures every winning claimant 100% compensation.

If you wish to have a no-obligation chat with us, we can be reached 24 hours a day on our UK freephone hotline, 0800 10 757 95.

Alternatively, you might wish to first make contact with us over the internet. To do this, fill out an online claim form or have an e-chat.