Monday, April 25, 2011

The Connection Between Tinnitus And Hypertension


Have you ever heard a ringing in your ears that nobody else has? This is due to a condition called tinnitus and can be caused by a number of reasons, such as loss of hearing, hypertension, or even sinus infections. Most people are affected by tinnitusat some stage in their lives but usually it is nothing to worry about. However, if it continues for days or the ringing happens more often than before, it is better to see a doctor to ensure that there is no serious medical condition.
What is Hypertension?
This is when the blood pressure rises and often has no symptoms. It is classed as a silent killer because of it. It is very common in people who are obese to develop hypertension but the only way that it is clear is by having a doctor check the blood pressure regularly. There are other causes for hypertension, this condition also occurs during pregnancy and can be very damaging to the baby and the mother if the blood pressure does not drop.
The Symptoms of Hypertension
This condition generally affects the head and sinuses, which is the main reason for why tinnitus is a symptom. Other symptoms include headaches and dizziness. However, all the symptoms are very easily masked as other conditions and can often be ignored. Tinnitus is commonly ignored due to the fact that many people will experience a ringing in their ears every now and again for no serious reason.
Tinnitus is serious
There are cases where the common ringing in the ear is a serious condition. Tinnitus can be a sign that somebody is losing their hearing and needs to be checked immediately if other signs of hearing loss are also apparent. It can also mean ailments such as fluid or tumors in the middle ear, especially if the ringing is pulsing.
Tinnitus in Pregnant Women
Those who are pregnant may suffer from constant ringing in the ear and it can be a sign of a number of things. Generally it just causes a discomfort and is nothing to worry about. However, it can be a sign of hypertension or an increase in the blood flow to the neck and head. This can be very serious for the life of the baby so it is important that any persistent ringing is checked on by your doctor to rule these out. If they are caught early enough then treatment can be given to help the mother and baby.
Tinnitus can Lead to Depression
When the condition is constant, the discomfort of the constant ringing can lead to frustration and even depression as people attempt to 'put up' with it. This is often due to doctors not being able to find the underlying cause of the condition. For those that find that this is happening, it is important to speak to your doctor to see if there is anything that they can do. It may involve antidepressants to help with the depression but it could also involve more tests to try and find the underlying reason.

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