Can High Blood Pressure Cause Tinnitus? Here are 8 Things You Need to Know

Introduction

Can High Blood Pressure Cause Tinnitus? Yes, as high blood pressure can cause or worsen tinnitus in many. That constant ringing or buzzing in your ears may be more closely linked to your cardiovascular health than you think.

Have you ever had that infuriating ringing in your ears that no one else hears? You’re not alone. Tinnitus is a huge problem for millions of people around the world, making sounds that many people describe as gentle buzzing and some as distracting roaring that can substantially diminish quality of life. Constantly high blood pressure (hypertension) has become more prevalent too, frequently remaining hidden and when it does present few tell-tale symptoms until serious damage has been done.

But here’s the interesting part: These two seemingly unrelated conditions have an unexpected link. New research has revealed a major connection between high blood pressure and those phantom noises in yourears. The blood vessels around your inner ear, when on the pressure, can generate unusual amounts of blood flow that your brain interprets as sound—even if no sound is present.

In this article, we will explain in more detail this link, looking at exactly how high blood pressure can start or worsen tinnitus symptoms. But more importantly, we’ll share steps you can take today, as well as some practical recommendations for managing both conditions. Being aware of this connection may help you get some relief from that annoying noise, and also help you keep your heart and blood vessels healthier.

The information contained in this article could make a significant difference whether you are currently suffering with tinnitus, coping with hypertension, or just exercising your health due diligence.

Understanding Tinnitus

Tinnitus is an auditory phenomenon in which the sound cannot be attributed to any sound from the outside. This phantom sound can take a number of forms, with the afflicted person experiencing hissing, buzzing, hissing, whistling, swooshing or clicking noises that no one else can hear. Anything you hear is subjective — two people can have ringing in their ears and describe completely different sounds and volumes.

This is a surprisingly common condition, affecting around 15-20% of adults worldwide. For some, it’s a mild annoyance that comes and goes; for others, it’s a persistent, life-altering presence that can impinge on focus, sleep and overall quality of life.

There are two broad types of tinnitus — pulsatile and non-pulsatile. Non-pulsatile tinnitus — the more common kind — sounds like constant or intermittent noise that’s not in rhythm with your heartbeat. These sounds may vary in loudness or pitch but retain their basic character over time.

Pulsatile tinnitus, on the other hand, creates rhythmic sounds that pulse in time with your heartbeat. When you put your finger on your wrist and feel your heartbeat, the sound in your ear is the exact same rhythm. The two aren’t coincidental; pulsatile tinnitus is usually a result of blood flow changes that happen near the ear, and can be a signal of underlying vascular issues.

This distinction is important because nonpulsatile tinnitus can be related to a myriad of causes (everything from noise overexposure to a side effect from medications), whereas pulsatile tinnitus more often indicates circulatory problems — including high blood pressure. That pulsing sound you hear could actually be the sound of blood flowing through vessels near your ear under increased pressure, a critical potential warning sign that should not be overlooked.

Tinnitus and the Relationship with Hypertension

What High Blood Pressure Does to Your Inner Ear

When you have high blood pressure, it doesn’t only do damage to your heart—it does damage everywhere that blood flows, and that includes the incredibly delicate structures of your ears. Within the inner ear are among the most delicate blood vessels in your body, and thousands of tiny — microscopic, even — hair cells that take sound waves and translate them into electrical signals your brain can understand. These structures need an exact flow of blood to work.

Blood pressure is simply a measure of the force at which blood travels through our vessels and, when it goes beyond normal levels, then blood moves through the vessels at a higher rate. This added pressure can break blood vessels supplying the cochlea (the spiral-shaped cavity in the inner ear) and cause microscopic traumas to blood vessel walls and the hair cells surrounding them.

Changes In Blood Flow And Symptoms Of Tinnitus

Clinical studies show that even small fluctuations in blood pressure can cause substantial changes in blood flow dynamics through the inner ear. Research published in 2018 in the International Journal of Audiology found that people with uncontrolled hypertension were 31% more likely to experience tinnitus than those with normal blood pressure.

