Understand the link between ringing in ears and blood pressure.
Discover how hypertension can affect hearing and ways to manage it.
When the song is over, you hear ringing in your ears.
This is actually a pretty common experience called tinnitus, which goes away quickly and on its own.
But tinnitus thats consistent can be from an underlying health conditionincluding high blood pressure.
This makes your heart work harder to pump blood, per theMayo Clinic.
board-certified family medicine doctor withTPMGin Yorktown, Virginia
Can high blood pressure cause ringing in your ears?
In short, yes.
It sounds like a very high-pitched sound.
Some describe it like sitting right next to an old tube TV or monitor, he adds.
High blood pressure can cause a specific jot down of tinnitus called pulsatile tinnitus, adds Dr. Lizarzaburu.
Why does this happen?
Well, when your blood pressure gets high, the blood flow through your arteries becomes more forceful.
This can cause irritating sounds, too.
While tinnitus is common, not everyone with the condition has hypertension.
board-certified family medicine doctor withTPMGin Yorktown, Virginia
And vice versa: Not everyone with hypertension will develop tinnitus.
But this kind is temporary and usually goes away within 72 hours, she says.
Its Amazing How Its All Connected.
Avoiding foods high in sodium and saturated fats is also important.
Talk to your doctor about whether youre in a healthy weight range.
But it may also prevent high blood pressure, too.
This could include aerobic activities like walking, biking, or swimming.
The guidelines also suggest doing strengthening exercises at least two days a week, like lifting weights or Pilates.
Its best to find an exercise you enjoy and stick with it.
Both alcohol and caffeine can raise your blood pressure and potentially worsen tinnitus, says Dr. Lizarzaburu.
Even inhaling secondhand smoke on a regular basis can contribute to high blood pressure, per theCleveland Clinic.
For this reason (andmanymore), its best to quit smoking.
Dr. Lizarzaburu suggests trying to limit your sodium intake to less than 2,300 milligrams a day.
This is why stress-management strategies are important.
Exposure to loud noises can cause temporary or permanent tinnitus, says Scaglione.
And if you cant avoid them altogether?
Using ear protection in noisy environments, like earplugs, can help prevent this.
And if you have any symptoms of high blood pressure, let your doctor know.
They can take a blood pressure reading and discuss treatment options if needed.
FAQ
What does tinnitus from high blood pressure sound like?
Not all cases of tinnitus sound the same; they can range in sound and pitch.
Its commonly reported as a ringing, buzzing, or humming, says Scaglione.
But it can be chirping, or even musical, believe it or not.
Does ringing in the ears ever mean low blood pressure?
Its possible that any change in blood pressure could have an effect on hearing, says Scaglione.
But in most cases, tinnitus is a symptom of high blood pressure.
Why is my ear ringing all of a sudden?
Sudden ringing in your ears could be situational.
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