High Blood Pressure and Ringing in Ears
Although high blood pressure is frequently associated with heart and blood vessel health, it can also affect your hearing. Blood flow to the inner ear is disrupted by elevated blood pressure, which can result in tinnitus or ringing sounds.
High blood pressure and ringing in ears can be managed with the correct strategy and lifestyle adjustments, even though they cannot be cured. Blood pressure must be controlled to reduce its effects and promote improved ear health.
Can High Blood Pressure Cause Ringing in The Ears?
Ringing in the ears can be a symptom of high blood pressure. Tinnitus is the term for this ringing. It frequently occurs when there is an interruption in the blood supply to the ears.
For the inner ear to work correctly, blood must flow continuously. The small blood arteries in the ear may get stressed when blood pressure increases. Pulsatile tinnitus, a pulsing or rhythmic sound in the ears, may result from this.
Research shows that tinnitus sufferers are more likely than non-tinnitus sufferers to have high blood pressure. The ears may feel hot or flushed in some situations due to increased blood flow. This occurs when the blood vessels experience an abrupt increase in pressure.
The function of the ear’s nerves can also be impacted by high blood pressure. This could exacerbate hearing problems and result in Meniere’s disease or hearing loss. Long-term hearing issues may become more likely if the condition is not corrected.
What Are the Symptoms of High Blood Pressure Tinnitus?
Tinnitus induced by high blood pressure can feel different from other types of ringing in the ears. The signs often include a pulsing or whooshing sound in your ears, sudden or intense ringing, headaches, dizziness or lightheadedness, and ear pressure.
The ringing might occur in either or both ears. It could worsen if you are stressed, anxious, or physically active. If you observe these symptoms, take your blood pressure and see a doctor.
How Is Tinnitus from High Blood Pressure Managed?
High blood pressure is often the root cause of ringing in the ears, which can be managed with proper blood flow and condition control. While the ringing may not completely stop, it can improve. To lower blood pressure, try:
- Dietary changes: Consume more fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Limit salt, sugar, and processed foods.
- Exercise: Regular physical activity boosts circulation and heart health. Begin with easy workouts such as walking.
- Weight management: Losing excess weight naturally lowers blood pressure.
- Limiting stimulants: Avoid caffeine, alcohol, and nicotine, as these might aggravate blood pressure and tinnitus.
- Stress reduction: Relaxation techniques such as deep breathing or meditation can assist reduce stress. Stress can increase blood pressure and make tinnitus louder.
If tinnitus appears suddenly, try these quick tips for relief:
- Use calming sounds to mask the ringing.
- Do deep breathing to reduce stress.
- Yawn, or chew gum to relieve ear pressure.
These steps can ease discomfort, but persistent tinnitus needs medical attention. If tinnitus endures, treatments can help make it less noticeable:
- Hearing aids: If you have hearing loss, hearing aids can help you hear better and reduce tinnitus.
- Counseling, often known as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), teaches people how to cope with tinnitus. It focuses on decreasing the emotional impact.
To wrap up, high blood pressure can contribute to the development of tinnitus, hence the two conditions are frequently related. A disorder known as high blood pressure tinnitus occurs when the inner ear changes due to elevated blood vessel pressure, resulting in the sense of sound without an external source.
Some people experience this phenomenon as a whooshing, buzzing, or ringing sound in one or both ears. Recognizing and treating high blood pressure tinnitus might be made easier by knowing how it sounds.
To reduce the dangers of hypertension and tinnitus, blood pressure levels must be regularly monitored and carefully controlled.
