Is There a Link Between Arthritis, Hearing Loss and Tinnitus?

Woman getting a hearing text; link between arthritis, hearing loss and tinnitus concept

According to Arthritis.org, people with arthritis can experience hearing loss and tinnitus for two reasons: due to the arthritis itself and due to the high levels of aspirin and other medications they take.

In addition to reducing blood flow to the inner ear, acetaminophen may reduce a protein that protects the inner ear from damage. Sometimes, lowering the amount or frequency of your arthritis medications, or even changing to another medication entirely, can reverse hearing loss.

Other "medications known to cause tinnitus include nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and certain antibiotics, cancer drugs, water pills (diuretics), antimalarial drugs and antidepressants," according to Mayo Clinic.

It's not just the meds, though. Older people who've had rheumatoid arthritis (RA) for years may experience tinnitus too, say rheumatologist Judith Frank. That's because the inflammation associated with RA can damage the tiny joints in the ear (in addition to the problems caused by the medications themselves).

In fact, any autoimmune disease can be linked to hearing loss and tinnitus, not just rheumatoid arthritis, but those like lupus, Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis. What's tricky about pinpointing the cause of your tinnitus to an autoimmune disease is that those disorders can go into remission after a flare up that caused the hearing problem.

One study shows that "sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL) is the most common type of hearing impairment in RA patients ranging from 25% to 72%." SNHL is hearing loss caused by damage to the hair cells within the cochlea or inner ear, and approximately 70% of patients with idiopathic sudden sensorineural hearing loss experience tinnitus.

Try Eargasm Earplus

Comments

Masking and Tinnitus: What Is It and Does It Help?

Tinnitus, often described as ringing or buzzing in the ears, affects millions of people worldwide. For some, it's a minor annoyance, but for others, it can significantly impact their quality of life. One potential treatment for tinnitus is masking. But what exactly is masking, and does it help? Let's delve into the details. Understanding Tinnitus Tinnitus is the perception of noise or ringing in the ears when no external sound is present. It can manifest as buzzing, ringing, hissing, or other sounds. Tinnitus can be temporary or chronic and may vary in intensity. While it's often associated with hearing loss, it can also occur in individuals with normal hearing. What is Masking? Masking is a technique used to manage tinnitus by introducing external sounds to "mask" or cover up the perception of the ringing or buzzing noises. These external sounds can range from white noise and nature sounds to music or specific tinnitus masking devices. How Does Masking Work? Mas...

3 Highly Effective Stress Management Methods Every Tinnitus Sufferer Can Master

The constant noise of tinnitus can make it difficult to concentrate, sleep, or relax, which in turn, amplifies stress and anxiety. Stress management, then, plays a key role in mitigating the impact of tinnitus. Here are three highly effective methods that every tinnitus sufferer can master to manage stress and improve overall well-being. Mindfulness Meditation Mindfulness meditation is a simple yet powerful tool for reducing stress and anxiety, especially for those with tinnitus. The goal is to train your mind to stay in the present moment rather than fixating on the internal noise or the stress it causes. Research has shown that regular mindfulness practice can lower stress levels, increase focus, and reduce the perceived intensity of tinnitus sounds. How to Get Started Begin by setting aside 10-15 minutes each day to sit in a quiet space. Close your eyes and focus on your breath, paying attention to the sensation of air entering and leaving your body. If your mind dr...

Do Stimulants Like Caffeine, Nicotine, and Alcohol Really Cause Tinnitus?

It's true that caffeine, nicotine, and alcohol can cause tinnitus. All three are stimulants that can increase blood flow and nerve activity in the inner ear, leading to changes in the auditory system. That coffee you love so much? The caffeine in it can cause the blood vessels in the ear to narrow, which leads to decreased blood flow and changes in auditory function. If you're still smoking, there's another reason you'd better quit: Nicotine can have a similar effect as java, constricting blood vessels and reducing blood flow to the inner ear. And even booze can be toxic to your auditory system, causing damage to the nerve cells in the inner ear, leading to tinnitus. Alcohol in particular can cause dehydration, which can also lead to changes in the auditory system. Certainly, some people are more sensitive to these substances, but if you're a big coffee drinker and are hearing noises in your ears, caffeine is something to consider. The caffeine relationship...

Tinnitus Help - Stop the Ringing in Your Ears

Search This Blog