Can Stress Make Tinnitus Worse? Here’s What You Should Know
If you’ve noticed your tinnitus (ringing in the ears) getting worse when you’re stressed, anxious, or overtired, you’re not imagining it. Stress and lifestyle habits can absolutely impact the intensity and frequency of your tinnitus.
At Aurilink Tinnitus & Hearing Care, we treat more than just ears, we treat the whole person. That includes helping you understand how your daily habits might be affecting your hearing health.
How Stress Triggers Tinnitus
Stress doesn’t directly cause tinnitus, but it can amplify the way your brain processes sound, making the ringing feel louder or more distracting.
When you’re under stress, your body goes into “fight or flight” mode:
Blood pressure rises
Heart rate increases
Muscles tense
Sensory sensitivity increases
This heightened state can cause you to focus more intensely on internal sounds, including tinnitus.
Other Lifestyle Factors That Can Worsen Tinnitus
1. Poor Sleep
Sleep deprivation can worsen the perception of ringing and lower your ability to cope.
Tip: Try to stick to a consistent bedtime routine and avoid screens before bed.
2. Caffeine and Alcohol
Both can stimulate your nervous system or affect blood flow to the ear, potentially worsening tinnitus in some people.
Tip: Keep a journal and notice if your symptoms spike after coffee or wine.
3. High Sodium Intake
Salt increases blood pressure, which can increase the volume of tinnitus for some individuals.
Tip: Opt for low-sodium snacks and read labels when grocery shopping.
4. Loud Noise Exposure
Headphones, concerts, or even loud restaurants can trigger or worsen ringing, especially if you already have some hearing loss.
Tip: Use ear protection and follow the 60/60 rule for headphones (max 60% volume for 60 minutes at a time).
What You Can Do for Tinnitus Relief
Tinnitus may not have a cure, but you have options:
Get a professional hearing evaluation to rule out underlying hearing loss
Try sound therapy or tinnitus maskers to retrain how your brain reacts to sound
Explore hearing aids with built-in tinnitus relief features
Use stress-reduction techniques like yoga, meditation, or breathing exercises
Talk to a tinnitus specialist about your specific symptoms and goals
At Aurilink, we’ll help you build a personalized plan for tinnitus relief, including the tools and support to manage the emotional and physical sides of this condition.
Let’s Talk About Your Tinnitus Symptoms
You don’t have to deal with the ringing alone, or guess what might be making it worse.
Call 770-509-0207 to schedule a tinnitus consultation in Marietta, GA
Located on Sandy Plains Rd near Sprayberry High School
Mon–Thurs 9 AM – 5 PM | Fri 9 AM–1 PM
A Better Quality of Life Starts with a Conversation
Tinnitus doesn’t have to control your days, or your sleep. Let’s uncover what’s triggering your symptoms and get you on the path to relief.
