Tinnitus is characterized by ringing, whooshing and clicking sounds in your ears. It is a symptom of an underlying problem with your ears, often associated with hearing loss. Tinnitus is related to exercise in different ways. It can be a symptom experienced during exercise or a symptom of exercise-induced damage to your ear. Exercise can also be a way to prevent conditions that cause tinnitus or as a therapy to treat it.
Pulsatile Tinnitus
Pulsatile tinnitus is diagnosed when your tinnitus is caused by an increased blood flow through the carotid artery, the jugular vein and the blood vessels around your middle ear. Because your heart rate and blood pressure increase during exercise, it can cause pulsatile tinnitus. Consult a health care provider if you experience tinnitus when you exercise. Underlying health problems, such as arterial plaque and tumors, can be the cause.
Vestibular Damage
Tinnitus can be a symptom of damage to your vestibular system. Some people who engage in high-impact aerobic exercise may be susceptible to this damage. A study published in the 1994 "Journal of Sports Medicine and Physical Fitness" found that instructors of high-impact aerobic classes were more likely to experience tinnitus and symptoms of vertigo. Researchers learned that the combination of jarring movements and loud music during aerobics classes caused damage to the parts of the ear called the otolith and the organ of Corti.
Prevention
Regular exercise is an important part of preventing tinnitus that is caused by cardiovascular problems. Atherosclerosis, which occurs when cholesterol deposits limit the flexibility of your arteries, increases the force of blood flowing though small arteries around your inner ear. This can cause tinnitus, as can hypertension caused by diet, stress and excess body weight.
Exercise Therapy
Qigong is a traditional Chinese practice that combines energy exercises and therapies. An important aspect of qigong is a series of movement and breathing exercises that are used to reduce stress, promote circulation and relax muscles. A 2010 study published in the "Journal of Psychosomatic Research" found that qigong can be used to reduce the symptoms of somatosensoric tinnitus. This may be because it stimulates neurons in your auditory system or causes your brain to inhibit tinnitus, but more research is needed to know for sure.
References
- MayoClinic.com: Tinnitus
- "Journal of Psychosomatic Research"; Qigong for the Treatment of Tinnitus: A Prospective Randomized Controlled Study; Eberhard, Biesinger et al.; September 2010
- University of Maryland, Hearing and Balance Center: Tinnitus and Hyperacusis Program
- "Journal of Sports Medicine and Physical Fitness"; Vestibulopathy Induced by High Impact Aerobics. A New Syndrome: Discussion of 30 Cases; M. Weintraub; March 1994
