In their lifetime, approximately 14% of adults worldwide will experience tinnitus, which is described as a persistent ringing or buzzing in the ears. Tinnitus has a range of possible causes, including trauma to the ear, exposure to loud sounds, certain medications and neurological issues. However, there are some reports that suggest a link between tinnitus and blood pressure, with hypertension being a risk factor.
It is likely that an individual experiencing ringing in their ears will seek evaluation from either a hearing or an ENT (ear nose and throat) specialist. While for many patients it is difficult to determine the root cause of tinnitus, some studies (but not all) suggest an increased risk of hypertension among tinnitus patients, which could be an indicator of increased stress.
If you do have ringing in the ears, you may consider asking your doctor whether your blood pressure may be contributing, or, if you have elevated blood pressure, whether it’s an indicator for another underlying medical issue. It’s important to note that single, spot-check blood pressure measurements can sometimes give an incomplete picture.
Blood pressure fluctuates throughout the day due to factors like stress, physical activity, and even posture, making it difficult to identify consistent patterns or subtle changes with just one or two readings. This is where continuous blood pressure monitoring, like the kind Aktiia offers, becomes valuable. By providing a more comprehensive view of your blood pressure trends over time, it can help uncover connections between hypertension and symptoms like tinnitus, offering deeper insights for both you and your healthcare provider.
What is tinnitus?
Tinnitus is characterized by the perception of sound in the ears or head when no external noise source is present. This sound can manifest as ringing, buzzing, or even roaring noises. It may be constant or intermittent, and can range from being mildly annoying to severely debilitating. In some cases, tinnitus can significantly impact quality of life, affecting sleep, concentration and emotional well-being.
Source of tinnitus
Tinnitus, the perception of sound without an external source, is commonly associated with loud noise exposure and hearing loss. However, there are several surprising causes that may not be immediately obvious:
- Earwax buildup or ear infection: Impacted earwax can block ear canals. This blockage can cause a decline in hearing and the perception of ringing sounds, particularly in older adults.
- Head or neck injuries: Trauma to the head or neck can disrupt nerve pathways and blood flow. Such injuries can result in either temporary or permanent tinnitus.
- Medication: Certain drugs, including some antibiotics, chemotherapy agents, ACE inhibitors (e.g. lisinopril and enalapril), non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs such as ibuprofen, naproxen and aspirin), antimalarials and antidepressants can cause, or exacerbate, tinnitus as a side effect.
- Medical conditions: Various health conditions such as anemia, hypertension, hypothyroidism, multiple sclerosis, and Ménière’s disease are linked to tinnitus.
- Emotional and psychological factors: Stress, anxiety, and depression can either be a trigger for tinnitus, or make it worse.
- Pregnancy: Tinnitus can sometimes coincide with pregnancy. Although the exact cause is unknown, physical changes to the body occurring in pregnancy may affect nerve cells in the inner ear. It is suggested that this is caused by the increase in circulating blood volume and increase in blood pressure (both of which are normal during pregnancy).
Blood pressure and tinnitus
Some studies (but not all) suggest an increased risk of hypertension among tinnitus patients. There are two main mechanisms that may explain the relationship between blood pressure and tinnitus:
- Vascular damage. High blood pressure can damage blood vessels, reducing blood flow to the inner ear and affecting the delicate structures responsible for hearing.
- Idiopathic Intracranial Hypertension.This is a particular health condition where elevated cerebrospinal fluid pressure around the brain can cause a number of symptoms such as headaches, double vision and eye pain, as well as pulsatile tinnitus, a type of tinnitus where rhythmic pulsing or whooshing sounds are heard in one or both ears.
The inner ear is highly sensitive to changes in blood flow and pressure due to the intricate network of blood vessels that supply oxygen and nutrients to maintain optimal function. When BP is elevated, these vessels may become narrowed or damaged, compromising blood flow. This reduced blood flow can impair the proper function of the auditory system, potentially manifesting as tinnitus. Fluctuations in blood pressure, such as sudden spikes or drops, can trigger or exacerbate tinnitus symptoms through temporarily disrupting the steady supply of blood and oxygen to the inner ear, causing changes in auditory perception.
Whether you’re worried about tinnitus or not, it’s always a good idea to adopt healthy habits such as actively monitoring your blood pressure. In some cases, hypertension is asymptomatic, therefore catching it early can give you the information you need to treat it and avoid more serious health effects later on.
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Managing blood pressure associated tinnitus
When considering the role of blood pressure, individuals experiencing tinnitus may consider:
- Continuous blood pressure monitoring. Regular monitoring gives you the reading at a point in time, but 24 hour monitoring may help you understand what your blood pressure is doing throughout the day and night. That way, you can start to connect highs and lows with day-to-day activity, foods or other factors, and work towards keeping your blood pressure steady.
- Evaluation by your healthcare provider. With persistent tinnitus, particularly if it coincides with changes in blood pressure, you should consult with an audiologist or an otolaryngologist (ear, nose, and throat specialist) for a thorough evaluation. This can help determine if a vascular component has contributed to your condition.
- Lifestyle adjustments. Adopting a healthy lifestyle that includes regular exercise, a balanced diet low in sodium and saturated fats, and stress management techniques can potentially aid in controlling both hypertension and tinnitus symptoms.
While the relationship between blood pressure and tinnitus requires further study, current evidence suggests a possible link between the two conditions. Individuals experiencing tinnitus, especially in conjunction with hypertension, should prioritize regular medical check-ups and adopt healthy habits to mitigate potential aggravation of symptoms.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not contain medical advice, and is not a replacement for medical advice. The information in this article is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Talk to a qualified medical professional before making any changes to your health regimen.
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