Detrimental effects of alcohol on tinnitus.

The present study has examined the detrimental effects which alcohol has on tinnitus in a consecutive series of 51 patients seen in a tinnitus clinic and reporting such an effect. Eighty-four per cent of those studied reported that the level of the tinnitus was increased by the alcohol, 73% that they became more aware of it, and 47% that it increased the effect of the alcohol on their sleep. Compared with patients reporting beneficial effects on tinnitus, they consumed less alcohol, they comprised a higher proportion of younger females, and they were more likely to report that their tinnitus was worse the next day. There were no marked differences between the effects of different types of alcohol.