Hypertension and Tinnitus: Can High Blood Pressure Cause Ringing in the Ears?

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), nearly 122 million U.S. adults (roughly 47% of the population) suffer from hypertension. On the flip side, the American Tinnitus Association estimates that approximately 50 million Americans experience some form of tinnitus.

What Is Tinnitus?

Tinnitus is not a disease, but a symptom of an underlying condition. It’s often described as:

• Ringing
• Buzzing
• Hissing
• Clicking
• Roaring

These sounds can be constant or intermittent, mild or severe, and in some cases, loud enough to interfere with sleep or concentration.

What Happens in Your Body During Hypertension?

High blood pressure forces your heart to work harder than normal. It narrows blood vessels, increases stress on artery walls, and reduces oxygen-rich blood flow throughout the body—including your ears.

The inner ear (cochlea) relies on a steady supply of blood to function properly. When blood pressure goes up, it can:

• Damage blood vessels in the ear
• Restrict blood flow to auditory nerves
• Increase pressure in the head and ears

All of these can lead to changes in hearing, including the development or worsening of tinnitus.

The Science Behind the Connection: What Do Experts Say?

Numerous medical studies point to a strong link between hypertension and tinnitus.

1. Study from The Journal of Hypertension

A 2018 study published in the Journal of Hypertension found that people with high blood pressure were 1.5 times more likely to report tinnitus compared to those with normal blood pressure.

2. Brazilian Study on Auditory Effects

In a clinical trial conducted in Brazil, 66% of participants with tinnitus also had elevated blood pressure levels. The study suggested that controlling blood pressure may improve or reduce tinnitus symptoms.

3. Cleveland Clinic’s Take

According to the Cleveland Clinic, high blood pressure is a recognized contributor to pulsatile tinnitus—a type of tinnitus where you actually hear your own heartbeat.

“When your blood pressure is elevated, it can cause your blood vessels to change, leading to changes in the ear’s hearing mechanism,” says Dr. Sandhya Mehla, a neurologist at Cleveland Clinic.

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Types of Tinnitus Linked to Blood Pressure

Not all tinnitus sounds the same. Here are 3 common types connected to hypertension:

Type of Tinnitus	Description	Link to High Blood Pressure
Pulsatile Tinnitus	Hearing your heartbeat in your ear	Strongly linked due to blood flow issues
Vascular Tinnitus	Whooshing or throbbing sounds	Caused by changes in blood vessel walls
Idiopathic Tinnitus	No clear cause	May still be worsened by hypertension

Symptoms That Could Mean High Blood Pressure–Induced Tinnitus

Here’s what you should watch out for:

• Ringing that worsens with physical activity
• Pulsing or throbbing sound in sync with your heartbeat
• Sudden changes in hearing, especially after stress
• Headaches, dizziness, or blurred vision alongside ear noise
• Tinnitus that appears after blood pressure spikes

How to Manage and Reduce Tinnitus Caused by Hypertension?

If your high blood pressure is driving your ears crazy, the good news is—you have options.

1. Control Your Blood Pressure

This is your first and best defense.

What works:

• Prescription meds like ACE inhibitors, beta-blockers
• Regular aerobic exercise (walking, swimming, cycling)
• Low-sodium DASH diet
• Weight loss (if BMI is above 25)
• Limiting caffeine and alcohol

2. Improve Sleep Hygiene

Lack of sleep raises both blood pressure and increases tinnitus perception.

Try:

• Sticking to a consistent sleep schedule
• Using white noise machines
• Avoiding screens 1 hour before bed

3. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

Studies show that CBT helps reduce the emotional response to tinnitus, especially when it’s tied to stress or anxiety caused by hypertension.

4. Sound Therapy or Maskers

Using background sounds or specialized tinnitus maskers can make the ringing less noticeable—especially helpful for people with pulsatile tinnitus.

5. Watch Your Salt Intake

Salt contributes to water retention and higher blood pressure, which in turn can aggravate tinnitus.

Recommended:

• Less than 1,500 mg of sodium per day (that’s less than ¾ tsp of salt)

Best Foods for Lowering Blood Pressure (and Possibly Tinnitus)

Eating smart can lower BP and improve circulation to the ears. Go for:

• Leafy greens (spinach, kale)
• Berries (especially blueberries)
• Beets (rich in nitric oxide)
• Oats and whole grains
• Bananas (loaded with potassium)
• Garlic (natural vasodilator)

Foods and Habits That Make It Worse

• Excessive caffeine or energy drinks
• High sugar intake
• Smoking (constricts blood vessels)
• Stress and anxiety
• Skipping meds

Case Study: Meet Dan, 52

Dan, a 52-year-old truck driver from Texas, developed pulsatile tinnitus after years of untreated hypertension. After being hospitalized for dangerously high blood pressure, he got serious: switched to a plant-rich diet, started walking daily, and took his prescribed meds. Within 3 months, the pulsing sound in his ears reduced by 60%.

“I never thought the ringing was tied to my heart. Fixing one helped fix the other,” he said.

Final Thought

Tinnitus can be more than just an annoying sound—it can be your body’s way of waving a red flag.

If you’re experiencing ringing in the ears and you have high blood pressure, don’t ignore it. The connection is real, the science backs it, and the good news is—there’s help.

Make lifestyle changes. Stick to your treatment plan. Listen to your body.

And most importantly? Don’t suffer in silence. Your heart and your ears are talking. It’s time to listen.

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