{"id":31038,"date":"2020-07-20T12:06:08","date_gmt":"2020-07-20T16:06:08","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/losgatosaudiology.com\/?p=31038"},"modified":"2020-07-20T12:06:08","modified_gmt":"2020-07-20T16:06:08","slug":"a-link-between-stress-and-hearing-loss","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/losgatosaudiology.com\/a-link-between-stress-and-hearing-loss\/","title":{"rendered":"A Link Between Stress and Hearing Loss"},"content":{"rendered":"

Are you feeling stressed? Stress affects millions of Americans. Chronic stress can lead to a number of health problems, such as heart disease, high blood pressure, and even diabetes. Stress is also linked to hearing loss<\/a>.<\/p>\n

What is Stress?<\/h3>\n

Stress is your body\u2019s physical response to your environment, your sensations, and even your thoughts. When you\u2019re stressed, your body has a \u201cfight or flight\u201d response, preparing you to run from a threat or fight your way out of a dangerous situation. Your heart rate increases, your muscles tense for action, and you feel a rush of adrenaline. When you\u2019re faced with a life threatening situation, this stress response can be good, and might even save your life.<\/p>\n

The problem with stress is that we often feel this stress in response to thoughts or feelings, not physical dangers around us. We worry about our families, our children, and our finances. Many people feel stressed every day, and this chronic stress impacts well-being. When extra oxygen and energy are constantly sent to your muscles to prepare you for action, your immune system and digestive system are weakened. Chronic stress will impact your sleep, your emotions, and your overall health.<\/p>\n

A Link Between Stress and Hearing Loss<\/h4>\n

When you experience chronic stress, your body is on high alert all the time. Your body doesn\u2019t receive a signal that the threat has passed, and heightened stress becomes the new normal. Stress affects your circulation, and more oxygen-rich blood is sent to your muscles. Over time, this will negatively affect your hearing health.<\/p>\n

The delicate cells in the inner ear translate sound waves from your environment into electrical signals that are sent to the brain. These cells need good circulation and a steady supply of oxygen to do their job. When you\u2019re stressed, you experience poor circulation that can deprive your ears of the oxygen then need to stay healthy. Stress can lead to damage in your ears, and once the cells die you\u2019ll have hearing loss.<\/p>\n

Stress and Tinnitus<\/h4>\n

Stress can also lead to tinnitus, that ringing or buzzing sound in your ears that only you can hear. Tinnitus is often an early sign of hearing loss, and it\u2019s caused by cell damage in the ears. When you feel stressed, your tinnitus will seem more noticeable. As your tinnitus bothers you more and more, you\u2019ll get even more stressed, and this negative cycle will impact your health and well being.<\/p>\n

How to Reduce Stress<\/h4>\n

Reducing your overall stress will help you stay calm at work, enjoy time with your family, and protect your hearing. You can\u2019t reverse hearing loss, but you can take steps to protect your hearing, and reduce your experience of tinnitus. You can reduce stress by:<\/p>\n