Alcohol
Apart from smoking, the excessive consumption of alcohol may contribute to the development of tinnitus symptoms. For starters, it can shrink our auditory cortex, which is the area in the brain responsible for sound processing. This means that it transforms audio signals from the ears into music, words, and many other different types of sounds you hear. As a result, it may limit your ability to adequately process sounds, leading to tinnitus and, eventually, hearing loss.
Another way that drinking can cause the sensation of hearing noises like hissing, buzzing, or ringing is that it elevates the flow of blood in the ear. While the condition may be able to resolve itself eventually, it can still be a nuisance while it’s present. However, if you drink excessively, there’s a good chance that tinnitus may become permanent. Thus, it’s best to drink moderately, if not at all, if possible, as it’s a risk factor for tinnitus.
