Stress has become a part of our fast-moving lifestyle. We are all aware that Cardiac health and hypertension are direct outcomes of high-stress levels, but can stress cause Hearing Loss? It’s time you realize that stress related Hearing Loss or stress induced hearing loss is for real and is a direct outcome of high-stress levels. We give below 7 simple ways to destress and maintain good Hearing Health.
Can Stress Cause Hearing Loss?
Hearing loss due to stress is an accepted fact. We live in stressful times; at times, our work-related stress or personal family issues keep us awake. The body releases certain chemicals in response to the stress, continuous secretion of these chemicals are harmful to us. Constant stress can give rise to many ailments like hypertension, cardiac issues, diabetes, and deafness.
How Can Stress Cause Hearing Loss?
Any form of stress can upset the normal functioning of our body. Under high-stress levels, our body releases adrenaline into our bloodstream. Adrenaline is a hormone that increases the blood supply to the muscles for the body’s natural “Fight or Flight” response.
Occasionally the flow of adrenaline is good for the body, but not regularly. Repeated stress or release of adrenaline affects microcirculation or reduces the blood flow through the smaller blood vessels. Our inner ear receives blood for nourishment, and proper functioning through small blood vessels, lack of blood supply to the ear causes the Hair Cells to die, resulting in hearing loss from stress.
Can Stress Cause Deafness?
Stress is known to cause sudden Hearing Loss in some people; sudden Hearing Loss can also mean Hearing Loss, which takes place over 3 to 4 hours.
Since the stress reduces blood supply to the ears, continuous exposure to high levels of stress can reduce the blood supply to a trickle causing the Hair cells to die. In some cases, high-stress levels cause Tinnitus.
Symptoms Of Stress-Related Hearing Loss
If you are under constant stress, be aware of the following symptoms. Consult your Doctor immediately as timely treatment can save your hearing.
- Sudden pain in the ear.
- Sudden pressure or blocked feeling.
- Sounds are muffled or faint.
- Sudden loss of hearing in one or both ears.
Age related Hearing Loss comes over time and is not immediate or within hours. If the loss is over a short period without any known reason, it could be sudden hearing loss.
Can Stress Cause Hearing Loss In One Ear?
Sudden hearing loss is known to affect one ear, unlike age related hearing loss, which is generally present in both ears.
Can Stress Cause Temporary Hearing Loss?
Stress related hearing loss can be temporary. The deafness is reversible if the blood supply to our ears is restored within a short period. The deafness is reversible if the blood supply to our ears is restored within a short period. Sudden hearing loss is an emergency; immediate medical treatment can restore all or most of the hearing.
How Can We Protect Our Hearing?
If the Hearing Loss is due to high-stress levels, the only solution is to destress oneself. Check out the other reasons which cause Hearing Loss.
Destressing oneself can protect our hearing and reduce the chances of other ailments like hypertension and cardiac issues.
Since the work environment, daily commuting, and family pressures are some of the primary reasons for stress, we should be particular in destressing ourselves, religiously follow these 7 simple ways to destress to preserve our hearing.
1. Sound Sleep
Sleep is an essential human function, and sound sleep allows the body to repair itself. Our body, including the brain, needs rest to function properly.
Sound sleep is the most effective method for destressing.
2. Take a Break
In case you find yourself in a stressful situation, try to walk away for a few minutes, clear your thoughts, and return to the situation. You will find yourself feeling less tense. If you are in a meeting and cannot excuse yourself, take a deep breath. Deep breathing has a calming effect on the body. Learn a few breathing exercises.
3. Take A Holiday Or Spend Quality Time With Your Family
People in stressful jobs should take a Holiday. Company management should insist that their executives holding stressful portfolios should compulsorily take leave. Spending quality time with your family can work magic on stress.
4. Animal Assisted Therapy
Domestic pets are among the most excellent stress busters, playing with your pet dog or your pet cat can do wonders for your health. It is a known fact that playing with pets increases Oxytocin levels, a stress-reducing hormone, and decreases Cortisol levels, a stress-causing hormone. Animal Assisted Therapy is an accepted form of treatment.
5. Listen to Music or Watch Movies
Music Therapy is also an established form of stress-relieving treatment. Play your favorite soft, soothing music, and watch the stress disappear. Or watch your favorite movie at home or go to a theater and become part of the movie plot and forget your worries.
6. Practice Meditation, Yoga Or Go Jogging Or Gymming
Meditation and Yoga are centuries-old solutions for stress relief and, relaxation. Meditation and, Yoga not only help in relieving stress but also have a positive impact on blood pressure, insomnia, and depression. Regular Jogging. Running or Gymming keeps the body in perfect health, exercising releases endorphins. Endorphins are chemicals that are released into the brain and give a feeling of well-being and happiness, which directly reduces stress.
7. Spa Therapy And Massage Treatment
Spa therapy or a good massage can be an instant stress reliever. Massage is known to relieve stress, reduce fatigue and, physical pain. Massaging releases Endorphins in the body; this helps in reducing stress levels. A good hot tub will increase blood circulation.
The other benefits of Massage are:
- Reduction in blood pressure (A cause of Hearing Loss)
- Improves Immune system (Fewer chances of getting Ear infections)
- Improves Cardiac Health and blood supply (The inner Ear receives an abundant supply of nutrients thus delaying Sensorineural Hearing loss)
In recent times stress has become the biggest killer, many people who are unable to handle work-related stress “burn out” at an early age. Stress is a silent killer. Keep yourself fit and productive by destressing yourself and avoid hearing loss from stress.
