title: [Effects of the reduction of caffeine consumption on tinnitus perception].
abstract: BACKGROUND
  For many years, excessive caffeine consumption has been touted as an aggravating factor for tinnitus. The pathophysiology behind this effect is probably related to the blockage of adenosine receptors by the action of caffeine on the central nervous system.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  To evaluate the effects of reduction of coffee consumption on tinnitus sensation and to identify subgroups more prone to benefit from this therapeutic strategy.
  
  
  METHODS
  Prospective.
  
  
  METHODS
  Twenty-six tinnitus patients who consumed at least 150 mL of coffee per day were selected. All were asked to reduce their coffee consumption. The Tinnitus Handicap Inventory (THI) questionnaire was completed by the patients before and after the reduction of coffee consumption, as well as a visual-analog scale (VAS) graduated from 1 to 10.
  
  
  RESULTS
  THI and VAS scores were significantly reduced (p<0.05). In the subgroups less than 60 years old, bilateral tinnitus and daily coffee consumption between 150 and 300 mL showed a significantly greater reduction of THI and VAS scores.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Patients under 60 years of age with bilateral tinnitus and daily coffee consumption between 150 and 300 mL are more prone to benefit from consumption reduction. Thirty-day observation periods may be helpful for a better therapeutical decision.
authors.affiliation: Post-Graduate Program in Otorhynolaryngology, Universidade Federal de São Paulo (UNIFESP), São Paulo, SP, Brazil; Faculdade de Medicina de Valença, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil; Tinnitus Research Initiative, Regensburg, Germany. Electronic address: rfigueiredo@otosul.com.br.
authors.forename: Ricardo Rodrigues
authors.initials: RR
authors.lastname: Figueiredo
authors.affiliation: Tinnitus Research Initiative, Regensburg, Germany; Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais (UFMG), Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil; Centro de Tratamento e Pesquisa em Zumbido, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil.
authors.forename: Marcelo José Abras
authors.initials: MJ
authors.lastname: Rates
authors.affiliation: Tinnitus Research Initiative, Regensburg, Germany; Otorrinolaringologia Sul-Fluminense (OTOSUL), Volta Redonda, RJ, Brazil.
authors.forename: Andréia Aparecida de
authors.initials: AA
authors.lastname: Azevedo
authors.affiliation: Santa Casa de Misericórdia de Belo Horizonte, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil.
authors.forename: Ronaldo Kennedy de Paula
authors.initials: RK
authors.lastname: Moreira
authors.affiliation: Post-Graduate Program in Otorhynolaryngology, Universidade Federal de São Paulo (UNIFESP), São Paulo, SP, Brazil.
authors.forename: Norma de Oliveira
authors.initials: Nde O
authors.lastname: Penido
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D002110:Caffeine / Q000009:adverse effects*; D000697:Central Nervous System Stimulants / Q000009:adverse effects*; D015331:Cohort Studies; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008137:Longitudinal Studies; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011446:Prospective Studies; D014012:Tinnitus / Q000139:chemically induced / Q000517:prevention & control*; D016896:Treatment Outcome
chemical_list: D000697:Central Nervous System Stimulants; D002110:Caffeine
keywords: Cafeína; Caffeine; Café; Coffee; Tinnitus; Zumbido