Smoking is bad for your health, and it's bad for your hearing too. Studies have shown that smokers are more likely to experience tinnitus than non-smokers. And the more you smoke, the higher your risk of developing tinnitus.
In this blog post, we'll take a closer look at how smoking and vaping can affect tinnitus and why quitting can help alleviate the symptoms.
How Smoking and Vaping Affect Tinnitus
When you smoke or vape, the nicotine in the tobacco or e-liquid causes the blood vessels to narrow. This, in turn, reduces blood flow to the ears, which can cause damage to the delicate hair cells in the inner ear that are responsible for hearing. The damage to these hair cells can lead to tinnitus.
In addition to reducing blood flow, smoking and vaping can also cause an increase in blood pressure and heart rate, both of which can exacerbate tinnitus. Furthermore, smoking and vaping can lead to the buildup of earwax, which can also worsen the symptoms of tinnitus.
Quitting Smoking and Vaping Can Help
While quitting smoking and vaping may not necessarily cure tinnitus, it can certainly help alleviate the symptoms. Here are some of the ways quitting smoking and vaping can help:
Improved blood flow: When you quit smoking and vaping, your blood vessels will begin to widen, which means more blood flow to your ears. This can help repair the damage to the hair cells in your inner ear and reduce the severity of your tinnitus symptoms.
Nicotine increases blood pressure: Nicotine is a stimulant that can cause your heart to beat faster and your blood vessels to constrict. This can lead to higher blood pressure levels. When you quit smoking, your body no longer has to deal with the effects of nicotine, which can help reduce your blood pressure.
Improved oxygen flow: Smoking reduces the amount of oxygen in your blood, which can put extra stress on your heart and blood vessels. When you quit smoking, your body starts to repair the damage caused by smoking, including improving the flow of oxygen to your tissues and organs. This can help reduce your blood pressure levels.
Reduced inflammation: Smoking can cause inflammation in your blood vessels, which can also contribute to higher blood pressure levels. When you quit smoking, your body's inflammatory response starts to return to normal, which can help lower your blood pressure.
Lowered stress levels: Many people smoke to help manage stress, but smoking can actually increase your stress levels in the long run. When you quit smoking, you may find that you're better able to manage stress through other means, such as exercise or meditation. This can help lower your blood pressure levels over time.
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