How High Blood Pressure Impacts Your Hearing Health

You might expect a pounding heart or headaches when thinking about high blood pressure, but did you know it could be the culprit behind the ringing in your ears, too? While occasional ear ringing known as tinnitus might happen after a loud concert or cranking up the volume, consistent ringing can sometimes signal an underlying condition, including hypertension.

How High Blood Pressure Can Cause Tinnitus

High blood pressure (also called hypertension) puts extra force on your arteries, making your heart work harder to pump blood. This increased blood flow can impact sensitive structures in the ear, especially the cochlea, which relies on a steady blood supply to function properly. According to Jesus Lizarzaburu, MD, a board-certified family medicine doctor, the result can be a high-pitched, internal noise, often described as a buzzing or rhythmic sound timed with your heartbeat also known as pulsatile tinnitus.

Nearly half of Americans live with high blood pressure, yet it’s often called the “silent killer” because symptoms may seem minor or unrelated. That’s why understanding the link between hypertension and hearing can be so important. Left unchecked, high blood pressure may not only lead to heart disease but could also contribute to chronic tinnitus and hearing issues.

Other Causes of Ringing in the Ears

While hypertension is one possible trigger, it’s not the most common. Clinical audiologist Tricia Scaglione, AuD, explains that tinnitus is more frequently caused by:

• Loud noise exposure (concerts, headphones)

• Age-related hearing loss

• Ear infections or earwax buildup

• Certain medications (antibiotics, NSAIDs, antidepressants)

• Stress or migraines

• Medical conditions like diabetes, anemia, or hypothyroidism

Temporary ringing after a noisy event typically fades within 72 hours, but persistent or worsening symptoms may warrant a closer look at underlying health factors.

Managing Ringing in the Ears Linked to High Blood Pressure

Unfortunately, there’s no one-size-fits-all cure for tinnitus, but managing blood pressure is a critical first step if it’s a contributing factor. Dr. Lizarzaburu recommends:

• Eating a heart-healthy, low-sodium diet

• Exercising regularly (at least 150 minutes per week)

• Limiting alcohol and caffeine intake

• Reducing stress through mindfulness, yoga, or breathing exercises

• Quitting smoking

If lifestyle adjustments aren’t enough, medications may be prescribed to control hypertension. However, even with blood pressure management, tinnitus may linger. Additional tinnitus-specific treatments include:

• Sound therapy: Listening to neutral sounds to mask ringing

• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): Shifting how you respond to tinnitus

• Tinnitus retraining therapy (TRT): Teaching your brain to tune out the noise

• Hearing aids: Especially helpful for those with hearing loss and tinnitus

Prevention Tips for Blood Pressure-Related Hearing Issues

Prevention often starts with healthy habits. Both Dr. Lizarzaburu and Dr. Scaglione suggest:

• Monitoring blood pressure regularly

• Maintaining a healthy weight overweight and obesity account for up to 78% of hypertension cases

• Prioritizing physical activity

• Using ear protection in noisy environments

• Scheduling routine hearing checkups

Limiting salt intake to less than 2,300 mg daily and opting for fresh, whole foods over processed items can also reduce your risk.

When to See a Doctor

Persistent ear ringing lasting longer than a week, especially when accompanied by other symptoms like dizziness, hearing loss, or headaches, should prompt a visit to your doctor. They can check your blood pressure and refer you to an audiologist if needed. Routine hearing assessments can help catch issues early even before you notice symptoms.

FAQ

What does tinnitus from high blood pressure sound like?

It’s often described as a high-pitched ringing, buzzing, or pulsing sound that may sync with your heartbeat.

Can low blood pressure cause ear ringing?

It’s less common, but significant changes in blood pressure high or low can potentially affect hearing.

Why is my ear ringing all of a sudden?

Sudden ear ringing may be due to temporary factors like noise exposure. If it persists beyond a few days, underlying conditions like high blood pressure could be involved.

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