Does Stress Cause Hearing Loss?

Have you ever heard the phrase “Stress is a silent killer?” It might seem dramatic, but in many ways, it’s true. Chronic stress has been connected to psychological and physical symptoms in the body for years. However, you might not realize that stress can affect your hearing. Now that you know, you might wonder, does stress cause hearing loss?

Although stress is a normal body reaction to mental or physical demands, excessive stress can negatively impact your health and your ability to hear. Stress can impact your immune system and cause high blood pressure, migraines, gastrointestinal issues, tinnitus, hearing loss, and other health issues.

Continue reading to learn more about the link between stress and hearing loss and what you can do if you have concerns. With the right steps toward prevention and treatment, you might be able to stop hearing loss before it occurs.

What Is the Relationship Between Tinnitus and Stress?

Can stress and anxiety cause hearing loss? Stress is known to have several harmful impacts on our health. When constantly responding to stress, the body can’t receive a clear signal to return to normal. This pattern can lead to serious health issues like the ones listed above. In turn, those illnesses can impact your hearing.

When we experience stress, our bodies generate stress hormones like cortisol, which can lead to swelling and decreased blood supply to the cochlea, the inner ear area that converts sound into nerve impulses. The cells in your ears are delicate and strongly rely on a constant blood flow to get oxygen and nourishment. Without this continuous blood supply, the cells suffer damage that impairs your hearing. This damage is called sensorineural hearing loss.

Pulsatile tinnitus occurs due to circulation issues, causing you to feel pulses in your ear. Tinnitus can also cause chronic ringing, buzzing, or hissing. Due to this, there is frequently a cyclical association between stress and tinnitus. Tinnitus can aggravate stress, and the constant ringing that tinnitus causes can exacerbate stress and anxiety, creating a feedback cycle that can be challenging to break.

Signs of Stress-Related Hearing Loss

The following are signs of stress-related hearing loss:

• An earache or pressure in the ears
• Distorted noises
• Ringing or pulsing in your ears
• A feeling of packed or clogged ears
• Sudden loss of hearing in one or both ears

Is Sensorineural Hearing Loss Due to Stress Reversible?

Unfortunately, many people delay talking with a professional about their hearing concerns due to linking their hearing loss to allergies, ear wax, or other conditions. However, it is essential to talk with a medical professional right away. When damage continues to occur, it can result in an irreversible situation. In fact, sensorineural hearing loss is the leading cause of permanent hearing loss. Common causes of sensorineural hearing loss are as follows:

• Medication that causes damage to the ear
• History of hearing loss in the family
• Getting older
• Trauma to the head
• Continued exposure to loud noises
• Malformation of the inner ear
• Chronic illnesses

If you have any concerns regarding your hearing, it is essential to talk with a professional to assess your situation. The team at El Dorado Hearing is skilled in various hearing loss issues, providing testing that determines your hearing issues and offering treatment with state-of-the-art technology.

Taking Control of Stress to Promote Hearing Health

Effective stress management is essential, given the probable link between stress, sensorineural hearing loss, and tinnitus. Here are a few ideas to get you started:

Get regular exercise: Exercise has been shown to lower stress levels, which enhances blood circulation and also supports greater general health, including hearing health.

Focus on mindfulness and relaxation: Yoga and meditation are among the activities that can lower stress and foster a sense of calm. Additionally, deep breathing helps reduce blood pressure, slow the heartbeat and metabolism, and relax your muscles. Take a few minutes to breathe deeply when you are stressed.

Commit to a healthy lifestyle: A balanced diet, getting enough sleep, and refraining from unhealthy behaviors like smoking or binge drinking can help manage stress and advance general well-being.

Focus on positivity: Ultimately, how you react to the things that happen in your life is up to you. While you can’t stop life’s accidents and stressors, you can choose how you think about them. You have a higher chance of calming down and managing stress if you remain optimistic.

Professional Assistance: If you’re having trouble controlling your stress, consider getting help from a mental health specialist. They can provide methods and tactics to help you deal with stress more successfully.

Concerns About Stress-Related Hearing Loss? Seek Help Today

In today’s stressful world, it’s not hard to believe that stress also impacts hearing loss. However, you can take charge of the situation by discussing your concerns about tinnitus and sensorineural hearing loss with a professional. With their assistance and a plan to decrease stress, you will be well on your way to better health and hearing.

Talk with a professional today if you’ve noticed an increase in tinnitus and are concerned about sensorineural or stress-related hearing loss. At El Dorado Hearing, we’ve assisted patients with hearing issues for years. Our knowledgeable team will take the time to understand your concerns and create a plan focusing on the best possible outcome. Don’t put off your concerns. Call our team about an assessment today.