The Connection Between Stress and Hearing

When we experience stress, our body enters “fight or flight” mode. This triggers a release of cortisol and other stress hormones like adrenaline.2 While it’s natural to experience stress at various points in life, chronic stress can impact your hearing in several ways:

  • Restricted blood flow: stress tightens blood vessels, reducing circulation to the inner ear.3 This can result in temporary hearing loss or muffled sounds as the ear needs steady blood flow to function properly. 
  • Heightened sensitivity to noise: some people become more sensitive to sound when stressed, making everyday noises feel overwhelming.3 
  • Increased ear ringing (tinnitus): stress can lead to muscle tension around the ears and jaw, which can worsen symptoms of tinnitus.1 Known as somatic tinnitus, in these instances it’s likely your hearing will return to normal once muscle tension is eased and stress levels come down. 
  • Weakened immune system: chronic stress can also weaken your immune system, making you more susceptible to ear infections.4 These infections can affect your hearing, particularly if recurring. 
 

Can Stress Cause Temporary Hearing Loss?

In some cases, it is possible for stress to contribute to temporary hearing loss. This is often a result of disrupted blood flow to the ears for extended periods, often experienced by those with chronic stress.5 As a result, you may notice:

  • Sudden hearing changes: muffled sounds or temporary hearing difficulties that occur during times where you are particularly stressed.5 
  • Worsening existing hearing loss: if you are already navigating hearing loss, stress can make it harder to focus on conversations and process sound.5 In the case for those with tinnitus, stress can also exacerbate these symptoms.1 

If you are concerned about temporary hearing loss, please speak to your hearing care professional for further advice.
 

Signs Stress May Be Affecting Your Hearing

If you’ve been experiencing high stress levels, these symptoms may indicate that your hearing is being affected:

  • Muffled hearing
  • Finding it harder to follow conversations due to diminished hearing
  • Frequent earaches or a feeling of fullness in the ears
  • Sensitivity to loud noises 
  • A persistent ringing or buzzing in the ears (tinnitus)


Managing Stress for Better Hearing

Studies have shown a link between stress and hearing loss, but the good news is that these hearing issues are often temporary.6 Once stress levels decrease, your hearing is likely to improve. Keeping stress in check can help protect your hearing and overall well-being. Consider these top tips for managing stress:

  • Get social support: if you’re feeling overwhelmed, be sure to reach out and get the support you need - be it from friends, family, colleagues, or a therapist.7 
  • Meditate: relaxation techniques like meditation and deep breathing can greatly reduce stress levels, release muscle tension, and even lower blood pressure.7  
  • Limit caffeine and alcohol: both caffeine and alcohol can heighten stress responses and impact hearing.8 
  • Regular exercise: whether it’s walking, yoga, running, or a gym class, regular exercise greatly improves circulation to the ears. Regular exercise also has benefits for the body and mind.7 
  • Prioritise sleep: poor sleep can greatly increase stress and worsen hearing problems. Be sure to prioritise sleep and aim for the recommended seven to nine hours per night for adults.7 

Stress can affect many aspects of our health - including our hearing. By managing stress levels and prioritising hearing health, you can continue to enjoy the sounds that matter most. 

If your hearing has changed, don’t ignore it. Book an appointment at your local Connect Hearing clinic today. Our friendly team will check your hearing and help you manage any concerns so you stay on top of your hearing health and stay connected to the people and places around you. 

 

References

  1. Frontiers in Aging Neuroscience (3 May 2023), The association between stress, emotional states, and tinnitus: a mini-review, National Library of Medicine, accessed 19 February 2025. 
  2. Advances in Experimental Social Psychology (2023), Fight-or-Flight Response, Science Direct, accessed 19 February 2025. 
  3. The Egyptian Journal of Otolaryngology (26 March 2024), The effects of stress on auditory system: a narrative review, Springer Open, accessed 19 February 2025. 
  4. Immunologic Research (May 2014), Effects of stress on immune function: the good, the bad, and the beautiful, National Library of Medicine, accessed 19 February 2025. 
  5. The Journal of International Advanced Otology (15 April 2019), Investigation of Stress Levels before the Onset of Idiopathic Sudden Sensorineural Hearing Loss, National Library of Medicine, accessed 19 February 2025. 
  6. BMC Public Health (23 February 2011), Stress and prevalence of hearing problems in the Swedish working population, BMC Public Health, accessed 19 February 2025. 
  7. Harvard Medical School (3 January 2025), 7 ways to reduce stress and keep blood pressure down, Harvard Health Publishing, accessed 19 February 2025.
  8. Journal of Caffeine Research (1 September 2011), Alcohol and Caffeine: The Perfect Storm, National Library of Medicine, accessed 19 February 2025.