This relationship functions in a couple of important ways:

Direct vascular damage: sustained high pressure can cause physical damage to the blood vessels supplying the inner ear

Noise from turbulence produced by blood flow: Crazy turbulence in blood flow through narrowed or obstructed vessels can create physical sound that gets picked up by surrounding ear structures.

The Scientific Connection

In one large study from 2016 published in the American Journal of Audiology, data from 14,178 participants were reviewed, and a positive association was found between tinnitus and arterial hypertension. Notably, the study found associations between tinnitus and several blood pressure medications, including:

• ACE inhibitors
• Thiazidic diuretics
• Potassium-sparing diuretics
• Calcium channel blockers

But when researchers controlled for hearing loss, the direct link between hypertension and tinnitus was greatly diminished. This suggests that hypertension may be a primary contributor to tinnitus primarily by causing hearing loss, which can then lead to tinnitus as a secondary effect.

Cochlear Microcirculation: The Unknown Contribution

Perhaps the strongest evidence comes from studies targeting cochlear microcirculation«.’ A 2019 study in the Journal of Hypertension discovered that hypertension, particularly when paired with other vascular risk factors, such as diabetes and dyslipidemia (abnormal levels of fat in the blood), dramatically compromises blood flow through the very small vessels that supply blood to the cochlea.

This microcirculation dysfunction has a ripple effect:

• Deplete oxygen transfer to the cochlear cells
• Accumulation of byproducts of metabolism
• Inflammation of thin inner ear tissues
• It inhibits ion balance—which is crucial for reg hairs cells to function optimally.

The ensuing cellular stress and damage can stimulate an abnormal flurry of neural activity that your brain perceives as sounds — sounds typical of tinnitus.

These findings underscore why controlling blood pressure is not only important for heart and cardiovascular health but also may be key to hearing protection—and possibly a way to relieve symptoms of tinnitus.

Pulsatile Tinnitus and The Vascular System

Pulsatile tinnitus is different from other types of tinnitus because it can potentially provide a window into your cardiovascular health. Differing from the persistent ringing or buzzing of standard tinnitus, pulsatile tinnitus creates periodic sounds that ebb and flow with your heartbeat — a “whooshing,” “swooshing” or thumping sensation that ebbs and flows with your pulse.

This unique cadence is not accidental. Pulsatile tinnitus is often caused by blood moving through vessels near your ear, making sounds that your ear registers. In a 2017 study published in The Laryngoscope examining 84 patients with pulsatile tinnitus, vascular abnormalities were noted in 44% of cases in which proper imaging was administered.

These relate to blood pressure especially. In other research, published in JAMA Otolaryngology, hypertension was noted in 43.5% of patients with pulsatile tinnitus, almost twice the rate seen in the general population. In a lot of instances, this type of tinnitus is the initial warning sign of vascular disease, manifesting before additional symptoms occur.

High-level potential vascular etiologies include:

• Carotid artery stenosis (narrowing of arteries)
• Arteriovenous malformations (abnormal connections between arteries and veins)
• Fibromuscular dysplasia (abnormalities of the artery wall )
• Venous sinus stenosis (narrowing in veins that drain blood from the brain)

A 2020 systematic review published in Current Opinion in Otolaryngology & Head and Neck Surgery of 16 studies concluded that treatable abnormalities can be identified in patients with pulsatile tinnitus who have vascular imaging, with rates as high as 72% in certain series. Remarkably, the unmasking of these vascular issues led to improvements or complete resolution of tinnitus symptoms in around 65% of patients when managed appropriately.

If your tinnitus beats in sync with your heart, a medical evaluation is crucial. New imaging techniques such as CT angiography, MR angiography, and Doppler ultrasound can find vascular malformations that might otherwise escape notice. Early diagnosis not only allows the possibility of curing your tinnitus, but it could also avert serious cardiovascular injuries.

Causes and Tinnitus Associated with Hypertension

Here are some common risk factors that can be involved with high blood pressure (hypertension) and its relationship to tinnitus. In fact, many of the same risk factors are known to help promote the development or progression of tinnitus. Knowing these things is important not just for controlling your blood pressure, but potentially for reducing your tinnitus, too. Now let’s break down some of the major risk factors.

