How Is Tinnitus Related to Blood Pressure?

Tinnitus, often described as a ringing noise in the ear, buzzing, or constant humming, affects millions of people worldwide. While it can be triggered by many factors, one often-overlooked cause is high blood pressure. Understanding how tinnitus and blood pressure are connected is important because addressing cardiovascular health may reduce the intensity of tinnitus symptoms.

Buzzing in Ear Causes and Blood Pressure: Tinnitus is not a disease but a symptom. Many buzzing in ear causes include hearing loss, exposure to loud noise, earwax buildup, and stress. However, elevated blood pressure can also contribute to a ringing sound in ear or a persistent tinnitus sound. When blood vessels are under pressure, the increased force of blood flow can affect the delicate structures of the inner ear.

In some cases, people with high blood pressure report a pulsing or whooshing sound in their ears, sometimes called pulsatile tinnitus. This form of tinnitus directly reflects the rhythm of blood circulation and is closely tied to cardiovascular conditions.

Why High Blood Pressure May Trigger Ringing Noise in Ear The inner ear relies on a healthy supply of blood to function properly. When blood pressure is consistently high, it can damage blood vessels and reduce circulation efficiency. This may lead to changes in the auditory system and create phantom sounds, such as ringing noise, buzzing, or a constant humming.

Certain risk factors make this connection stronger: - Atherosclerosis: Hardening or narrowing of the arteries increases pressure and can worsen tinnitus. - Stress and anxiety: These not only elevate blood pressure but also make tinnitus more noticeable. - Medications: Some drugs for high blood pressure list tinnitus as a potential side effect.