Hypertension is when the blood puts excessive pressure on arterial walls, impeding blood flow to the entire body—yes, even within ears. The inner ear needs a steady flow of blood to continue working properly. When excessive blood pressure hits, the sensitive ear structures may not get the oxygenation that they need, and tinnitus is the byproduct.
Studies indicate that high blood pressure patients are at higher risk of tinnitus than individuals with normal blood pressure. Tinnitus synchronous with the rhythm of your heartbeat, also known as pulsatile tinnitus, is specifically related to cardiovascular conditions such as hypertension. Untreated high blood pressure may aggravate tinnitus and result in hearing loss in the long run.
Signs of Tinnitus Caused by Hypertension
High blood pressure tinnitus may manifest in many different ways. Some of the typical symptoms to look out for are as follows:
- Pulsatile tinnitus – A thudding noise pulsating with your heartbeat
- Persistent buzzing or ringing – Continuous sound in one or both ears
- Ear fullness or pressure – Your ears feel plugged
- Increased sound sensitivity – Loud noises or normal noises seem more bothersome
- Dizziness or lightheadedness – Often accompanied by ringing in the ears
- Worsening symptoms with stress – Increased blood pressure causes the tinnitus to sound louder
When you get these symptoms along with high blood pressure readings, you need to see your doctor so that the two conditions can be addressed.
How Can Hypertension Cause Tinnitus?
Hypertension tinnitus is caused by inefficient circulation and pressure on the hearing system. This is how it happens:
- Narrowed Arteries – Reduced blood pressure hampers blood supply to the inner ear and thus, disintegration of the hearing mechanism.
- Increase in Vascular Pressure – Blood pressure while flowing through narrowed arteries may produce noise, causing pulsatile tinnitus.
- Inadequate Oxygenation – Inadequate circulation results in cells of the inner ear receiving very little oxygen, and the shock results in tinnitus.
- Damage to Nerves – Chronic hypertension may damage nerves employed in hearing, and the tinnitus becomes more chronic and difficult to treat.
Common Causes of Hypertension-Related Tinnitus
Hypertension and tinnitus both have various precipitating factors that cause them. It is from this knowledge of the precipitating factors that one can prevent and control future episodes:
1. Stress and Anxiety
Cortisol goes up from stress, hence putting blood pressure high and tinnitus worse. You are going the right way when you experience ear ringing worsening from stress.
2. Excess Sodium Intake
Too much salt retains water, puts a strain on the blood pressure, and slows the transmission of the blood through the ears. Excessive fast food and processed food-based diets will deteriorate.
3. Caffeine and Alcohol
Stimulants cause transient increases in blood pressure, which aggravate tinnitus. Reducing consumption can control symptoms.
4. Smoking and Nicotine
Nicotine constricts blood vessels, reducing oxygen to the ears. It can precipitate or worsen tinnitus, particularly in hypertensive patients.
5. Age and Cardiovascular Health
With advancing age, arteries lose some of their elastic properties, and hypertension is likewise more prone to develop, and also leads to tinnitus. As such, ageing people are in the most danger.
6. Drugs
Some medication for the management of hypertension (diuretics, beta-blockers) periodically causes or provoke tinnitus. If that happens, see what else with your doctor.
Does High Blood Pressure Make Tinnitus Worse?
Yes, uncontrolled high blood pressure is a cause of tinnitus and can make it more audible and long-lasting. When blood pressure continues to fluctuate, it consequently creates inner ear disturbance that, in turn, makes the ringing or throbbing noise more audible.
Facts Which Suggest the Link:
- 30% of individuals with high blood pressure are suffering from symptoms of tinnitus.
- Individuals with uncontrolled high blood pressure are 2.5 times more likely to experience tinnitus.
- Decreasing blood pressure by a small percentage of 10-15 mmHg has been effective in curing tinnitus in some individuals.
Prevention of the worsening of tinnitus, therefore, is best achieved by managing hypertension.
Effective Remedies for Tinnitus from Hypertension
Although there is no single cure for tinnitus, control of blood pressure can reduce its severity quite effectively. Some effective remedies are:
- Decrease Blood Pressure Naturally – Eat properly, limit salt, and exercise.
- Practice Stress Reduction – Meditation, deep breathing exercises, or yoga can reduce stress and soothe tinnitus.
- Reduce Stimulants – Limit alcohol, tobacco, and caffeine use to avoid sudden spikes in blood pressure.
- Use Sound Therapy – White noise machines or ambient sounds can suppress tinnitus noises and improve sleep.
- Stay Properly Hydrated – Circulation, which keeps blood pressure in check, is a factor of hydration, so stay properly hydrated every day.
How to Manage Hypertension to Reduce Tinnitus
Keeping your blood pressure in check is the key to keeping tinnitus at bay. Simply do the following:
- Track Blood Pressure Closely – Take it at home and have regular checkups with your doctor.
- Exercise Daily – Walking, swimming, or yoga keeps the blood flowing as it should.
- Diet Healthy for Your Heart – Eat plenty of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains and minimal processed foods.
- Sleep Well – Tossing and turning raises blood pressure and tension, exacerbating tinnitus symptoms.
- Take Medications as Directed – In case lifestyle adjustment is not working, then obey your doctor’s advice on drugs.
When to Seek Medical Help for Tinnitus and Hypertension
In the case of chronic, worsening, or life-affecting tinnitus, it is time to go see the doctor. If
- Tinnitus sounds too loud, throbbing, or worsening over time
- There is hearing loss, dizziness, or unsteadiness
- Your blood pressure fails to reduce with lifestyle changes
- You have headaches, chest pain, or shortness of breath with tinnitus
For example, a physician can prescribe hearing tests, imaging tests, or drug changes to treat both illnesses properly.
Conclusion
Can hypertension cause tinnitus? Yes, as hypertension will cut down the blood supply to the ears and thus may cause or make tinnitus worse. Fortunately, the cure of hypertension by alteration of lifestyle and drugs will cure tinnitus.
Through the habit of healthy eating, stress management, and exercise, you can manage both conditions as well as overall health.If tinnitus is affecting your life, therefore, don’t delay and consult a physician.
FAQ’s
Can blood pressure control stop tinnitus?
Yes, blood pressure control can enhance blood supply to the ears and minimize tinnitus symptoms.
What foods lower blood pressure and tinnitus?
Dietary foods containing potassium (spinach, bananas), magnesium (avocados, almonds), and omega-3 fatty acids (walnuts, salmon) can induce periodic blood flow.
Is tinnitus permanent with high blood pressure?
Not necessarily. When there is controlled high blood pressure, tinnitus can be less frequent or even louder in the long term.
Can stress cause intensifying tinnitus?
Yes, it is claimed to increase the blood pressure level and make one more sensitive to tinnitus exercises or even meditation.