What Are the Common Risk Factors for High Blood Pressure and Tinnitus?

• Older Age: As we age, the blood vessels lose some elasticity, naturally raising blood pressure and increasing the likelihood of tinnitus.
• Genetics: Family history of hypertension or tinnitus can make you more likely to have either or both.
• Unhealthy diet: Diets that are high in salt (sodium) and drinking too much alcohol raise blood pressure and can aggravate tinnitus.
• Sedentary Lifestyle: A sedentary lifestyle can contribute to weight gain, one of the leading causes of high blood pressure and which may exacerbate tinnitus.
• Then again tobacco use (smoking) damages the vessels and affects circulation, leading to increased blood pressure and worsening tinnitus.
• High Caffeine Intake: Too much caffeine can cause blood pressure to rise, and it may also induce or exacerbate tinnitus in some people.
• Specific Health Conditions: Diabetes and obesity are strongly associated with hypertension and can also worsen tinnitus because they often have an impact on how your blood flows in your body and how well your nerves work.
• Chronic stress can cause surges in blood pressure and might amplify the awareness of tinnitus symptoms.

Controlling Blood Pressure and Tinnitus by Managing Risk Factors

Managing these risk factors is important for your blood pressure as well as reducing or perhaps even eliminating tinnitus. Here’s how you can do it:

• Follow a healthy and balanced diet containing lots of fruits and vegetables and low in sodium.
• Take regular exercise to reduce your weight and improve circulation.
• Give up smoking to improve the overall cardiovascular health.
• Lower blood pressure by limiting alcohol and caffeine intake.
• Manage your stress levels by practicing relaxation techniques like deep breathing exercises, yoga, or mindfulness meditation.

Making these lifestyle changes will enable you to keep your blood pressure under control and might even help relieve your tinnitus symptoms.

When to Get Help (Emergency Symptoms)

Although it’s uncommon for tinnitus to be life-threatening on its own, it can indicate a medical emergency when paired with some symptoms — especially in people who have high blood pressure.

Consult a healthcare provider whenever you experience persistent tinnitus, especially if you also have high blood pressure or cardiovascular risk factors. A 2022 study published in the Journal of Hypertension found that uncontrolled hypertensive patients who developed new-onset tinnitus were 27% more likely to report serious cardiovascular events within the following year compared to those who experienced no tinnitus.

They are, however, some combinations of symptoms that call for immediate medical attention. A research study published in the American Journal of Emergency Medicine examined 1,284 cases of emergency department visits related to tinnitus and found a handful of “red flag” symptoms that often indicated serious underlying conditions:

Symptoms of an Emergency – Going to the ER

If you’re experiencing tinnitus with any of these symptoms, get emergency care right away:

A sudden onset of severe headaches – Especially sudden, severe “thunderclap” headaches that reach peak intensity in under a minute

• Seizures — Any seizure tyming new or worsening tinnitus
• Vomiting — Particularly if nonspecific or you’re experiencing dizziness
• Chest pains — Any feeling of tightness, pressure, squeezing or pain in the chest
• Shortness of breath — Trouble breathing or feeling like you’re unable to catch your breath
• Fast/fluttering/pounding heartbeat – Irregular or racing heartbeats you can feel

These combinations are especially problematic in those with hypertension. According to a 2019 systematic review published in Hypertension, the presence of tinnitus in conjunction with severe headache and visual changes correlates with a 3.8-fold greater risk for a hypertensive crisis, an extreme elevation in blood pressure that can damage organs.

If you do notice these warning signs, don’t delay in seeking treatment. The American Heart Association has data showing that the timely management of hypertensive emergencies can decrease the risk of permanent organ damage by as much as 80%. Modern emergency protocols can manage these situations quite well, but the time frame for optimal intervention is usually hours, not days.

Most cases of tinnitus are not emergencies, remember, but these particular combinations of symptoms should never be ignored.

Three Aspects to Consider for Funcitonal Treatment of HBP Related Tinnitus

The Low-Down on the Management Approach

Although both tinnitus and high blood pressure cannot be cured directly, proper strategies can help to manage both conditions effectively. There is research to support that addressing hypertension often correlates with tinnitus symptom improvement, especially when the tinnitus is vascular.

