A decrease in the quality of hearing can have several causes. Advancing age, illnesses, sound trauma or even drug toxicities are among the factors that can lead to hearing loss. However, stress can also cause tinnitus and reduced hearing quality. Dr Amine Harichane, otolaryngologist (ENT) doctor and head and neck surgeon attached to the Necker Hospital in Paris, sheds light on this phenomenon.
1. What is the link between stress and hearing loss?
The ENT explains that hearing loss is an indirect consequence of stress. Indeed, “Stress increases blood pressure and adrenaline levels in the blood, which damages blood vessels. However, the inner ear (the organ of hearing) is made up of auditory cells that are very sensitive to these physiological variations. In fact, when faced with physiological stress, these cells are unable to regulate themselves and can die immediately.”.
2. What are the effects of stress on hearing?
The impact of stress first results in discomfort and difficulty in clearly identifying where a sound is coming from. There may also be a feeling of blocked ear, which is “reversible after a period of relaxation”.
Subsequently, the phenomenon can cause tinnitus, signs of loss of a hearing frequency. They are produced by the brain, “which simulates sounds he used to hear”.
Finally, there may ultimately be permanent hearing damage. As the ENT says, “we are born with hearing capital which diminishes inexorably over time”. As stress impacts at the cellular level, it can “cause hearing aging”, and therefore deafness.
3. Can hearing return?
Dr. Amine Haricane indicates that this hearing loss is generally temporary, unless the cause of this stress is not treated. He adds that hearing impairment appears “after a certain time“.
It is generally an already established illness, such as a cardiovascular disorder or diabetes, which indirectly causes this reduction in hearing. The doctor adds that by treating these pathologies and their causes, hearing will adapt, unless the loss of cells is already too significant.
4. How does an ENT doctor make the connection between hearing loss and stress?
The doctor specifies that it is necessary to accurately determine the stress factors. He is pointing out that “hearing impairment constitutes the tip of the iceberg. If we see that there is a disorder, we look for other physiological problems.”.
To do this, it is possible to carry out anamnesis, a medical examination which allows us to trace the patient’s medical history. The doctor specifies that when the link with stress is established with certainty, an ENT can “prescribe spa treatments, or even take time off work if it is clear that the stress is caused by professional activity.”
However, he adds that it is rather the general practitioner who will centralize all the information. The doctor may also request additional examinations to identify and treat stress-induced pathologies.
5. Can tinnitus make stress worse?
Hearing loss is a factor of social isolation. “It’s a vicious circle because having hearing problems can create stress”. The doctor indicates that it is then important to carry out a hearing check, to check the state of your hearing. If necessary, suitable equipment will be offered to correct this loss. However, it is necessary to “determine the causes of stress, to calm this vicious circle between stress and hearing loss”.
6. Is there a treatment or practices to implement to reduce stress-related tinnitus?
It is possible to implement preventive actions to channel stress. This can involve relaxation techniques, and if necessary, drug treatment. The doctor specifies, however, that “the hearing problem remains secondary to a cardiovascular risk”. It is therefore necessary to act on stress and its general consequences on the body.
Furthermore, the doctor reminds us that it is necessary to listen carefully to your body and protect your ears, especially when going to concerts. Finally, you should not hesitate to carry out regular checks to preserve your hearing assets.
Thank you to Dr Amine Harichane, Otolaryngologist (ENT) and head and neck surgeon attached to Necker Hospital in Paris, for answering our questions.
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⋙ Age-related hearing loss: what are the first signs and when to consult?
⋙ Hearing loss: when should you get a hearing aid?
⋙ Hearing problems: 11 tips to prevent tinnitus