Sugar may be one of our favorite things, but can it hurt our ears and cause tinnitus fluctuations?
To fully understand how normal blood insulin levels help maintain health and uncontrolled high blood sugar can negatively impact the body (including the auditory system), we will examine how our blood sugar is affected by what we eat.
The body breaks down carbohydrates (carbs) into glucose, which is a form of sugar. When insulin, a hormone made by the pancreas, is released and interacts with cells in our body, the sugar in our blood enters into cells. These cells then use the sugar to create energy and function. This is a normal process that is essential for many organs, including the inner ear, which requires a steady supply of oxygen and glucose.
Eating candy or sugar can allow glucose to enter our blood faster. These types of carbohydrates are called “simple carbohydrates,” and are easier for the body to process than other foods. Over time, cells can develop a resistance to what the insulin is meant to do, meaning it can take more insulin to reach the same glucose levels as before.
Over time, too much blood sugar can lead to something called hyperinsulinemia. This is a temporary condition of having higher than normal levels of insulin in your bloodstream. If hyperinsulinemia continues, your pancreas may not be able to produce as much insulin as your body is demanding. Eventually, elevated blood glucose can lead to diabetes.
What Does Sugar Do To Ringing Ears?
Insulin resistance and hyperinsulinemia can keep sugar levels high because sugars aren’t able to easily enter your cells. This high amount of sugar in the blood can damage blood vessels and auditory nerves, and negatively affect the oxygen supply to the inner ear, interfering with its various functions.
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"Treble Health helped me turn down the sound of my tinnitus. Now I can breathe, and get on with my life!"
– Elisa
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Hyperinsulinemia may also disrupt the regulation of potassium and sodium in the inner ear fluid, leading to reduced functioning of cells that transport sound to the auditory nerve. This decrease in cell function can cause tinnitus. In short, insulin resistance or hyperinsulinemia can lead to tinnitus and damage to inner ear fluid pressure.
What Do We Know About Sugar, Hearing, and Tinnitus?
A correlation exists between hearing loss and elevated blood glucose levels, with individuals suffering from diabetes or pre-diabetes being at an increased risk for auditory issues, especially when these conditions are not managed. People with diabetes are twice as likely to experience hearing loss compared to non-diabetics of the same age, and those with pre-diabetes have a 30% greater risk relative to those with normal sugar levels. Fluctuations in blood sugar, both high and low, can cause damage to the blood vessels and nerves in the ear, potentially resulting in hearing impairment.
There is also a correlation between hyperinsulinemia and tinnitus, shown by a study done on 52 tinnitus patients. Those who had hyperinsulinemia, 76% of the studied group, were put on a diabetic diet for four months. After this time was completed, patients on that special diet said the severity of their tinnitus decreased significantly. This means that those who have hyperinsulinemia may improve their tinnitus by following a diabetic diet.
While tinnitus does not always cause hearing loss and hearing loss does not always cause tinnitus, there is a link between the two. In those who have tinnitus, there is usually some degree of hearing loss, even if it is imperceptible or slight. The opposite is not always true, though: many people with hearing loss may not have tinnitus.
Damage to the small structures of the inner ear, such as the cochlea, and auditory nerve can lead to hearing loss. This damage may also be related to changes in both the brain and auditory nervous pathways that lead to both temporary and chronic tinnitus. Lifestyle changes of foods eaten and increased exercise to lower blood glucose levels may be recommended in order to preserve the ears and prevent worsening of tinnitus.
Exercise also has the added benefit of helping your tinnitus in other ways. You may not be able to get rid of your tinnitus, but you could possibly reduce it.
Will Eating Sugar Cause Tinnitus?
In the short term, eating high amounts of sugar or candy won’t necessarily cause immediate or long-term effects on the ears or on tinnitus. However, eating sweets may cause a quick, temporary increase in blood glucose in some people. This is true even if they are not aware they have any insulin or glucose issues. This blood sugar increase may lead to temporary effects on structures in the inner ear, which can lead to tinnitus or make tinnitus worse. Thankfully, it is highly likely that this will be short-lived tinnitus with no lasting effects.
You may have the occasional consumption of sweets without worrying that it is likely to cause a prolonged change in your tinnitus or damage to delicate hair cells within the ear. It is important to note, however, that moderation is key. There can be long-term effects from excessive sugar consumption that can affect both your hearing and tinnitus. This occurs through processes related to hyperinsulinemia and diabetes.
How much is too much sugar consumption? This depends on many factors and you should consult your doctor for specific instructions. That being said, however, the recommended daily maximum amount of added sugar for an adult without diabetes or other blood sugar disorders is six teaspoons for women and nine teaspoons for men. Reserve the occasional sugar blast for just that: occasional. A diet should not regularly possess large amounts of sugar, particularly if symptoms of severe tinnitus are present.
Identifying Blood Glucose Limits
How much is 6-9 teaspoons, really? 25 grams, or 100 calories, for women and 36 grams, or 150 calories, for men. This is likely to be a lower amount than most are consuming in their diets on a regular basis. In a real life example, a single 12-ounce can of soda is around eight teaspoons, or 32 grams, of sugar. That means one can of soda can be your entire day’s allotment of sugar in a single drink. Added sugars are also hidden in many items including breads, salad dressings, and even pizza!
The occasional overdose of sugar won’t cause lasting problems for your tinnitus, but routinely going over your recommended amount could cause problems, particularly if your blood sugar level is regularly over normal amounts. It is best to watch your long-term intake of sugars and other simple carbs to help protect your ears as best as possible and stave off tinnitus symptoms. If you have uncontrolled issues with your sugars, talk to your doctor about how to possibly reduce your tinnitus by stabilizing your blood sugar.
A doctor diagnoses tinnitus and the metabolic disorder known as diabetes. If a person hears phantom noises, that does not necessarily mean that sugary foods are the culprit; that being said, sugary foods do have the potential to exacerbate tinnitus and lead to other concerns, like high or low blood pressure, which are also linked to tinnitus spikes.
Preventing and Treating Tinnitus With Treble Health
If you suspect that needing more insulin, or damage to the delicate hair cells found in the ears have occurred as a result of uncontrolled blood glucose, reach out to your doctor. The audiologists at Treble Health understand how seemingly unrelated lifestyle factors can lead to tinnitus spikes and other audiological complication. Our team has helped thousands of patients with tinnitus find relief their tinnitus, and we are ready to help you. We offer tailored, specific support for your unique condition.
If you are ready to reduce your tinnitus and turn your life around, we encourage you to reach out and schedule a complimentary telehealth consultation. In this 20-minute Zoom consultation, you will have the chance to talk about your experience, ask any questions that you may have, and learn about the best treatment options for your personal situation. We offer tailored, specific support for your unique condition, so don’t put off treatment any longer – speak with one of our audiologists today and start your journey towards a life without bothersome tinnitus.
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