Tinnitus is a relatively common condition, affecting approximately 15% to 20% of people. Tinnitus is a ringing, buzzing or clicking noise in the ears that cannot usually be perceived from outside the ear. It is frequently caused by damage to the ears from loud noise, ear injury, hearing loss or issues with the circulatory system, but one lesser-known cause of tinnitus is blood pressure medication.
Let’s examine the link between blood pressure medication and tinnitus and how you can manage your blood pressure through lifestyle changes.
How Does Blood Pressure Medication Cause Tinnitus?
If you’ve ever bought or been prescribed new medication, you probably received a list of potential side effects associated with taking it. Reading and understanding the list of potential side effects can help you make an informed decision about your care.
Certain blood pressure medications are considered ototoxic drugs. Ototoxic drugs are medications that can cause hearing issues, including hearing loss and tinnitus, by damaging the inner ear sensory cells used for hearing and balance. There are more than 200 ototoxic drugs on the market today, most of them essential. Although the reason why is not known, a fair amount of blood pressure medications have been found to cause temporary or permanent hearing loss and tinnitus.
It may initially seem obvious to avoid ototoxic drugs, but the benefits often outweigh the negatives. For instance, many ototoxic drugs are used to treat life-threatening conditions such as cancer or severe blood pressure issues.
Staying informed on the side effects of ototoxic medications can help you make the informed decision to take them. For mild blood pressure issues, you may be able to manage your blood pressure through a few lifestyle changes.
Managing Your Blood Pressure Through Lifestyle Changes
The Mayo Clinic offers a couple of tips to help manage blood pressure, including:
- Eat a healthy diet. Avoid processed foods heavy in saturated and trans fats and sodium and opt for a diet high in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, poultry and fish. Try picking up some local produce at the Rancho Santa Fe Farmers Market to start your week off right.
- Stay active. Regular exercise can help you lower blood pressure, reduce stress and more. Consider adding a walk or run to your daily routine.
- Manage stress. Stress can elevate blood pressure. Try taking a couple of minutes every day to do something you enjoy to help keep work, home or other stress at bay.
Contact Rancho Santa Fe Audiology today to address your audiology concerns with one of our trusted specialists.
