Ringing in the ears, or tinnitus, is a common problem affecting nearly one in five people. Although uncomfortable, tinnitus is not usually the sign of a serious disorder. The E. coli bacteria does not normally cause ringing in the ears, but some of the medications used to treat E. coli can. Caffeine withdrawal may contribute to tinnitus. Consult your physician if you have ringing in the ears to rule out any underlying medical cause.
Tinnitus
Tinnitus often involves ringing in the ears that only you can hear. Some people experience a slight buzzing, hissing or whistling sound. Many potential disorders can cause ringing in the ears, but it is possible your doctor may never find an exact cause. Some possible causes include age-related hearing loss, damage to your ears or earwax. Less commonly, high blood pressure or another blood pressure disorder can contribute to tinnitus. After being exposed to loud noises, you may experience ringing in your ears for a short period.
Caffeine
Many physicians suggest giving up caffeine to relieve symptoms of ringing in the ears. However, a 2010 study published in “International Journal of Audiology” found that giving up caffeine does not seem to benefit sufferers. This was the first study that looked at tinnitus and caffeine consumption. The randomized, double-blind study examined 66 volunteers who had tinnitus and consumed at least 150 mg of caffeine per day. Study participants did not know if they were receiving caffeine or a placebo. Researchers found that caffeine did not aggravate tinnitus, but acute caffeine withdrawal could increase ringing in the ears.
Escherichia Coli
Escherichia coli, also known as E. coli, is a bacteria strain that can cause uncomfortable gastrointestinal symptoms in some people and is sometimes fatal. The bacteria normally live inside your intestines, but they can cause problems when they get into your blood. Symptoms of an E. coli infection include stomach cramps, diarrhea and vomiting. People with E. coli may also experience bloody diarrhea. Ringing in the ears, however, is not a documented symptom of the infection. Certain medications that your doctor may prescribe to treat the bacteria, such as antibiotics, can cause ringing in the ears.
Treatment
If you are experiencing ringing in your ears, schedule an appointment with your physician. Though ringing in the ears can be an acute condition, you should make sure it is not a sign of a more serious medical concern. If you are consuming excessive caffeine, you may want to gradually reduce your intake. If you are on antibiotics or other over-the-counter medications, you may notice that the ringing in your ears goes away when you stop the medications. Always consult your physician before changing any medication therapy.
References
- MayoClinic.com: Tinnitus
- MayoClinic.com: Tinnitus: Symptoms
- MayoClinic.com: Tinnitus -- Causes
- Science Daily: Study Casts Doubt on Caffeine Link to Tinnitus
- International Journal of Audiology; Caffeine Abstinence: An Ineffective and Potentially Distressing Tinnitus Therapy; L.S. Claire, et al.
- KidsHealth.org: E. Coli
- PDR Health: Ringing in the Ears
