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Ear Solution Updated: 22 Jun 2024

Can High Blood Pressure Cause Ringing in the Ears?

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Has a ringing, buzzing, or hissing sound ever stayed in your ears for a long time? You are not the only one if that's the case. Millions of people in the UK have this problem called tinnitus. In some cases, the exact reason for tinnitus is still unknown. Still, there is a strong link between this hearing problem and high blood pressure (hypertension).

This blog post looks at the link between tinnitus and high blood pressure, focusing on valuable information for people in the UK and healthcare services there.

How to Recognise Tinnitus

Tinnitus is hearing sounds that aren't coming from anywhere else. Sounds like ringing, buzzing, hissing, whooshing, or popping can be signs of it. These noises can be constant or come and go, and their volume can range from barely audible to unbearable.

There are a lot of people in the UK who have tinnitus. According to the British Tinnitus Association, about 6.1 million people in the UK have tinnitus [1]. This is the same as about one in ten people. Even though tinnitus isn't dangerous to your life, it can make daily life very hard by making it hard to sleep, focus, or even feel anxious or depressed [2].

Tinnitus can be broken down into two main groups:

  • The most common type of tinnitus is subjective, meaning only the person with it can hear the sound. Damage to the hair cells in the inner ear is often to blame.

  • Objective tinnitus is less common when a sound source from outside the head can be heard. High blood pressure may cause this type of tinnitus by making it hard for blood to move to the head and neck.

Causes of Tinnitus

Several things can lead to tinnitus. Here are some of the most common:

  • Earwax buildup: Earwax can sometimes stop the sound waves and cause tinnitus.

  • Noise exposure: Loud noises, such as those from concerts or construction work, can harm the hair cells in the inner ear. This can cause tinnitus.

  • Age-related hearing loss: As we age, our hearing naturally deteriorates. Tinnitus may occasionally accompany this.

  • Head injury: A blow to the head can damage the structures of the inner ear, causing tinnitus.

  • Meniere's disease: This inner ear disorder can cause tinnitus, vertigo, and hearing loss.

  • Medications: Certain medications, such as aspirin in high doses, can cause tinnitus as a side effect.

High Blood Pressure and Tinnitus

Hypertension, or high blood pressure, is a significant risk factor for tinnitus. High blood pressure over a long period stresses your body's delicate blood vessels, including those that bring blood to the inner ear. This uneven blood flow can upset the nerves and hair cells in the ear, which can cause tinnitus symptoms.

Pulsatile tinnitus is a type of tinnitus that is linked to high blood pressure. A buzzing or whooshing sound that seems to beat in time with your heartbeat is a sign of this. Pulsatile tinnitus can be scary because it could mean a problem with a blood vessel near the ear.

Managing Tinnitus and High Blood Pressure

Managing high blood pressure can improve tinnitus symptoms. Here's how:

  • Lifestyle changes: You must make healthy changes to reduce high blood pressure. This means eating a balanced meal low in salt and saturated fat, working out regularly, staying healthy, and dealing with stress. The NHS has a complete guide on how to eat healthily for people [3].

  • Medication: If lifestyle changes alone aren't enough, your doctor may prescribe Treating underlying conditions. If an underlying condition, such as earwax buildup or Meniere's disease, is the root cause of your tinnitus, treating that condition can also help with tinnitus symptoms. Medications can be found on the NHS website [4].

  • Treating underlying conditions: If an underlying condition, such as earwax buildup or Meniere's disease, is the root cause of your tinnitus, treating that condition can also help with tinnitus symptoms.

Treatment Options for Tinnitus Itself

While managing high blood pressure can benefit tinnitus linked to hypertension, other treatment options specifically target tinnitus. These include:

  • Sound therapy involves listening to external sounds, such as white noise or natural sounds, to mask the tinnitus and make it less noticeable.

  • Hearing aids: In cases where tinnitus is accompanied by hearing loss, hearing aids can be helpful. They can amplify external sounds, making hearing easier and potentially masking the tinnitus.

  • Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) can help individuals with tinnitus manage their emotional response to the condition and cope more effectively.

  • Tinnitus retraining therapy (TRT): This therapy uses sound treatment combined with counseling to help the brain habituate to the tinnitus sounds, making them less bothersome.

Additional Considerations

Here are some additional points to consider regarding tinnitus and high blood pressure:

It's essential to seek medical advice promptly. Early diagnosis and treatment of any underlying conditions can help prevent further complications.

Conclusion

Tinnitus can be a frustrating and sometimes debilitating condition. However, it's important to remember that you're not alone. Millions of people in the UK experience tinnitus, and there are steps you can take to manage it.

If you suspect a link between your tinnitus and high blood pressure, it's crucial to get your blood pressure under control. Adopting healthy lifestyle changes and taking medication as your doctor prescribes can improve your overall health and alleviate tinnitus symptoms. Additionally, treatment options for tinnitus are available to help you manage the condition and improve your quality of life.

FAQs

Q: Will high blood pressure always cause tinnitus?

A: No, not everyone with high blood pressure will experience tinnitus. However, it is a known risk factor. There are many other causes of tinnitus, and some people with high blood pressure may not develop it.

Q: How can I tell if having high blood pressure is the cause of my tinnitus?

A: It's difficult to self-diagnose the cause of tinnitus. If your tinnitus is pulsatile (throbbing sound in rhythm with your heartbeat), it could be a sign of a problem related to blood flow and might be linked to high blood pressure. Seeking a doctor to determine the cause and discuss treatment options is essential.

Q: What are some quick tips to manage tinnitus symptoms?

A: Here are a few strategies that may help:

  • Reduce stress: Stress can worsen tinnitus symptoms. Relaxation techniques like deep breathing or meditation can be beneficial.

  • Mask the sound: Use white noise machines, nature sounds, or calming music to mask the tinnitus and make it less noticeable.

  • Practice good sleep hygiene: Getting enough sleep can help manage tinnitus and overall well-being.

  • Limit stimulants: Avoid caffeine and alcohol, as they can exacerbate tinnitus for some people.

Q: Are there any foods or drinks I should avoid if I have tinnitus?

A: There's no conclusive evidence that specific foods or drinks directly cause tinnitus. However, some people find that certain things, like caffeine or salty foods, can worsen their symptoms. It's best to experiment and see if anything triggers your tinnitus and avoid those triggers if possible.

Q: Can anything worsen tinnitus permanently?

A: While tinnitus can be a chronic condition, it doesn't continually worsen permanently. Early diagnosis and treatment of underlying causes, like high blood pressure, can help prevent further damage and improve symptoms. Additionally, treatment options specifically for tinnitus can help manage the condition and prevent it from significantly impacting your quality of life.

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