Like most “facts” related to the infuriating condition known as tinnitus, things aren’t as black and white as you might hope. Instead of hard scientific studies that can tell us, “this percentage of people with tinnitus who stop smoking get rid of the problem,” what we have are anecdotes and word of mouth reports. As far as I have been able to discover, there simply are no formal scientific studies on the nicotine tinnitus connection. That said, let’s look at the best information we have available.

We do know that many people with tinnitus report that their symptoms are worse when they are around cigarette smoke. That’s the case whether they are the ones doing the smoking, or they are around someone else who is smoking. Likewise, these people say that their symptoms tend to be less when they are no longer around the smoke.

Unfortunately, that’s about all we know right now. We don’t know if there’s a connection between nicotine and tinnitus, or whether it is something else about the cigarette smoke that causes the problem. We don’t know whether other kinds of smoking (cigar or pipe) have the same effects on people. We don’t even know if the problem is the smoke, or some form of increased stress from being around someone who is smoking (although that seems unlikely in the case where the tinnitus sufferer is the one doing the smoking).

In short, all we know for sure is that there seems to be some kind of link between cigarettes and increased tinnitus for many people.

So where does that leave you? It’s time to experiment. The simplest way to do this is to avoid cigarettes for a few days. I realize that may be difficult, particularly if you are a heavy smoker, but it is an important first step. During this time, pay attention to the frequency and severity of your tinnitus.

If your tinnitus symptoms seems to improve when you avoid smoke, you are probably sensitive to it, and should do everything you can to avoid smoke whenever possible. If you don’t notice any change, you are probably not sensitive so smoke, at least where your tinnitus is concerned.

As we’ve just seen, treating your tinnitus problem is more complicated than simply going to the doctor for some pills. To address all the issues involved in this vexing condition, you need a holistic strategy