Hearing/Tinnitus FYI (caveat emptor)

@fuzztone -

                                                Absolutely!

     As with anything else, in this life/hobby; the variables are manifold.

                    

                       Everyone reacts to medications differently

                                           The same for foods.

      Any chance that, "increased ringing" could be related to, or magnified by, something you've eaten, along with the, "rare occasion" spicy foods?

      Food allergies can cause a wide variety of symptoms and prove hard to pinpoint, without a bit of detective work.

      https://southvalleyent.com/avoiding-food-triggers-for-tinnitus/#:~:text

                                                  and:

https://www.healthyhearing.com/report/52444-Tinnitus-you-hear-what-you-eat

                       Happy and (hopefully) better listening!

@noromance -

                                             Good point!

     I have noticed this, as I very often cook with either Reapers or Scorpions:

https://hearlifewell.com/spicy-foods-cause-temporary-deafness/#:~:text

                                               But, then:

          https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-019-40425-9

     So: the hot stuff can also be beneficial, to protect one's hearing.

     I love and embrace the most intense effects, as well as the slightest, most elusive nuances of both music and cuisine; SO: I avoid the really spicy stuff, on days I run/mix sound, or plan to do any serious listening.   

                  Thus far: that balance has been working for me.  

                          (Better listening through Chemistry?)