Stress is a well-known factor in many health conditions, and hearing loss is no different. While most people associate stress with physical symptoms like high blood pressure, headaches, and chest pain, it can also take a toll on your hearing.
What Happens When We Are Stressed?
When we are stressed, our bodies respond by secreting stress hormones adrenaline and cortisol, which provides a burst of energy or power. The blood vessels constrict and divert more oxygen to the muscles, increasing one’s capacity to take action.
However, it also raises blood pressure and chronic stress may overwork your heart. This can result in oxidative damage.
Oxidative stress occurs when there is an imbalance between free radicals and antioxidants, which can damage cells and cause sensorineural hearing loss.
Constant stress disrupts the body’s ability to get a clear signal telling it to return to normal. It can lead to other major health issues such as heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, and other illnesses, all of which can have an impact on your hearing.
How Does Stress Impact One’s Hearing?
“Reduction of Blood Flow To Your Ears”
Constant stress (overproduction of adrenaline) can lead to reduction of blood flow throughout the body – which includes your ears as well.
“Damaged Hair Cells”
The inner ear’s hair cells require an uninterrupted blood supply for oxygen and nutrients. Those delicate hair cells may be damaged if they are not supplied with adequate blood flow; this can happen from time to time or even permanently.
Stress and Tinnitus
Stress has been linked to tinnitus in multiple studies as both a cause and a symptom.
A study showed that 65% of persons with tinnitus said their symptoms started or worsened during a stressful moment in their life.
What You Can Do
- Exercise regularly: Dance, stroll, yoga, vacuuming the house, or go to the gym are all good options. They produce endorphins, which help you sleep better and feel happier.
- Practise meditation: Meditation has a number of physical and mental health advantages. It also aids in relaxation, self-awareness, and clarity acquisition.
- Set aside Time To Pursue Your Hobbies: – Start a hobby, read or watch something hilarious on TV. Listening to music, taking a swim, starting a pastime, reading or watching anything entertaining are all excellent options. Laughter reduces tension and produces endorphins as well.
All in all, taking care of your mental health is important. It’s often said that our mental health is just as important as our physical health. So, if you’re feeling stressed, anxious, or down, make sure to take some time for yourself and do something that makes you happy.
If you still experience any form of hearing loss, it is important that you consult your hearing specialist or an audiologist. At Amazing Hearing, you can get a free hearing test in Singapore with us and our consultants will also propose solutions to regain your hearing.
*This post’s content is for educational and informative purposes only. The material should not be used as a substitute for, or instead of, professional medical advice. If you have any concerns about your health, you should always visit with a doctor or other health-care expert.