In 2021, a longitudinal study published in the Journal of Hypertension included 267 patients with coexisting hypertension and tinnitus over 18 months. Notably, 41% of those participants who achieved optimal control of their blood pressure had meaningful decreases in their tinnitus severity, which was notably higher than the group who remained with uncontrolled hypertension at only 16% reporting this effect.

Lifestyle Modification: The Cornerstone of Treatment

Dietary Changes

Dietary adjustments are among the most powerful interventions:

• Limit salt consumption: Reducing your daily sodium intake by 1,000mg decreased systolic blood pressure by 5.4 mmHg among hypertensive individuals, according to a 2020 meta-analysis published in the American Journal of Medicine.
• Reduce alcohol and caffeine: Both can elevate blood pressure and may aggravate tinnitus. In a study published in the Annals of Otology, 72% of patients said their tinnitus got worse after they drank caffeine.
• Adopt the DASH diet: Short for dietary approaches to stop hypertension, this eating plan has been proven to reduce blood pressure by as much as 11 points in people with hypertension.

Physical Activity

Lack of physical activity affects both conditions in a big way. According to The British Journal of Sports Medicine, even just 30-45 minutes of moderate exercise 3-5 times a week decreased systolic blood pressure by around 7 mmHg. Moreover, 38% of exercising tinnitus patients experienced symptom improvement compared with sedentary controls.

Stress Management

Tinnitus is a chronic stress-induced increase in blood pressure. Mindfulness-based stress reduction programs have had impressive results: one clinical trial in 2019 revealed a 25% decrease in tinnitus distress scores (17% vs 52% in controls) and a significant 4.6 mmHg change in blood pressure among participants.

Smoking Cessation

Quitting smoking helps both conditions by increasing circulation and decreasing inflammation. The second hypothesis was that ex-smokers would experience 15% greater improvements in tinnitus symptoms within the first six months after quitting compared to continued smokers.

Medication Management

Hypertension management often relies on using blood pressure medications. But some antihypertensives can influence the symptoms of tinnitus. A thorough analysis in Frontiers in Neurology concluded that:

• ACE inhibitors may contribute to tinnitus worsening in 10% of patients.
• Beta-blockers occasionally decrease tinnitus intensity, especially propranolol.
• Effect of calcium channel blockers is variable

Do not change the medication without contacting the doctor. If you think your medication has an impact on your tinnitus, talk to your physician about possible alternatives.

Conclusion

However, a more detailed and personal approach to treating high blood pressure alone is enough to produce significant results for tinnitus patients. As a patient, only proper work with a qualified specialist will give further recommendations on the treatment of tinnitus. Regular blood pressure monitoring will help you understand its causes. Home monitoring is even better because it is easier to identify patterns – most patients report that the tinnitus effect becomes more noticeable during blood pressure spikes.

According to the American Heart Association, two blood pressure measurements per day are enough for hypertensive patients with tinnitus. Plus, it would help if you did more of these strategies:

• Sound therapy – recent clinical studies show that a masking device can reduce the perception of tinnitus by 62 %.
• Tinnitus retraining therapy can significantly reduce tinnitus; 80 % have some or complete relief.
• Auditory processing – regular hearing tests are necessary not only to prevent possible hearing loss, which happens often with tinnitus but also to predict the likelihood of these conditions.

Combining these and other strategies under your healthcare provider’s supervision, most patients notice a noticeable improvement in both blood pressure and tinnitus after only a few months.

There’s real reason to be optimistic. However, many have overcome and obtained great relief with holistic management techniques that target both their heart and tinnitus symptoms. If you take good care of yourself, seek support, and manage your condition, you should be able to not only minimize the impact of tinnitus on your life, but also to protect your long-term health.

And if you’re seeking extra assistance for your tinnitus symptoms as you treat your blood pressure levels, you may want to consider supplements. Comprehensive approaches have been particularly effective for many people. To read about one common solution that many people find effective Click Here to see if it is a good fit for your path to healthier hearing.