If you're concerned about stress-induced hearing loss then look out for symptoms such as blocked ears, an inability to hear sounds at certain frequencies, a sensation of pressure in your ears, loss of hearing in one or both of your ears, sounds seeming more distant than usual, or tinnitus.
Ringing in the ears (tinnitus) is a common sign and symptom of anxiety disorder, anxiety and panic attacks, and chronic stress (hyperstimulation). Many people who experience anxiety disorder develop ringing in the ears, as do many of those who are chronically stressed.
Extended periods of anxiety can wreak havoc on your health, including your hearing. Tinnitus: The perceived ringing or buzzing in your ears is aggravated by stress and high hypertension, or high blood pressure. Hypertension increases when anxiety takes hold, making the ringing seem louder.
When you're stressed, the extra adrenaline can decrease or stop circulation in the inner ear, damaging or even destroying the essential tiny hair cells inside your ear. This can cause gradual hearing loss over time, or even sudden hearing loss if circulation stops completely.
Anxiety can cause ear fullness, pressure and pain
Some people with severe chronic anxiety or panic disorder may experience ear pain and pressure, especially during a panic attack or when under a lot of stress.
Hearing loss, reduced hearing, deafness, and plugged ears are common symptoms of anxiety that can be experienced in a number of ways and can vary from person to person.
While it is often described as a “ringing,” tinnitus also can sound like roaring, clicking, hissing or buzzing. It may be soft or loud, high pitched or low pitched, and it can be heard in one or both ears.
Stress produces adrenaline, and this can reduce or even stop circulation in the inner ear. The result can be reduced hearing acuity or even total hearing loss.
Chronic stress — stress that occurs consistently over a long period of time — can have a negative impact on a person's immune system and physical health. If you are constantly under stress, you may experience physical symptoms such as chest pain, headaches, an upset stomach, trouble sleeping or high blood pressure.
feel isolated — disinterested in the company of family and friends, or withdrawing from usual daily activities. feel overwhelmed — unable to concentrate or make decisions. be moody — feeling low or depression; feeling burnt out; emotional outbursts of uncontrollable anger, fear, helplessness or crying.
Inner ear disorders and anxiety often co-occur
Chronic vertigo, dizziness, and disequilibrium are often caused by inner ear problems and tend to go hand in hand with anxiety, making an already challenging health problem much more difficult to endure.
And the link goes both ways; anxiety and depression can also lead to hearing loss. A study published in The Lancet found that people with anxiety and depression are more likely to develop age-related hearing loss than those without these conditions.
Ear pressure can occur due to sinus congestion, infections, or TMJ damage, among other conditions. It can also occur as a result of situational factors, such as changes in altitude or having a foreign body stuck inside the ear. Some causes of ear pressure are treatable using OTC medications and home remedies.
Allergies, head colds, pregnancy, and air pressure are some common reasons it may feel like your ears are full. Typically, plugged ears settle after a few days. Decongestants and nasal sprays are the best treatment for plugged ears that allergies and head colds cause.
As the body's overall level of stress increases, so can the ear popping and pressure symptoms. So here again, stress, including chronic stress, such as that caused by overly apprehensive behavior, can cause symptoms associated with hearing and the ears.
Some people notice their tinnitus increases after a stressful incident or life-changing event. For about 80 per cent of people, their tinnitus subsides or is no longer as noticeable once the stressful event has passed. For others, however, the tinnitus remains and often increases in intensity over time.