• Tinnitus, stress and anxiety are often linked to one another.
• Anxiety can bring on tinnitus symptoms, and tinnitus can also increase feelings of anxiety.
• The causes of stress-related tinnitus are not fully understood, but one potential cause is increased levels of the neurotransmitter glutamate.
• Reducing stress levels through natural remedies like physical activity and magnesium-rich foods can often relieve symptoms of tinnitus.
• In some cases, TRT, sound therapy, counseling and medication may reduce the occurrence of stress-related tinnitus.
• Military veterans may qualify for VA disability for anxiety and depression secondary to tinnitus.

Stress-related tinnitus often goes away on its own, but if it lasts three months or longer, it is considered chronic.

You don’t need us to tell you that everyday life can be stressful. Busy work schedules, caring for your loved ones and juggling multiple responsibilities can all bring on stress, and for some, that stress is accompanied by tinnitus (ringing or noises in one or both ears). So, what causes stress-related tinnitus, and what can you do about it? Read on to learn about the relationship between anxiety and stress—plus symptoms, causes and treatments. 

Did you know that high-stress and anxiety situations can be a cause of tinnitus? Unfortunately, anxiety and stress have a significant impact on the entire body,  especially on the nervous system. As stress levels increase, so does the likelihood of repercussions on the hearing system. 

When stress and anxiety accumulate and become more intense, you may notice signs of tinnitus, such as a constant ringing or whistling in the ears , even when there is no external source to emit the sound. This is known as stress-related tinnitus.

The causes of tinnitus are not yet fully understood. Doctors and researchers from all over the world are investigating this disorder. However, in the case of stress-induced tinnitus, a possible chemical factor that triggers tinnitus under stressful conditions has been identified: an increase in glutamate.

Glutamate is a neurotransmitter, an element of the nervous system that connects neurons. When its production increases excessively, for example, in high emotional or physical stress, neurons become overloaded, as they receive too many excitatory signals. As a result, damage can be found in some areas of the brain, including the acoustic nerve, aiding the correct transmission of sounds. In this case, stress-induced tinnitus can develop.

Unfortunately, it is not easy to live with tinnitus: the constant ringing in the ears limits concentration, making conversations difficult and often preventing you from sleeping peacefully. It contributes to creating further stress, which increases the production of glutamate and increases tinnitus: a vicious circle is created from which it is difficult to get out.

Anxiety and depression secondary to tinnitus (anxiety or depression that develops due to tinnitus) is also common. In fact, research has shown a correlation between tinnitus and symptoms of depression and anxiety.²

Tinnitus can limit concentration, making conversations and work difficult, and it can often prevent you from sleeping peacefully. This contributes to further stress, which increases the production of glutamate and, therefore, the likelihood of tinnitus

In most cases, stress-induced tinnitus disappears on its own once you destress, but in some cases, it can become chronic. That's why it's important to learn how to counteract tinnitus, or rather, how to live with it so that this ringing in the ears doesn't damage our daily lives. Healthcare professionals can assist in relieving stress and anxiety, as many times there are psychological factors at play and counseling is needed.

Currently, there is no specific cure for stress-induced tinnitus, but there are strategies for coping with it, like trying to reduce anxiety and stress going for a walk, doing an activity you enjoy or reduce screentime, for example. These activities will help to bring glutamate production back to normal levels. This is obviously not easy, given that tinnitus contributes to increased stress and discomfort because it prevents you from sleeping, concentrating and relaxing.

In some cases, professional medical help or therapy and counseling can help reduce stress and anxiety. However, before seeking the help of a therapist, get a hearing check from a specialist or at a Miracle-Ear location to rule out other causes of your tinnitus.

Consider the following therapies to help alleviate the effects of tinnitus and help you manage your stress-induced tinnitus:

Research has shown that stress-related tinnitus can sometimes subside once the stressor is removed or managed.⁵

However, in some cases, there is the possibility that stress-induced tinnitus can become chronic. If this occurs, it’s important to learn how to the same techniques can help you counteract tinnitus or cope with it with the techniques mentioned above.

If you experience tinnitus and anxiety, it’s normal to wonder. “How long does anxiety tinnitus last?” or “How long does stress tinnitus last?” In most cases, tinnitus caused by anxiety and stress subsides when you leave a stressful situation or treat your anxiety through therapy or medication. If your symptoms last for three months or longer, it is considered chronic tinnitus.⁶ Talk to your medical provider if symptoms do not resolve on their own.