Can Stress Really Cause Hearing Loss?
Key Takeaways
- Stress can cause temporary hearing loss and make existing problems worse.
- Common signs of stress-induced hearing loss include ringing in the ears, muffled hearing, and trouble understanding speech.
- Managing stress can help protect hearing health.
As a caregiver, you’re usually the first to notice changes in health, including signs of stress or hearing loss. While both can be common as we age, did you know that they can also be linked? Understanding the connection between stress and hearing loss will help you keep those you care for happy and healthy.
Understanding Stress and Its Effects on the Body
When we feel threatened or under pressure, our bodies release stress hormones. These chemicals can cause the heart to race, muscles to tighten, and blood pressure to rise.
For seniors, stress can come from health issues, the loss of loved ones, financial struggles, or big life changes. If you notice they’re feeling worried, sad, angry, or having trouble sleeping, it could be a sign that stress is affecting their health.
The Connection Between Stress and Hearing Loss
Many scientific studies have been conducted to better understand the link between stress and hearing loss. Experts believe there are a few reasons for this connection:
- Stress reduces blood flow. When we’re stressed, blood vessels become tighter, and less blood flows to important parts of the body, including the inner ear.
- Stress makes your body tense up. Tense muscles can affect how sound travels to your inner ear.
- Ongoing stress weakens your immune system. This increases the likelihood of ear infections, which can lead to hearing problems.
- Stress can make it harder to focus. When you’re stressed, it can be hard to listen, process, and understand what someone else is saying.
While not all hearing loss is caused by stress, stress-induced hearing loss is a legitimate concern, especially for seniors who may already be experiencing age-related hearing changes.
Signs and Symptoms of Stress-Induced Hearing Loss
How can you tell if the person you’re caring for might be having trouble hearing? Look for these signs of hearing loss:
- Trouble hearing in noisy places
- Asking people to repeat themselves more than usual
- Being more sensitive to loud noises
- Hearing problems that come and go
They may also tell you that they are hearing ringing, buzzing, or whooshing sounds in their ears or report feeling dizzy or off-balance.
Unlike age-related hearing loss, which occurs gradually, stress can cause temporary hearing loss that develops suddenly. If there is any abrupt change in their hearing, take it seriously.
Strategies for Managing Stress and Protecting Your Hearing
The good news is that there are many simple ways to help reduce stress and protect hearing health for years to come.
Simple relaxation activities, such as deep breathing, gentle stretching, yoga, reading, or listening to calming music, help with relaxation.
Staying hydrated and eating healthy meals that include plenty of heart-healthy fruits and vegetables will also help. You could even pair these healthy choices with physical activity, such as daily walks around the neighborhood with a family or friend.
Social connections are also important for keeping stress at a minimum. Help them sign up for groups, clubs, or classes at a local senior center. You can also arrange regular visits from family and friends or check to see if they are eligible for a caption phone from ClearCaptions, which displays captions of the words their callers say to help them understand conversations more easily over the phone.
Can Hearing Loss from Stress Be Reversed?
If you act quickly and find tools and strategies to help manage stress, in many cases, this type of hearing loss can be reversed.
Encourage recovery by:
- Removing or reducing the source of stress
- Encouraging them to use stress management techniques
- Ensuring that they’re getting enough rest and good nutrition
- Following the doctor’s advice about any medications or treatments
Even if hearing doesn’t return completely to normal, managing stress can help prevent the problem from worsening and improve quality of life.
Other Risk Factors That Can Exacerbate Hearing Loss in Seniors
Stress isn’t the only thing that can affect hearing in older adults. These other factors can make stress-related hearing problems worse:
- Certain medications
- Untreated high blood pressure or diabetes
- History of loud noise exposure
- Ear infections or wax buildup
When to Talk to an Audiologist or Hearing Specialist
While some stress-related hearing changes improve with stress management, others need professional help. Contact a doctor if the following occur:
- Sudden hearing loss in one or both ears
- Severe ringing in the ears that doesn’t go away
- Hearing loss with dizziness or balance problems
- Ear pain or drainage
Frequently Asked Questions
Can stress cause temporary hearing loss?
Yes, stress can cause temporary hearing loss. When your body is stressed, it releases hormones that can reduce blood flow to the inner ear. This can cause symptoms like muffled hearing or ringing in the ears. Many people notice their hearing seems worse during particularly stressful times, then improves when they feel calmer.
Is “stress-induced hearing loss” a recognized medical condition?
Yes. Many medical studies have found a connection between stress and hearing. While we don’t know as much about stress-related hearing loss as we do about age-related hearing loss, the medical community absolutely acknowledges that severe or chronic stress can impact hearing.
