Long Time Tinnitus, First Time Poster — Tinnitus Intensity Increasing to the Point of Great Concern

After years of low grade tinnitus issues, intensity is increasing to the point of great concern. Recently started a plant-based diet and after 6 weeks the tinnitus got worse. Alcohol seems to diminish symptoms while drinking but then return. Now trying a no alcohol and coffee regimen. Thoughts?

 

I've been on a plant-based diet for the last 4 years and have not noticed any increase in tinnitus as a result of the diet. My tinnitus has been caused by loud noise exposure and only seems to get worse after loud noise. It may be different for people with tinnitus because of other reasons though.

I'm personally hoping that the plant-based diet + vitamin B12 supplement will give me a better chance of recovering from a recent spike due to loud noise exposure. Are you supplementing with B12?

Have you been eating a lot of grains on the diet? I have read claims by some nutritionists that grains can cause inflammation in the body, which could possibly affect overall health and tinnitus. However, I have eaten a lot of rice during my time on a plant-based diet and never noticed any difference. I'm now eating more quinoa instead of rice though due to claims of high arsenic levels in rice.

Neither coffee or small quantities of alcohol seems to affect my tinnitus either, but I know it can for many people. I personally have cut down on coffee myself and have a couple of beers on the weekend only which helps with relaxation and takes the focus off the tinnitus a little.

Can you think of anything else that may have happened around the 6 week mark that may have caused the increase in intensity? If it is the diet that has definitely affected it, then it could be a good idea to keep a food journal on a short term basis to monitor if there is any changes to your tinnitus after eating certain foods and try and narrow it down somehow.

 

I used to love going out for cocktails with my wife and friends... now we still go out but with club soda.
Booze spikes my tinnitus like crazy, not worth it.
By brain is fried but my liver is happier.
God I would love a Manhattan... straight up with dirty rocks on the side.
I call it a "NIP AND TUCK"
One nip, and I'm tucked in the next day.

 

I've noticed that booze makes my T quieter. This condition is so strange...

 

@Joet4yanks -- Caveat, this is all speculation: You may not be eating enough meat. I've noticed that foods like bone broth and liver tend to calm my tinnitus down. Not sure why, but it's likely a combination of factors, from getting some essential nutrients, to balancing blood sugar levels, etc. I've tried a plant based diet, and still follow it, but eventually realized I wasn't eating enough meat. Since getting tinnitus, I've noticed liver can be especially helpful. -- Best!