Have you ever noticed a ringing in your ears that just won't go away? This is a common issue called tinnitus, and it can be quite bothersome. But what you might not know is that high blood pressure can be the culprit behind this ear-ringing sensation.
In this article, we will discuss how, for people dealing with high blood pressure, ringing in ears can be a common symptom. Let's explore this link between hypertension and tinnitus and answer questions like, "Can high blood pressure cause ringing in the ears?" and "Can high blood pressure cause tinnitus?"
Tinnitus is the perception of noise with no external source. It's a symptom that can indicate conditions like age-related hearing loss, an ear injury or a circulatory system disorder. People with tinnitus often describe hearing sounds like ringing, buzzing, hissing or clicking.
The primary way people experience tinnitus is hearing a ringing sound that is not actually there.
These sounds may be heard in one or both ears and might come and go or be present all the time. Other tinnitus symptoms can include:
Several factors and conditions can be tinnitus causes, including:
High blood pressure, or hypertension, is a condition where the force your body uses to pump your blood is too great. This puts extra strain on the walls of your blood vessels and can damage your arteries and cause serious health problems.
High blood pressure often has no symptoms. This is why it's sometimes called the "silent killer." However, extremely high blood pressure can cause symptoms like:
Several factors can increase your risk of developing high blood pressure, including:
Can high blood pressure cause hearing loss? Yes, it can. High blood pressure can affect your hearing by damaging the small blood vessels in your ears. This can reduce blood flow to the inner ear, which can lead to hearing problems and possibly tinnitus.
You may be wondering, in what ways can high blood pressure cause ringing in the ears? When you have high blood pressure, this causes your blood to move through your body with more force. This can lead to blood vessel damage, which can impair your inner ear’s ability to function and potentially lead to a perception of ringing in the ears.
Another way hypertension and tinnitus can be linked is through increased blood flow in the veins near your ear, which can create a sound that you perceive as a ringing or buzzing.
There are a number of ways that high blood pressure and tinnitus are connected. Let’s explore some of the causes and effects between these two conditions.
Certain high blood pressure medications can cause tinnitus as a side effect. Conversely, some medications used to treat tinnitus can affect blood pressure. It's important to talk to your doctor if you notice any new or worsening symptoms after starting a new medication.
Can stress cause high blood pressure? Yes! Stress and anxiety can both cause high blood pressure and worsen tinnitus symptoms. When you're stressed, your body produces more adrenaline, which can increase your blood pressure. This can create a vicious cycle, as the stress from tinnitus can also raise your blood pressure further.
Diseases that affect the circulatory system, such as atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries) or vascular tumors, can lead to both high blood pressure and tinnitus. These circulatory system diseases can restrict blood flow to various parts of the body, including the ears, causing both high blood pressure and tinnitus.
Hearing aids can help with tinnitus symptoms by amplifying external sounds, making tinnitus less noticeable. Hearing aids for tinnitus can also be programmed with sound therapy features that can provide relief from tinnitus.
At Miracle-Ear, we offer free hearing evaluations with our team of experts, so you can be sure to find the right hearing aid option for your needs.
Wondering how to manage high blood pressure? Start by seeing a physician to get it under control. Here are six easy and effective ideas to try at home alongside your doctor's advice
Exercises specifically for tinnitus, such as progressive muscle relaxation and certain types of physical therapy, can help improve symptoms. These tinnitus exercises can reduce tension in the body, which may help with both tinnitus and be an effective strategy for how to manage high blood pressure.
By understanding the relationship between high blood pressure and tinnitus, you can take steps to manage both conditions more effectively. Remember to always consult with your healthcare provider for personalized advice and treatment options.
